Empowerment Summit 2025

Welcome to the 10th Annual Empowerment Summit

“Your Life. Your Team. Your Choice.”

Southside Atlanta’s Largest FREE Resource Event for Families with Special Needs
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Southside Church: 1821 GA-34, Newnan, GA 30265
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

For 10 years, the Empowerment Summit has connected caregivers, families, and service providers to the tools and resources that foster independence, inclusion, and opportunity. This year’s event is bigger than ever - with 40+ vendors, expert-led training, and personalized support - all in one afternoon.

Parents and Caregivers - REGISTER NOW!

Event Schedule

SEPT 30th	SUMMIT ACTIVITY
9:30am	Doors open - grab your seat early! ➢ Those who arrive by 10am will receive one FREE raffle ticket.
10am-11am	Caregiver and Provider TRAINING: “Optimizing Self-Directed Medicaid Benefits” ➢ Learn how to self-direct the government benefits to pay for the providers of your choice (CLS, CAG, CAI, Respite, Transportation) ➢ Understand the difference between SSI and SSDI ➢ Providers: Learn how you can serve more families
11am-1pm	EXPO: ➢ Explore 40+ service providers who are available to help you in your caregiving journey
11am-1:30pm	FREE ONE-ON-ONE MEDICAID CONSULTS ➢ Get personalized help applying for Medicaid Waivers ➢ Pre-registration required. Spots Limited. ➢ Register Here: (link)
1pm	RAFFLE DRAWING: ➢ WIN meaningful giveaways from providers who care! ➢ Winners do NOT need to be present to win.

For Caregivers & Families

Why Attend the Empowerment Summit?

“Your Life. Your Team. Your Choice.”

Join us for a powerful day designed to help you take control of your caregiving journey. Whether you're navigating Medicaid, seeking trusted providers, or exploring new opportunities for your loved one—this Summit is for you.

What You’ll Experience:

➢ It’s FREE to attend

➢ Connect with 40+ local providers offering services like respite care, transportation, therapy, and more

➢ Attend a group training session (10a-11a)

How to maximize Medicaid waivers (CLS, CAG, CAI, transportation, respite)
Understanding SSI vs. SSDI
Navigating Georgia’s Self-Directed Medicaid program
How to build a support team that fits your life

➢ Sign up for COMPLIMENTARY one-on-one consultations to get help applying for Medicaid waivers (pre-registration required)

➢ Explore job readiness and employment resources for individuals with special abilities

➢ Enter to win meaningful raffle giveaways from providers who care—no need to be present to win!

Register to Attend - It’s Free!

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Medicaid Service Acronyms Explained

These services are central to Georgia’s Medicaid waivers (NOW and COMP) and are especially relevant for caregivers navigating self-directed options

Acronym	Full Name	Description
CLS	Community Living Support	Individualized support services provided in the person’s own or family home. Helps with daily living skills, personal care, mobility, and independence.
CAG	Community Access Group	Group-based services (up to 10 individuals) that build socialization, communication, and adaptive skills in community or day program settings.
CAI	Community Access Individual	One-on-one support in the community to help individuals gain independence, use public resources, and build social networks. Tailored to personal goals and not facility-based.

For Vendors & Service Providers

Why Exhibit at the Empowerment Summit?

“Your Life. Your Team. Your Choice.”

Join us for a high-impact event that connects you with hundreds of families, caregivers, and professionals seeking inclusive services and trusted partners.

What You’ll Gain:

Connect with 200+ attendees seeking services like respite care, transportation, therapy, and more
Attend free vendor training on Medicaid navigation and inclusive practices
Contribute a raffle item to engage caregivers and connect with a new client
Build lasting relationships with potential clients and referral partners
Get recognized across newsletters (6k distribution), signage, and social media - including our 8,000- person online member support group

FREE Vendor Training

Date: Tuesday, Sept 30 | Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Topic: Serving Medicaid-Funded Clients Without Becoming a Medicaid Provider

Learn how to support families using Georgia’s Self-Directed Medicaid model. Discover how caregivers can use their benefits to pay for your services—even if you're NOT a Medicaid provider. Leave with practical tools to expand your reach, grow your business, and become a trusted resource in a high-demand market.

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn missed connections into meaningful partnerships.

Booth Options:

Type	Cost	Includes
Standard Vendor	$150	BYO 4’ table, chairs provided
Non-Profit Vendor	$50	BYO 4’ table, chairs provided
Sponsors ($500+)	Included	6’ table provided + added recognition

Booth Requirements:
Due to space and cost limitations, vendors must bring their own table (max 4’ wide). Chairs provided.

➢ Example of a great expo table: https://a.co/d/3TOJWM8

➢ Please let us know if bringing your own 4ft table creates a hardship - it’s our pleasure to help!

Vendor Setup:

Preferred: Monday, Sept 29 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Day-of: Tuesday, Sept 30 | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Become a Vendor – Register Here!

Raffle Participation

Sponsors and vendors are invited to contribute a raffle item.

Caregivers will enter to win meaningful giveaways that support their journey
A powerful way to connect with new, interested clients

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in creating a more inclusive future for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and community partners. Your support helps fund training, resources, and employment pathways that empower lives.

Sponsorship Tiers & Benefits

Tier	Contribution	Benefits
Visionary	$10,000	- All Champion benefits, plus: - Full-page ad in printed program - Logo on homepage & all marketing materials - Featured spotlight in newsletter (6K audience) - Dedicated post in online support group (8K members) - Business name printed on our Mobile Accommodation Trailer “SNAZ”
Champion	$5,000	- All Advocate benefits, plus: - Half-page ad in printed program - Logo on ALL Printed Event Signage
Advocate	$2,500	- All Supporter benefits, plus: - Quarter-page ad in printed program - Premium booth placement (6’ table) - Logo on Electronic Signage - Speaking slot during the training session
Supporter	$1,000	- All Ally benefits, plus: - Name listed in the program as a vendor & sponsor - Larger logo in all newsletters (6K audience) before the event and all published through the end of 2025 - Larger logo or name on website for 12 months
Ally	$500	- 6’ booth, table provided - Name listed in the program as a vendor - Logo or name in all newsletters (6K audience) before the event, and 1 to follow - Logo or name on website for 12 months - Social media recognition (includes 8K-member support group)