Martin, GA — The current national and global coronavirus situation has produced a unique situation for every program across the country. During this uncertain time, Shepherd’s Hill Academy is seeking to offer a glimmer of hope and light to the community.

Art and Sustainable Development Teacher Kelly Deal is working directly with the students at Shepherd’s Hill Academy to oversee a mask-making project for community healthcare workers. “Lexie, our school nurse who also works at the Stephens County Hospital, told me that the local hospitals were asking for masks. She invited me to a group on Facebook called COVID Covers – Sewing Face Masks in North Georgia.  People all over the state are coming together to sew masks for our public servants. The group has organized — creating needs lists, resource lists, and lists of people willing to sew. There are now drop points to pick up and deposit masks all over the state!”

The team at Shepherd’s Hill Academy is working with a group that has patterns and instructions from sites specifically requesting the masks. They have to be made to spec and include space for HEPA filters. Masks also vary in sizes, designed specifically for men, women, and children.

The students, staff, and community at large have rallied around the students and their efforts. To date, 5 sewing machines, several deliveries of fabric, elastic, sewing supplies and a digital camera have all been donated to the project.  Marketing Director Lane Taylor noted, “It’s amazing to see the community come together around this project! The amount of support and the number of individuals across the state eager to serve is a blessing. Seeing everyone come together, coordinate and accomplish this goal is such a positive light during this time.”  Local news and media outlets, as well as Fox News Carolina, have all published articles about the teens’ efforts.

The students are absolutely beaming as they discuss this project. “I am really excited to be apart of something so important. I can’t believe we will be helping the nurses to help other people. This is so amazing!” noted one Shepherd’s Hill Academy student. Another student said, “My mom works in a hospital, I can’t wait to give her a mask that I made. I hope it will keep her safe!”

Amid this crisis, Shepherd’s Hill Academy is excited to be able to make an impact within the community. The thoughts and prayers of the teachers, staff, and students are with those working tirelessly day and night to keep our community safe and healthy.

Shepherd’s Hill Academy is a 501(c)3 faith-based therapeutic boarding school in Martin, GA serving teens ages 12-17. SHA offers a rustic adventure setting, fully accredited academics, and a therapeutic component. Learn more by visiting shepherdshillacademy.org or contact us at 706-779-5766.

About Shepherd’s Hill Academy
Shepherd’s Hill Academy is a faith-based residential therapeutic boarding school offering hope and healing to teens ages 12-17. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, SHA is a haven of hope to teens dealing with mental health, behavioral, addiction, family, trauma and other issues in life.