For nine years, Kim Martin volunteered as a member of Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County simply because she supported the organization's mission. When the job as Safe Kids coordinator became vacant in October, she jumped at the chance to apply.

Martin, LPN, CPST, had worked in medical billing and administration for nine years before deciding to pursue her LPN degree through the 18-month program at Lanier Technical College. She graduated in June.

Part of her training took place at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and she continued to work there after graduation as a primary care network nurse.

"I have always been intrigued with mental health, especially since mental illness is so misunderstood," Martin said. "I was interviewing for a clinical nursing job in mental health when the job at Safe Kids came open."

The change in career direction has been positive.

"I realized that I could help a lot more people this way through Safe Kids, because we do so much for the community," she said. "Last year, Safe Kids conducted 387 programs and touched more than 25,000 families."

The organization works with government agencies, schools and nonprofit organizations, including the Gainesville Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff's Department, the Hall County Health Department, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the American Red Cross.

The focus of Safe Kids is to teach child safety. The organization administers car-seat programs for new parents, a life-jacket swap for children, a bicycle safety and helmet program, and training in fire safety at home, water safety and the use of 911. It even offers firearms safety training.

"Last year we gave out more than 7,500 safety devices — from smoke alarms and car seats to baby gates and bike helmets," Martin said. "So many community agencies, schools and churches — and our great network of volunteers — really make a difference here."

Safe Kids is part of an international organization that has 23 chapters in Georgia and more than 450 offices in 16 countries. In the Gainesville office, Martin is the only paid staffer. She coordinates education programs and community activities, interacts with more than 100 volunteers who teach classes or attend events. She solicits in-kind donations, buys safety items that are given to members of the community and handles behind-the-scenes organization and administration. She also connects organizations with resources, all aimed at promoting child safety.

Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County is funded through the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation's Healthy Journey II campaign. The program has a $100,000 annual budget.

"This is a great organization and a wonderful way to help the community," Martin said.

Safe Kids organizations throughout the state continuously seek volunteers from health care professions.

"There aren't that many paid jobs with Safe Kids, but our volunteers are so important to us," Martin said. "Find a coalition in your area and volunteer. Safe Kids always needs more volunteers, and it's a great way for health care professionals to become involved in a pro-ject that has a great deal of long-term impact."