VALDOSTA AREA Community Calendar

Please send updates and additions to osbo1933@bellsouth.net 

(Scroll down to page 50 for regular meetings and blood drives)

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Citizen Opportunities…see your elected/appointed officials in action:

Meeting of the Lowndes County Commissioners

Tuesday, July 12, 5:30 PM

327 N. Ashley St - Commission Chambers, 2nd Floor

Link to website:

http://www.lowndescounty.com/content.asp?pid=23&id=219

Meeting of the Valdosta City Council
Thursday, July 7 at 5:30 pm
City Hall

Link to page with agenda: http://www.valdostacity.com/index.aspx?recordid=1071&page=193

Come join us as we celebrate

 the 21^st Chromosome!

July 9, 10:00 AM.

The Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia

invites YOU and your family

to attend meetings on the second Saturday of every month.

Jessie’s Eats & Treats

 111 West Central Avenue, downtown Valdosta

 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon.

Light refreshments provided.

Please visit our website or for further information contact:

info@southgeorgiadsa.org

www.southgeorgiadsa.org

Challenger League Sports For children ages 5-21 (some age exceptions) with any level of disability. Bowling starts July 11, 2011. Call about volunteer opportunities as a buddy to a participating child. Call Cheryl at the YMCA, 229-244-4646 or cmarshall@valdostaymca.com

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

HABITAT SUMMER BUILDS

For more information, please call Christine at: 229-245-1330 Ext. 27 or email volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net 

Little Actors’ Theatre presents

“The Little Mermaid”

with the Missoula, Montana Children’s Theatre. 

A camp associated with the production will be held from July 11 to 16 at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center.

A few more slots are available as of July 5. Registration now being accepted for children from 6 to 19. Fee is $90 if postmarked before May 15 and $100 if later.  To get more information and to register, go to http://www.littleactorsvaldosta.com/missoula.html

Downtown Valdosta Farm Days

July 16, 2011

Information

In Celebration of Bethlehem Baptist Church's

100th Anniversary

We invite you to join us in supporting the

Prevent Child Abuse Lowndes

for their work in the community; helping to serve & protect children

in our area; and, promoting awareness. 

We are encouraging area churches to join us on

Saturday, July 16, 2011

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

at

First State Bank

(3650 Inner Perimeter Road/Valdosta)

 to make a $100.00 Donation to this organization.

(OR, any donation -- it can be 100 Coins, 100 dollars, etc)   

**PCA representatives will be on-hand to accept ALL Donations**

THANK YOU, and God Bless …

Pastor James L. White & The Bethlehem Baptist Church Family

129 Bethlehem Church Street/Lake Park, GA  31636

229-242-7619/229-460-4889

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The Brain & Spinal Injury Support Group

meets the third Monday of the month at the Wood Valley Community Center, 1907 Gornto Road, Valdosta at 7:00 PM.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Speaker: Alan B. Carter, founder

Meets the third Monday of every month

For More Information:  Phone: 229-671-4977

Georgia has a trust fund for persons with brain or spinal injury which provides services and equipment not covered by private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. Georgia residents with an eligible brain or spinal injury may apply for items or services related to the injury, but approval is not automatic.

While the trust fund can help financially, the support group will provide information, encouragement and a place where survivors and families can share their experiences.

For more on the Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, visit www.bsitf.state.ga.us; or call 1-888-233-5760.

For more on the support group, or to be put on the mailing list for his newsletter, contact commission member Alan Carter, 229-671-4977; or e-mail alanbcarter@bellsouth.net

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The Candy Shop

July 22, 6:30 PM, CrossPointe Church, on Northside between Ashley and Patterson

The film is a Fairytale/Parable about the child sex trafficking epidemic that has overrun our city of Atlanta. We are using the film to not only raise awareness but provoke meaningful action towards this issue taking place in our own backyard.

View the entire film on Vimeo here: http://vimeo.com/20833462

Approximately 500 children are trafficked for sex in Georgia every month, according to Street GRACE, an advocacy group whose mission is to stop the exploitation of children. Atlanta has one of the worst records for child sex trafficking in the United States and is considered one of the worst cities in the world for the sexual exploitation of minors.

This plague has gone on for too long, and now we at Whitestone, in cooperation with Doorpost, 12Stone® Church and Street GRACE want to put a stop to it.

This film represents the spearhead of a citywide and possibly a nationwide campaign.
It is not a documentary. It is not a PSA. It is the beginning of a movement.

Please visit stopthecandyshop.com  to find out what you can do to get involved.

No Charge, Public Invited

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Break Bread 5K Bun Run Planned For Saturday, July 23

     First Presbyterian Church of Valdosta is sponsoring the Second Annual Break Bread 5K Bun Run on Saturday, July 23 to raise funds for the church’s Break Bread Together Ministry.              A 2011 Grand Prix event, the 3.1-mile race will begin and end at the YMCA on Gornto Road and run through the Old Wood Valley Subdivision.  The event starts at 8:00 a.m. at the YMCA, with race day registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. 

     Proceeds from the event will support the church’s long-running Break Bread Together Ministry, which provides one meal a day, five days a week to low-income senior citizens in the Valdosta area who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

     Runners may register at the YMCA on Gornto Road or First Presbyterian Church, or on line at www.runningintheusa.com.  Pre-registration fee is $15 on or before July 19, or $20 from July 20 up to the day of the race.

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Women's Event – Human Exploitation

Mary Frances Bowley,

President/Founder of Wellspring Living

YMCA DAY CAMP

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 4

Register Today - Limited Spaces Available.

Hours: 7:30 AM-6:30 PM

Registration Fee $10/Camper /

Fees:  $75 Members, $80 Non-members /$5 Discount For Each Additional Camper

C.I.T - COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING • Ages 13-15 yrs old •

Fee: $40 Members, $47 Non-Members

Scholarships Available for Deserving Campers.

2424 Gornto Rd. Valdosta 229.244.4646

www.valdostaymca.org  

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Register for Summer Reading Program at all six branches of the South Georgia Regional Library

( Valdosta Lowndes County, McMullen Southside, Salter Hahira, Johnston Lakes, Miller Lakeland, and Allen Statenville)

 Travel around the world without having to board a plane!  Let your imagination fly away with us as we visit Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America through stories, crafts, food, dance, movies and more!  We have programs for all ages and lots of great prizes.  So check us out and pack your bag with curiosity and energy as we embark on an exciting summer adventure.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registering for the Summer Reading Program is easy.  Bring your library card to any of the six South Georgia Regional Library branches and fill out a registration form.  When you sign up you will receive a reading log and incentive card.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
(Please consult www.sgrl.org  for exact dates and time for all programs at your Library )

FOOD ROUND THE WORLD (Space is limited.  Sign up is required)
Monday, June 20^th through Saturday, June 25^th

Learn how to make some delicious delicacies from countries round the world.  Valdosta’s own, Rebecca Meindl, who is the wife of the owner of Willy's restaurant, will teach you how to roll strudel desserts and talk about her trips to Germany.  At some of the branches, Scott Cregan will provide recipes for Lumpia, a traditional Filipino dish. He will also demonstrate how the dish is prepared and allow patrons to sample the food!

A SAMPLING OF CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS  (birth to 12) 

These programs, along with weekly movies will surely keep kids busy and happy this summer. 

The Stories We Tell~ Africa 
Children will be entertained with tales from the world’s second largest continent, teaming with the greatest menagerie of wildlife on earth.  Crafts highlighting the Sights and Sounds of Africa will offer youth a glimpse of what beats at the heart of this amazing land and its peoples.

Away We Go ~ Europe 
Book your ticket for a journey through stories to the place where western civilization was born.  Youngsters will experience European Folk Art through unique and interesting craft opportunities.

How We Live ~ Asia 
Revisit antiquity through imaginative fables from the place that gave us the earliest known peoples and religions.  Mind enriching Puppets of Asia activities will explore both reality and what seems real through shadow.

Arts and Dreams ~ North America 
Set out for a romp through our own backyard and those of our nearest continental neighbors as we hear stories and folk tales that celebrate the continent once known as The New World.  Children will enjoy Colors of North America crafts that offer a beautiful and artistic complement to our own most colorful yarns.

 For more information, call: 333:0086 ext 222

VSU Camp Discovery

Purpose
The purpose of our summer youth programs is to provide enrichment opportunities for children and teens in the Valdosta area. We strive to create a safe, caring environment where participants expand their horizons, make friends, and achieve personal growth through age-appropriate activities. All classes are designed to be fun for participants, as well as to improve academic, artistic, and/or physical skills.

Age Ranges
Age requirements for camps vary, and are listed with each camp description. Please see the page: http://www.valdosta.edu/conted/kids/camp_detail.shtml#top

Where and When
Programs start June 1 and continue through July 30. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per camp, unless otherwise listed in the description, to assure good teacher-student interaction. Most camps are held Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon OR from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Regional Center for Continuing Education. Children will meet in the auditorium and be escorted to their classrooms as a group. At the end of camp each day parents will sign their child out from his or her classroom.

Early drop-off will be available beginning at 7:30 am (except for off-site camps) at no extra charge. Campers will enjoy supervised activities until the start of their camp. Your registration fee covers all course supplies and snacks.

The Afternoon Rec Room - Check it out! The Rec Room will be open every week (1 PM - 4 PM) for children needing a place with supervised afteroon activities. During the week of May 31 - June 3, the Rec Room will be available both morning and afternoon.

For those attending both a morning camp and the Rec Room or an afternoon camp in the same week, a supervised lunch area will be available. Campers must bring a sack lunch. Lunches can be refrigerated, but not heated.

Cost
Camp fees vary based on program expenses. Please see individual descriptions for camp fees. Sorry, there are no scholarships available for Camp Discovery.

Registration form:

http://www.valdosta.edu/conted/forms/camp-swim.pdf

For additional information, contact the VSU Continuing Education office at 229-245-6484

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VSU Continuing Ed offers classes on many subjects, some online.  Following is a list of the courses related to non-profit management and grant writing:

      A to Z Grantwriting
      Writing Effective Grant Proposals
      Advanced Grant Proposal Writing
      Become a Grant Writing Consultant
      Get Grants!
      Creating Your Own Non-Profit
      Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Go to this link: http://www.valdosta.edu/conted/online/online_grant.shtml

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New Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) group with Christian focus in Hahira. Meets at Bethany Baptist Church, 5064 Bethany Road on the first Tuesday of every month for moms and the third Thursday as a playdate for the children. For more information, call Christy Smith, 910-728-2277.

Autism Support Group

LEARNING IN RETIREMENT

Become part of the Learning in Retirement program at Valdosta State University.  Classes include a wide variety of subjects as watercolors, knitting and crocheting, line dancing, languages, beginning tennis, writing the memories of your life, yoga, antique samplers, gardening, mahjongg, things to know about Medicare, living with diabetes, ukulele, and many other topics. 

LIR provides older adults with the opportunity to take part in college level course work on a non-credit basis (there are no tests and no grades). The curriculum is chosen, designed, and often led by the members, encouraging peer learning and active member participation. LIR capitalize on the strengths and experiences of older adults, empowering them to continue learning, expand their horizons, and enhance their personal development.

Pay the $45 membership and most classes are free.

To order the 2010 Annie E. Casey Kids Count Factbook that has data on child and family wellbeing in every state for the last measured period of time, go to this website:

Need help with the price of prescriptions?  Contact website below for assistance:

http://www.pparx.org

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Bainbridge Advocacy Individual Network, Inc.

316 West Shotwell Street   Bainbridge 39817
Telephone 229-246-0150     Fax 229-246-1715

BAIN is a Center for Independent Living dedicated to promoting independence and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in South Georgia.
BAIN, Inc is a non-profit, non-residential center serving eleven counties throughout southwest Georgia.

BAIN offers information and workshops on topics such as finances, money management skills, home modifications, personal attendant management and how to access community support systems.
BAIN will assist you on an individual, personalized basis.

BAIN also offers:
Transportation Voucher Program, Computer Recycling, Low Cost Eyeglass Program, Loan Closet, Ramps/Assistive Technology, Resource Library, Computer with Internet Access, Assistive Devices, Alternative formats: Large Print, Audio Cassette and Braille

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Need Healthcare, Housing or Case Management for veterans in this area?

Schedule for VA Social Worker Ayanna Sampson

VA RESOURCE PAGE:

http://www.northflorida.va.gov/NORTHFLORIDA/services/homeless/

Homeless Veteran in need of help? 
Call 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838)

NEW VA SERVICE:

The National Caregiver Support Line –

1-855-260-3274 -- will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information. It will be open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 11 PM, Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 AM to 6 PM, Eastern time.  Licensed VA social workers and health technicians will staff the support line.

The support line will provide information regarding new caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with their ability to provide care to loved ones who are Veterans.

VA also features a Web page, http://www.caregiver.va.gov/, with general information on other caregiver support programs available through VA and the community.

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Thomasville, Georgia Activities include concerts on Fridays and Sundays, tours, theater performances, costume parties, walks for charity, and a Native American festival.

Website: http://www.thomasvillega.com/?m=201010&cat=2

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The Georgia Clients Council, Inc.

Our Mission: “Empowering” low-income people through education and training to create positive changes in lives and communities.

Bring a local GCC Chapter to our town and show unity in your community.  It was and is the premise of GCC that given the information, training, resources and support many low-income people can represent and advocate for themselves

To learn about bringing a local GCC to our community please contact the South Region Consultant Jackie Bosby

at 1(800) 249-8428 pin#5457 or 706-743-3437.

To learn more, go the website: http://www.gaclientscouncil.org/OldNews.cfm

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Help Deliver Meals for Homebound People

The Break Bread Together Ministry of First Presbyterian is in need of volunteers who can help sort and/or deliver meals on the weekdays (Monday-Friday, except holidays).  Presently, we have a waiting list of those in need of meals, but are unable to handle the requests without additional volunteers.
 
If you, your church group, or civic organization is interested in assisting with this important ministry to the Valdosta community, please contact Susan Sheridan, Break Bread Coordinator, at 229-249-0779.

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Partnership for Health/Free Clinic for Uninsured Workers needs volunteers to assist in administrative, nursing and other areas.     

For training times contact Libby Smith, RN at 229-245-0020

libby.smith@lcpfh.org or info@lcpfh.org

Mobility and Self Sufficiency for People, Contact:

GEORGIA TOOLS FOR LIFE

Georgia Department of Labor/VR Tools for Life Program
Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Atlanta
 
Phone: (800) 497-8665                           
TTY: (404) 657-3085       

                                 
E-mail: toolsforlife@mindspring.com       

Homepage: http://www.gatfl.org

Need a ramp for an older person?

Call this number to be screened for help.

Toll-Free:  1-888-73-AGING (1-888-732-4464)

Southern Georgia Regional Commission - Area Agency on Aging

Valdosta Sunrise Rotary –

Member of Rotary International

No obligation visit any Thursday except holidays.

Weekly community business and education speakers.

Two annual major charity fundraisers.

Meetings and breakfast at Kinderlou – Ravine Restaurant at 7:30-8:30 AM.

HELP US STAMP OUT POLIO IN THE WORLD.

For more information contact office@georgiachild.org or 404-572-6170. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center in Hahira needs volunteers to help with special needs riders.

Please call Leslie at (229) 794-1188.

See the website for a lot more information:

http://www.jacobsladderriding.com

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Harvard University Announcement

   No tuition and no student loans

Harvard University announced recently that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition.

If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free... no tuition and no student loans!

To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year, visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at        (617) 495-1581 or (617) 495-1581.
 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"Be a Foster Parent –

A Challenging and Personally Rewarding Experience"

Choices for Life of GA, LLC

2200 North Patterson Street

Valdosta

Phone  229-244-1707; Fax 229-244-1779

pbrewer@cflfostercare.com

Choices for Life of Georgia is a specialized foster care program that provides in-home treatment for children and youth with multiple psychological, social and emotional needs. The children can accept and respond to relationships within a family but their special needs require more intensive or therapeutic service than are found in traditional foster care. Please contact us for more information if you would like to be part of our professional team touching the lives of children and families.

Choices for Life of GA, LLC also provides outpatient behavioral health services as a CORE Provider focusing on children and adolescents. Services include: individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and community support individual services, on-site nursing services & psychiatric services.

Referrals may be made by phone or email address above.

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VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained mental health professionals prepared to deal with immediate crises. It also offers an anonymous online chat feature available at www.suicidepreventionhotline.org <http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org>

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Georgia’s Community Care Services Program (CCSP)

If someone you care for is eligible for nursing home placement but would like to stay in his or her own home, you may want to consider the benefits of the Community Care Services Program (CCSP). CCSP is a Medicaid waiver program that serves as an alternative to nursing home placement. The program provides home and community-based services to people who are elderly and/or functionally impaired or disabled. By providing these services, CCSP helps recipients remain in their own homes, the homes of caregivers, or in other community settings as long as possible.

To explore your eligibility or the eligibility of a loved one, contact the Southern Georgia Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Gateway to Community Resources at  912-287-5888 or toll-free at 1-888-732-4464.

Are you a caregiver? See the state resource page:

http://ada.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,77499621_146139675,00.html

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Atlanta Legal Aid has services for seniors all over the state.

http://www.atlantalegalaid.org/departments.htm

Grandparent / Relative Caregiver Project   Toll-free: 888-257-9519

Are you raising grandchildren or other relatives?

This project was created in response to the growing number of grandparents and other relatives who were raising children in the place of absent or addicted parents. Its goals are to stabilize the legal relationship between the caregiver and children through adoption or custody and to maximize the financial and medical resources available to care for the children. The project has been adopted by Kilpatrick Stockton, a private Atlanta law firm, and has trained more than 220 volunteer lawyers to take cases; call 404- 524-5811.

Georgia Senior Legal Hotline                         Toll-free: 888-257-9519

Begun in 1998, the hotline is a cooperative project among Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Georgia Division of Aging Services, the State Bar Pro Bono Project and the Atlanta Bar Association. It offers legal advice, brief services, self-help materials and referrals to seniors throughout the state, handling more than 4200 calls a year. This project serves seniors living anywhere in Georgia.

The Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)

1-800-715-4225

Mental illness information and crisis line.

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National Do Not Call Registry

Register home or cell phones to prevent mass marketing calls

https://www.donotcall.gov 

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Homeless prevention and rapid re-housing (stimulus ARRA dollars) funds are now available for 91 counties in Georgia through the Salvation Army state level toll free number 1-866-387-2657.

Persons needing assistance may call for pre-screening and information in all counties. 

For a printable flier, go to: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/HPRPSalvationArmyReferrals20100209_000.pdf

According to the information on the Salvation Army state website: “Through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), recipients in 91 out of 159 Georgia counties must meet criteria established by the grant to qualify for rent and utility assistance.”  

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DHR REGION XI WEB PAGES- resources across the 18 counties of Region XI

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Georgia is accepting volunteer and client applications for both of its One-to-One mentoring programs! 

Big Sisters are waiting for little girls in the Valdosta area (Ages 5 to 14 who lack two involved parents/guardians in the home). Big Brothers are needed as well !

If you would like to be a member of the Valdosta board, call the number below.

To be referred, please contact Enrollment and Matching Manager Melinee Calhoun, 866-614-4215,  http://www.southgabbbs.org

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Valdosta Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Join the advocates for mental health services in Georgia –

MOORE STREET CLINIC

is the university-based brief therapy center for the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. The Moore Street Clinic trains graduate students in family therapy and provides brief therapy to people who come from all over south Georgia and north Florida, most commonly Valdosta, the VSU campus, and surrounding communities. The MSC is located in Valdosta at 210 West Moore Street, between Patterson and Oak Streets. To schedule an appointment, call (229) 219-1281 Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. If you cannot call during these times, call anytime and leave a message. Let us know the best time to reach you and an intake coordinator will call you back.

Who may come to the Moore Street Clinic?

Any individual person, married or unmarried couples, children, elderly, couples who are or are not living together, families of all varieties, regardless of legal status, roommates, transgendered, gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons--all are welcome at the Moore Street Clinic. Family therapy, sometimes called systems therapy or relational therapy, is a particular way of thinking that helps people make the changes that they want to make. Even though the word, "family" suggests that family therapists work only with whole families, this is not the case. Family therapists work with individuals, couples, groups, and families. Family therapy has been found to be helpful to people with many different kinds of problems. These might include:

• anger management
• individual depression
• divorce and separation
• sexual problems
• parenting problems
• difficulty with communication
• relationship problems
• domestic violence
• grief and loss
• pre-marital concerns
• child behavior problems

We offer our services to all people who seek them, regardless of age, gender, race, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, education, economic status, disability, or ethnic background.

How much do I have to pay? The Moore Street Clinic is a not-for-profit clinic. Our mission is two-pronged: to provide low-cost services that are available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay and to train advanced level graduate students in the art and science of brief therapy. As a result, we charge for each session according to a sliding scale that is based on family size and income, so fees can begin at $0.

No one will be denied services based on their inability to pay. When you call for the first appointment, someone will talk with you about your fee, so that you will know what it is prior to your first meeting with your therapist. If your circumstances are such that you can't pay anything at all, just let us know. Services are free to Valdosta State University students, faculty and employees.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

This program is available in several surrounding counties and it is free to all persons earning under $49,000 a year.  To find a location near you, contact Jataryia Thomas Today with Georgia Legal Services Program  ®

(229) 333-5232 or email: jthomas.valdosta@glsp.org 

Available to persons who need to file taxes for previous years. This program serves low income persons in several counties.

Volunteer to become a tax preparer in this program: jthomas@valdosta.glsp.org

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Georgia Legislators need your input.

To ensure that your issues are addressed, stay in touch with your legislators. Write a letter, tell a story of your personal experience related to needed

legislation, offer your professional information, or provide accurate data on issues while they are home.

 To find yours, go to:

GEORGIA LEGISLATIVE HOME PAGE

http://www.legis.state.ga.us 

Lowndes area legislators:

Senator Tim Golden 110 Beacon Hill Valdosta, GA 31602

Lowndes, Brooks, parts of Cook and Thomas

229-293-0202     404-656-7580

Serves Brooks, Cook (Pt.), Lowndes, Thomas (Pt.)

tim.golden@senate.ga.gov

Rep. Jason Shaw Box 245 Lakeland, GA 31635

Berrien, Clinch, Lanier and Lowndes

229-482-3505    404-656-7859

jay.shaw@house.ga.gov

Rep. Ellis Black 5900 Jumping Gully Rd. Valdosta, GA 31601

Brooks, Echols, Lowndes and Thomas

                  229-559-1592      404-656-0287

blackellis@bellsouth.net

Rep. Amy Carter Box 1535 Valdosta, GA 31603

Valdosta and Remerton

229-245-2733      404-656-0325

amy.carter@house.ga.gov

To keep up with this year’s legislation go to: http://web.me.com/gcdd/GCDD/Home.html

To voice your opinion on Federal legislation or to get assistance with issues with Federal benefits, contact one of our two Georgia Senators or our Congressman:

Senator Saxby Chambliss

South Georgia Office:
419-A South Main Street  P.O. Box 3217  Moultrie, GA 31776
Toll free at 800-234-4208  Main: 229-985-2112  Fax: 229-985-2123

To send an email, go to his website: http://chambliss.senate.gov/

Senator Johnny Isakson

One Overton Park, Suite 970
3625 Cumberland Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-661-0999  Fax: 770- 661-0768

To send an email, go to his website: http://isakson.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Congressman Jack Kingston

Valdosta Federal Building
401 N. Patterson St.
Second Floor, Room 215
Phone: (229) 247-9188
Fax: (229) 247-9189 

To send an email, go to his website: http://kingston.house.gov/Contact

Childcare Resource and Referral

1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS

For help with finding special needs childcare, resources for parents/teachers, inclusion, staff development and presentations. More information contact Sharon Pilkinton at sharon.pilkinton@darton.edu.

Children’s Medical Services (CMS)

This is a state funded program that provides medical care for disabling conditions or chronic diseases in children from birth to the age 21. The staff of three RN’s work actively with primary care physicians to coordinate specialty care for the child. Services through CMS may include family education, social services and case management. They also hold clinics for children in Cardiology, Orthopedic, Hematology, Asthma and telemedicine clinics in Genetics, Nephrology and Pulmonary.

They have an Asthma Educator, Penny Beasley, RN. Enrolled clients have an asthma action plan which includes education, equipment, bed covers and camp for kids 6-12 years old. There is a camp in Tifton and one in Valdosta.

Anyone may make a basic referral to CMS, however to be seen by a specialist the referral should come from the client’s primary care physician.

For more information call 229-245-4310 or 1-800-848-5728                                                       

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American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
www.cancer.org  

There are many resources through these avenues and the 800 # is "live" 365 days a year, 24 hours a day!!

The American Cancer Society in this area is looking for volunteers to help with the Road To Recovery and Reach To Recovery Programs.  

A Reach To Recovery volunteer needs to have completed their treatment for breast cancer in order to be trained as a Reach To Recovery volunteer.

Reach to Recovery for women in this area who have had breast cancer, a program designed to help them cope with their cancer experience and assists with transportation to and from treatment.  

If you are interested in volunteering for either of these programs, please contact Ashley Braswell at 229-834-0709 or 1-800-227-2345.

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Hospice of South Georgia Sponsors Grief Support Groups for Adults, Teens and Children

All groups are offered free of charge as a community service of Hospice of South Georgia. These support groups are for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one and would like to learn healthy ways to deal with their grief.

To register for an upcoming group, call 229-249-4100.

Pearlman Cancer Center Support Groups

Holding Hand Support Group- General Support Group

Everyone is Welcome

Meets the Third Monday each month, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Pearlman Cancer Center Conference Room

209 Pendleton Dr. Valdosta

Contact 229-259-4638

No registration required

AND

Best Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group 

Meets every 4th Tuesday each month,

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM January-October

(No meetings in November/December)

Pearlman Cancer Center Conference Room

209 Pendleton Dr. Valdosta

Contact 229-259-4638

GeorgiaHousingSearch.org - A Ready Resource During Critical Times.  Tornadoes, storms, you name it…when disaster strikes, everyone needs help.  In many cases, finding a place to live is a top priority.  No need to worry or panic as GeorgiaHousingSearch.org offers a FREE, easy-to-use and available resource to help citizens quickly find affordable housing options in their community.

On the site – www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org -- citizens can search for rental properties statewide.  Property postings are detailed, current, and updated bi-weekly.  Property managers and independent landlords can post listings for free and reach thousands of potential renters. 

The website is bilingual (English and Spanish) and has a toll-free number – 877-428-8844 - available to assist potential renters or property owners and managers.  In addition, the site’s unique Special Needs Housing Search feature has assisted Georgia caseworkers locate housing for hundreds of traditionally hard-to-place families and individuals. 

For more information, please contact Sheila Barry at (404) 679-4855 or sbarry@dca.state.ga.us.

Repeat Boutique Thrift Store

Silent Ministries is offering a class called "Felons- A  Special Class of Domestic Violence Victims."

For free assistance for domestic violence victims with public assistance forms and appeals, contact jharnage7@aol.com

Read The Beating Death of Aunt Lilly Mae Thornton as Told by Her Niece and Silent Ministries' founder Carolyn Thornton Harnage at http://domesticviolenceaftercare.webs.com.

Silent Ministries has an ample supply of quality clothing, shoes, and  jackets for victims needing help. Silent Ministries is asking for  donations of used and broken small appliances to help elderly people who cannot replace such things as toasters and heaters.

Will pick up.  229-559-5648.

!! Silent Ministries is seeking donations of household goods, bedding and toys. The household goods and bedding are to replenish supplies and the toys are for the annual Santa On Wheels.

Good used clothing available now.

Silent Ministries accepts donations of all types and they pick up items such as housewares, blankets, glassware, cooking, small appliances, vehicles, boats, motors, camper parts and camper appliances. Donations and sales benefit the Silent Ministries missions to help people in the community and around the area with many personal issues.

Silent Ministries can assist you with an employment interview wardrobe in limited sizes. We also can assist with letters of reference and interview coaching.

Contact Jim Harnage at 229-300-4882, or jharnage7@aol.com. The website is http://jimharnage.ning.com. We are located at 121 Ben Daniels Road, Statenville, Ga.

Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach announces training for Angels of Mercy, Domestic Violence Advocacy, each Wednesday in February at the usual location.

Subjects will be:

What To Do As A Victim,

Safety Plans For Your Home,

Self-Defense,

Fitness and Nutrition led by a licensed expert, and

After Care Services.

Contact jharnage7@aol.com for more information.

SURVIVOR GROUPS AT THE HAVEN

The Haven will be conducting support groups for survivors of sexual assault or child sexual abuse.  There will also be a men’s group for men who have experienced sexual assault. 

These groups are for adult women and men over 17 years of age.  It is intended for those who are ready to move from being victims to being survivors.  Those individuals who are interested in one of these groups should plan to attend the complete 12 week process.  Once the groups are formed, the day will be Thursdays and the time will be after work 5:30 or 6:30 PM.

To join, contact Sheila Rowell, therapist@valdostahaven.org, 229-244-9056 to register. Participants must complete an initial screening.  Groups are free, confidential, and facilitated by trained professionals.

Easter Seals Valdosta Office

Family support/respite care available for

families whose children have developmental disabilities

610 North Patterson Street, Suite A, Valdosta

    229-247-6912, toll free 866-875-4670, or fax 229-247-8549.

Megan’s House, respite facility for families with children with special needs is now open in Valdosta and is in need of donations of every kind of household goods.  Contact December Smith dsmith@swga-easterseals.org

Newcomer Welcome Service and Community Guide

For decades, The Greeting Service has welcomed Valdosta newcomers with traditional southern hospitality–a personal home visit and a folder brimming with information about schools, churches, cultural opportunities, and a bag chock full of coupons and goodies.

The Greeting Service has expanded its borders to include Adel, Hahira, Lakeland Lake Park, Moody Air Force Base, Nashville, Quitman, and Tifton and now publishes an annual community resource guide acquainting newcomers with relocation information including job opportunities and housing.

We look forward to sharing all the fun and exciting things that Valdosta and the surrounding communities have to offer and hope you enjoy discovering a new place to call home.

If you are new to the area, be sure to call 229-245-8383 for your Welcome Packet.

http://www.southgeorgianewcomers.com

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Greenleaf Speaks! 

Need a free public speaker for your group or event?  Therapists at Greenleaf Outpatient Program can speak to your group about an array of topics and inform your group of treatment options at Greenleaf. 

Topics include: Stress Management, Emotional Control and Anger Management, Understanding and Motivating an Addicted Person, Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Depression, Reducing Anxiety, etc. 

Please contact Casey Corbin, Program Director of Greenleaf Outpatient Program at (229) 671-6700. *****************************

Alzheimer CareGiver Time-Out (ACTO)
 
ACTO is a social program for clients with Alzheimer's disease, other memory impairment, or the frail elderly. Caregivers may leave their loved ones at ACTO so that they can have some free time to attend to their other needs. ACTO is open Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The service is free to all clients, funded in part by the United Way. We are located in Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 100 E. Park. Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602. For more information, please call 229-245-9094.

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My Friend’s House

is the name for the Valdosta State University Alzheimer's day care program.  There are openings for anyone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.  The program, which is free of charge, has the goal of preventing isolation by providing daily activities in a home-like environment for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  There is a support group for the caregivers on the third Wednesday of every month. Volunteers always are needed. Call 229-293-6146 for more information.

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FREE CLINIC IN LOWNDES COUNTY

The Partnership Health Center is a non-profit, free medical clinic. It provides primary healthcare to the working, uninsured people in Lowndes County who meet the eligibility guidelines. It is staffed by volunteer physicians, physician extenders, and nurses who offer their time to provide healthcare.  It is located at 205 Woodrow Wilson Drive, across from the public library. Clinic is open Tuesday from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM, Wednesday from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM and two Saturdays a month. These may expand as more staff is added.

COLORING BOOKS NEEDED FOR CLINIC TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN

Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Paperwork and medical visits are by appointments only.

The clinic also needs office volunteers to answer the phone and help with paperwork during the week (Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30-4:30pm

Patient eligibility requirements:

• Income under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level,
• between the ages of 18 and 64,
• have no health insurance,
• be a resident of Lowndes County, and
• patient or dependent must be employed.

We look forward to serving Valdosta and extending healthcare to the people who need and deserve it. For additional information about the clinic, contact 229-245-0020 ext. 3.

The clinic needs volunteer physicians, nurses and administrative helpers on Tuesdays from 6-9 pm and 10 am to 4 pm (times may change depending on volunteer availability). A small amount of your time could help make a difference in the lives of many Lowndes residents.

Please note: Donations are accepted and important to our non-profit

organization. We also need donated medical equipment that will be

used to help the patients in our clinic. Please call if you can help

with either of these needs.

Do you know your PTI?

Parent to Parent is Georgia's Parent Training Information Center (PTI)

PTIs are federally funded programs through the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) authorized in Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  PTIs serve families of children with disabilities who are ages birth through 26.  We serve families of children with the full range of disabilities.

What do PTIs do for families? PTIs help families work with early intervention, education, and transition systems and services.  We want to ensure that families receive training and information on their rights, responsibilities, and protections under IDEA so they can actively participate in planning and decision making that affects their children.

Georgia's PTI services, and all Parent to Parent of Georgia services, are provided free of charge. Just call 1800-229-2038. A coordinator is waiting to speak with you. 

Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County

Low Cost Spay & Neuter Program

229-247-3266

Pregnancy Support Clinic of Valdosta

Volunteer Opportunities

The Pregnancy Support Clinic of Valdosta is a Christ-centered ministry which advances the sanctity of human life and sexual purity empowering individuals to make life-affirming choices.  Our ministry has many different opportunities for volunteers ranging from working behind the scenes on events to peer counseling.  Call today to see where you can fit in, 229-333-0080, or visit our partners’ website for more information, www.pscvaldostapartners.org.  Please note all interested parties must submit to an application process and 10 - 40 hours training commitment to volunteer.

HELP SOMEONE LEARN TO READ

Literacy Volunteer Program

We need tutors, learners, sponsors and YOU !

LEARNERS: CALL 333 -7515 (leave your name and number).

Literacy Bowl…our fundraiser.  You may still pledge/donate to improve adult literacy.  Send a check to LVP, 221 S. Ashley Street, Valdosta 31601

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc.

is proud to offer the Valdosta Career Center without charge as a community service. Resources, technology and support services have been designed to help job seekers secure employment, and to assist in the development of micro-businesses.

WORK Connections for the Job Seeker include:

         listings of local job openings to connect job seekers with employment opportunities.

         telephones to arrange appointments and facilitate communications with employers.

          Georgia Work Ready testing

         computers to use in job searches have Microsoft Office and Publisher and internet access

         telephone, basic computer and networking skills classes

         resource library with a variety of materials to assist the job seeker prepare for and secure employment, as well as information regarding Medicaid, childcare, food stamps, training, financial aid and other community resources.

         photocopier, printers and fax machines

In addition to the resources listed above, entrepreneurs can get help to enhance marketing tools, develop a business plan or network with others in the community. Other services include:

         Free English as a Second Language classes

         List of community resources

Open 9 – 6 Monday – Thursday and 9 – 3 Friday

For more information, please contact:

 229-316-1216      Fax 229-316-1218

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Paxen-WIA Work Readiness Program

Sponsored by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission

Our program's work readiness component emphasizes acquisition of essential job-search, employability, and life skills for youth ages 14-21. Participants also receive instruction in strategies for seeking, securing and succeeding in a job as well as supportive services to receive a GED and gain employment/enroll in post-secondary education after credential attainment. Qualifying participants receive a stipend for program completion, become eligible for a GED testing voucher, and will receive a $200 incentive for GED attainment.

 THERE IS NO SUMMER WIA MONEY…..

For more information Contact: Charmane Thomas, Program Manager, www.paxen.com
Paxen Learning Corporation "We Change Lives"

221 S. Ashley, Valdosta  

Office: 229-245-2488
 

VSU Theatre and Dance  

PSST ! PEACH STATE SUMMER THEATRE

ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS !

This year’s productions are:

Carousel

Disney’s The Jungle Book

Hairspray

The VSU Theatre & Dance Box Office opens at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sunday. Contact the box office for season tickets and individual reservations. Box Office phone number is 229-259-5770. Tickets may be ordered on line at www.valdosta.edu/psst Many free concerts and recitals are available at VSU every month. 

Go to the website for the College of the Arts (http://www.valdosta.edu/coa/) and click on listings for the Music Department, and other departments for listings of the 2009-2010 VSU Symphony, Theatre Department and other performances.

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Theatre Guild Valdosta

at the 'Dosta Playhouse

122 N. Ashley Street

Box Office, located at 122 N Ashley St
Box Office Hours are Monday-Thursday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Membership and patron packages available now:

Contact the number or website below a complete brochure

www.theatreguildvaldosta.com

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TURNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

July 15, 5-7 p.m. – WineDown and City Photo Contest Awards Presentation. Free and open to public.

July 21, 6:45 – dinner; 8 p.m. – concert: An Evening with Mark Twain. Tickets on sale now!

Gallery Open

Free and open to the public!

CLASSES

Yoga, Wednesday nights, 6 PM, Roberta George, Instructor, Free,

Painting Class, Thursdays: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Fay Hyatt, Instructor:

Pottery Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM,

                             Walter Hobbs, Instructor

Movie Night, third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Free

The Turner Center Gift Shop is open during Center hours:

Tuesday-Thursday 10-6; Friday-Saturday 10-4.

http://www.turnercenter.org  

South Georgia Council for

Youth in the Performing Arts

Please check our website www.sgcyoutharts.org.

South Georgia String Project

The South Georgia String Project is a collaborative community outreach program of Valdosta State University through the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, the academic/professional orchestra in-residence at the university.  The goal of the project is twofold: (1) to provide access to string instruction for children, thus culturally enriching the region and (2) to provide mentored teaching experiences for university music majors who will soon become school string teachers and cultural arts advocates.  

The South Georgia String Project’s mission is to:

• provide students with an opportunity for musical enjoyment and education through the study of stringed instruments.
• promote personal development through music as an outlet for self-expression within a structured learning environment.
• encourage student leadership and share student accomplishments within the community.
• create partnerships through providing accessible string education for pre-college students while offering mentored  teaching experiences for Valdosta State University music students who value  string education.

For more information, go to http://www.valdosta.edu.sgsp or contact

Dr. Gerling at dcgerling@valdosta.edu or 229-259-2087.

Arts events in Southwest Georgia

For a listing of arts events from Columbus to Valdosta:

http://www.southwestgeorgia.net/events

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Employment Program for Seniors:

Senior Community Service Employment Program, sponsored by the US Department of Labor. This program enables qualified individuals to obtain paid, on the job training within their communities, update their job skills to enhance their marketability, develop new attitudes and gain greater self-confidence.  Participants work 20 hours per week earning minimum wage in a non-profit organization or government agency and receive help in transitioning from the program into a new, unsubsidized employment opportunity.

For more information, call Beth Veal at 229-249-4885 or visit her at the Georgia Department of Labor in Valdosta.  Program covers Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner Counties.

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FUND HELPS CANCER PATIENTS

The Partnership Cancer Fund is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Lowndes County Partnership for Health, Inc.

·        Cancer can be a financially devastating disease. Even with health insurance, there can be many associated costs that put a strain on patients and their families.

·        If you or someone you know is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, and lives in Lowndes County, or receives cancer treatment from a Lowndes County provider but lives outside Lowndes County, they may qualify for financial assistance from the Partnership Cancer Fund.

Financial assistance is available for:

·        Transportation costs for Medical Care

·        Nutritional Supplements

·        Medications

·        Certain types of Medical Equipment 

Contact the Lowndes County Partnership for Health, Inc. at

229-245-0020 (option 1) to obtain an application or to request more information. You may also go to  www.lcpfh.org  

Tax deductible donations are accepted, and all funds remain in the local community to benefit as many cancer patients as possible. Send donations to P.O. Box 1782, Valdosta, GA 31603

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Searching for Section 8 housing in your area? Go to this website:

http://www.gasection8.com/pa/SearchRentals.aspx?t=1

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GET ACTIVE VALDOSTA !

For a listing of opportunities for running, cycling, swimming, walking or other active sports, go to the Get Active Valdosta website:

http://getactivevaldosta.com/coming.htm

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Pediatria HealthCare for Kids

New business in Valdosta provides pediatric day healthcare and in-home private duty nursing to children, through age six, who have  medical complexities.  Children served include those with complications of prematurity, chronic lung disease, tube feedings, colostomy care, cardiac disease and other complex needs. Many payment sources accepted.

For more information, go to www.pediatriakids.com or

call 229-316-1102

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Valdosta Camellia Society Come and learn more about this varied and beautiful local flower. For more information or to join the Valdosta Camellia Society, call 229-242-2965.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE

Regular giving keeps supplies ready

American Red Cross has set up many public opportunities for blood donation (see list at the top of the month).

Please call 229-241-1141, Ext 221, to make an appointment to give the gift of life. To find donor sites throughout the region, visit www.givebloodredcross.org  or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Adopt a rescue pet

Lowndes County Shelter

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA53.html

Lake Park Animal Rescue

Educational Opportunities for First Time Home Buyers

Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity, a certified Home Buyer Education Agency, has partnered with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the City of Valdosta to provide monthly Home Buyer Education Workshops that are FREE and open to anyone considering buying a home.  This training is designed to help people explore their options as first-time home buyers and learn how to qualify to receive down payment assistance of $5,000 up to $20,000.

Participants will learn the advantages and disadvantages of owning a home, the necessity of having a budget in order to know how much house they can afford as well as the importance of a good credit history when applying for a mortgage loan. Information presented also includes how to work with housing professionals like realtors and bankers. Mortgage options such as the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, Habitat for Humanity and Dream Valdosta are also presented.  Pre-registration is required.

In addition to these one day workshops, Habitat offers a series of free Homeownership Skills classes that focus on developing good financial management skills, home maintenance skills and a variety of other topics important to new homeowners.  These classes are open to all, and are held in a small group setting monthly for two weeks.  Completion of this class series may also qualify first-time home buyers to receive a $5000.00 down payment assistance grant from the City of Valdosta if they purchase a house in the city’s Designated Revitalization Area.

To register for a Home Buyer Education Workshop or a series of Homeownership Skills Classes, please call 229-245-1330, ext 22.

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Habitat for Humanity Applicant Workshop

Saturday, July 23

Call 229-245-1330, ext. 22 for more information.

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Habitat for Humanity offers:

Homeowners and Financial Skills Classes

Call for next class

Bring your credit report, a calculator and a list of the bills you owe.

These classes are mandatory for Habitat Partner Families. They may also be required for persons who wish to qualify for certain Down Payment Assistance loans or grants available from the City of Valdosta or the Georgia Dream Program (GA Department of Community Affairs). 

Home Buyer Education Class

Call for next class

To register for classes call Carolyn at 229-245-1330/ext 22.

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South Georgia Regional Libraries Opportunities

Sunday Hours at the Library

 2-6 pm - Valdosta-Lowndes County Library

300 Woodrow Wilson Dr.

Call 333-0086

At the library there are computer classes, children’s reading times, beginning Spanish, vampire book club, genealogy, teen book club, game night, and the bookfellows club. http://www.sgrl.org/pages/events.html

Backdoor Bookstore

11:00am – 2:00pm

Main Library

Purchase gently used books from the Friends of the Library Back Door Bookstore. All proceeds from your purchases are used to buy new books for the library.  The Backdoor Bookstore is located in the rear of the Main Library on 300 Woodrow Wilson Drive in Valdosta.

Visit our website www.sgrl.org  to learn how to join, find information about

local and regional elected officials, library programs and the hours of all branches.  Start exploring the endless possibilities at your library today! Call 229-333-0086 for more information.

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Certain people qualify in Georgia for a free phone:

https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/program_info.aspx  

You qualify for Lifeline Service in your area if...

1.      You already participate in one of the following assistance programs:

• Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
• Food Stamps
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicaid
• Senior citizen low-income discount plan offered by the local gas or power company
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

2.      No one in your household currently receives Lifeline Assistance through another phone carrier. If someone in your household is receiving Lifeline Assistance you must cancel the service before applying for Lifeline Service through SafeLink Wireless.

3.      You have a valid United States Postal Address. In order for us to ship you your FREE phone you must live at a residence that can receive mail from the US Post Office. Sorry, but P.O. Boxes cannot be accepted.

Call 1-800-977-3768 to have an application sent to you

Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful

is a non-profit organization always looking for volunteers to help out on various environmental and beautification projects and events all through the year.  For a list of upcoming events and dates, please visit the Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful website at:  www.klvb.net 

The Adopt-A-Road program is an ongoing community service opportunity offered through Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful for organizations and businesses to adopt a portion of a road to keep clean throughout the year.

For more information on events, meetings, Adopt-A-Road, or signing up to volunteer, call or email Aaron Strickland at (229) 671-2499 or astrickland@lowndescounty.com

Volunteer at Second Harvest of South Georgia,

a member of Feeding America

Food Bank volunteer hours are as follows:
 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday- Wednesday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Thursday

9:00 AM -12:00 noon Friday

8:00 AM -12:00 noon, one Saturday a month (please call for dates)

Special appointments should be made for groups of ten or more.

We are always in need of volunteers.

Please call to schedule all volunteer work and/or for more information at 244-2678 ext. 234

• Our new name and logo directly convey that we are providing access to food for people who need it- hungry Americans.  In essence, "feeding" serves as a double meaning- both providing food and enriching lives.

We are now known as Second Harvest of South Georgia, Inc., and we are a member of Feeding America- The Nation’s Food Bank Network.  This is a very subtle change, as we have had much success over the years with our branding in south Georgia.  In the end, the wording in our organization’s name is the only change that will be seen by the public.  We continue to provide the same goods and services for our loyal members.

Valdosta/ Lowndes Recreation, Parks and

Community Affairs Department

Mildred Hunter Community Center

All participants must pay an annual membership fee for the Mildred Hunter Community Center.

                    The membership fee is as follows:

                    Adults 18 and up:   $30.00 per year

                    Seniors 50 and up : $12.00 per year or $1.00 per month

This membership fee will give you access to all of our recreational programs.  Memberships will not cover evening instructional programs (Sewing Classes, Computer Classes, Karate Program, or Basketball Leagues).  All participants must also complete and sign an active membership waiver form before participating in any center activity or program.

For more information contact Andre Newson @ 259-5437 or 259-5407.

If you would like to register in classes at the center, contact Andre Newson at the Mildred Hunter Center, 229-259-5407 or 259-5437

Homework Assistance, a tutoring program for the youth in the City of Valdosta that helps in excelling in academics. This meets Monday-Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:45 and Friday afternoons from 3:00-4:45.

African Culture & Dance Class is a learning program taught by Iye Kargbo designed to teach about the African culture and show different styles in dance to children ages 5-12.  This program meets Tuesday evenings from 6:00-6:45. 

Marching Pride Drill Team, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 - 5:30 PM, This program helps young men in all communities to learn and build self-esteem, character and motivation. Age group is 7 to 16.

Phazes Modeling Troupe, is a posing program for teenagers in middle school and high school designed to show basic modeling skills.  This program starts 1/27/11, meets Thursday evenings from 6:00-6:45 & Saturday mornings from 11:30-12:30.

Young Ladies’ Circle of Ambitions provides guidance, mentors, and cultivates young ladies into successful women.  The young ladies will participate in group mentoring that will include guest speakers, workshops that are educational, and community service that promotes healthy living and productive lifestyles.  Program meets twice a month, from 11am-12pm. 

Intervention Guidance Mentoring Program is a mentoring program for youth and teenagers ages 11-18 to help in dealing with life, goals, conflict, and character to become model citizens.  This program meets the every Tuesday evening beginning at 6. 

Bingo & Bonus Bingo is for senior citizens to come together to compete against one another for fun and to win inexpensive prizes.  It meets Wednesday mornings from 11:30-12:30.  For more information, contact Michael Foster at 259-5407. 

Senior Health Education involves walking, exercising, and interacting with other seniors to give them a chance to listen to guest speakers and about remaining in good health.  Michael Foster and Courtnee Hawkins are coordinating this class.  Program meets twice a month, Monday and Thursday mornings from 10:00am-11:00am.

 Senior Social is a socializing program for older participants to come together for eating, fellowship, and/or playing Bingo for tallies. It starts 1/26/11, and meets on the last Wednesday from 11:30-12:30pm.

 Free Sewing Classes
Monday and Tuesday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM -Ages 15 and older

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Community Friends for International Students

Help give each new VSU international student a friend in the Valdosta community…become a resource for the student and help the student in times of homesickness and cultural adjustment.  A Community Friend also provides the student an opportunity to share his/her culture. The Friend can be an individual or an entire family.  By inviting an international student to dinner, taking her to the mall, or participating in other such social activities, a Community Friend helps an international student feel welcome and helps compensate for the separation from friends and family. This is a unique opportunity to learn about another culture and make a difference in the life of an international student. For more information, contact Irina McClellan, International Student Advisor, 229-333-7410.

KALEIDOSCOPE After  School Program

Valdosta*Lowndes Recreation, Parks, and Community Affairs

 presents after school programs at Clyattville Elementary School and Lake Park Elementary School.  From 3:00 to 6:00 there will be homework assistance, structured games, and activities.   A snack will be provided.  The cost is $10 a day or $30 a week.  Some scholarships are available.  For more information, call 333-1861 or visit the website at valdostasportsandevent.com   *************************************

Regularly Scheduled 12 Step Groups

For information, call 1-800-766-4653

Lowndes County

AA, 5:30 PM, meeting only, Monday thru Friday, at First Baptist Church (corner of Toombs Street and Central Avenue) in building across the street from the office on Toombs Street. All meetings are Open Discussion and non-smoking. Call 229-245-7516 or 229-244-0070.

AA 7:00 PM, First Baptist Church (corner of Toombs Street and Central Avenue) in building across the street from the office on Toombs Street.  This meeting is Closed Discussion and includes Big Book Study. Call 229-245-7516 or 229-244-0070.

AA, Baytree Fellowship meets Thursdays 8:00 PM and Saturdays at 7:00 PM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Baytree Road, Valdosta. Both meetings are non-smoking.  Call 229-245-0426.

Northside Group AA meets Tuesday thru Saturday at noon, Sundays at 7:00 PM and Thursdays at 8:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 1521 North Patterson Street, Valdosta. All meetings are Open Discussion and non-smoking, except the Sunday and Thursday evening meetings, which are Closed Discussion.

Twin Lakes Group AA meeting is at 8:00 PM Tuesdays and 8:30 PM Fridays at the Presbyterian Church in Lake Park, GA.  Both meetings are Open Discussion and non-smoking.

Unity Group AA meetings are on Sundays at 3:00 PM; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM; and Saturdays at 10:00 PM at 400 St. Augustine Road, Valdosta.  All sessions are Open Discussion except for 8:00 PM Mondays.  All sessions allow smoking.

Valdosta Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics, meets at 12:00 Noon Mondays, and 5:30 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Christian Church, 1905 North Patterson Street.  For information, call 229-244-5014 or 229-247-0764.

Berrien County

Nashville Friendship Group meets Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM at the Old Jaycee Hut, Nashville, GA.  Both meetings are Open Discussion and non-smoking.

Brooks County

Brooks County AA  meets Tuesdays at 9:00 PM at the Methodist Church in Quitman.

Quitman Midtown AA meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM at 200 North Court Street, Quitman.  The meetings are Open Discussion and non-smoking.

Cook County

Cook County AA meets Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM at 214 South Hutchinson Avenue in Adel.  Both meetings are Open Discussion and non-smoking.

Lanier County

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meets at 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily at 203 W. Central Avenue.  Wednesday’s meeting is at the same place, but 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM. 

Call 1-800-342-3487.

NA meets at the Boy Scout building at the corner of Central and Toombs 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM, every Wednesday.  Call 229-247-0971.

Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association meets every month except summer.   Retired educators should come out and join us!  All retired Educators are invited to attend and become a member if you aren't. Contact Fred Davis for more information, freddavis23@yahoo.com .

VOLUNTEER TO HELP VICTIMS OF CRIME

Volunteers are needed to provide assistance for our victims of crime in Lowndes County. Volunteers will assist the District Attorney’s (DA) Office by educating the public about victim’s rights, attending court proceedings with victims, and providing clerical assistance to the DA’s office. The DA’s Office handles sensitive information regarding crimes and victimization; therefore issues of confidentiality are vital. To learn more about volunteering, please call Carla Williams, Senior Victim Advocate, (229) 244-7170.

VSU Small Business Development Office

CLASSES

To register: http://www.georgiasbdc.org/?page_name=view_classes&city=Valdosta

To see all the course offerings, please visit us online at http://www.valdosta.edu/sbdc.  To register for any of these courses, simply print out the flyer or brochure, clip and mail the registration, along with your payment, to our office.  If you prefer, you may register in person at our office during our normal business hours and pay by credit card.

LegalAid-GA.org

Atlanta Legal Aid Society and Georgia Legal Services Program developed LegalAid-GA.org, a public access legal web site.

Know Your Rights.  Georgians may now know their rights and legal responsibilities in 26 different areas of the law (over 1000 documents and links to legal information and government benefits).

• Court Forms / Legal Forms. Georgians may now obtain copies of model complaint letters, legal forms, court documents and online applications for government benefits from a single location.
• Find a Lawyer. Georgians may now find lawyers who will provide free and low-cost legal help throughout the state (including legal hotlines, legal aid organizations, lawyer referral agencies and bar associations).
• Community Help. Georgians may locate nearby social service providers (including the Dial 211 and other helpline providers throughout the state).
• Find a Court. Georgians may now locate the courts in each county (including court web sites).
• Elderly legal issues handled at this site.
• 1101 North Patterson Street, Valdosta.  229-333-5232

Georgia Legal Services schedule in other counties:

Civil Cases only excluding tort (fee generating cases), class action, bankruptcy, child support, divorces w/o domestic violence). Call and confirm if it’s something that they handle and if its not they can point callers in the right direction.

Atkinson County          4^th Thursday of every month         10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Willacoochee Senior Center                                              Willacoochee, Georgia

Berrien County              2^nd Monday of every month          9:00 AM to Noon

Berrien County Courthouse                                                  Nashville, Georgia

Clinch County                3^rd Tuesday of every month          9:00 AM to Noon

Concerted Services                                                              Homerville, Georgia

Colquitt County              4^th Monday of every month          9:00 AM to Noon

9 South Main Street                                                              Moultrie, Georgia

Cook County                   2^nd Thursday of every month       10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Cook County Library        213 E. 2^nd Street                           Adel, Georgia

Thomas County              2^nd Monday of every month          9:00 AM to Noon

Thomas County Judicial Center 325 N. Madison Street       Thomasville, Georgia

Tift County                       3^rd Monday of every month          9:00 AM to Noon

State Bar Office                 244 East 2^nd Street                      Tifton, Georgia

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunities:

New volunteer opportunity:  Family Supporter

Family Supporters must have good people skills and understand the difference between empowering and enabling and understand the importance of confidentiality.

Supporters will be a friend and information source for our Habitat families. They will assist families throughout the entire process of becoming homeowners by answering questions, helping plan Dedication Celebrations, providing follow-up explanations of Homeownership Skills class materials, and identifying other community resources. Once a family moves into their new home the Supporter will maintain contact during the first year as family faces the challenges of homeownership.

Training is provided for Family Supporters.

Office Angels (Monday–Friday 9am–4pm):  Answer phone, Greet visitors, Perform office duties

ReStore (Tuesday–Saturday 9 to 4):  Display, sort & price stock, Assist customers, Test & repair large appliances

Jobsite (Tuesday–Saturday 8am–4pm):  Help build houses, Serve as Site Host/Hostess, Paint, Landscape, Provide meals, Clean up

Serve on a committee:  Church Relations, Construction, Family Selection, Family Support

Lunch providers for worksites needed

Dinner site volunteers needed for campus groups coming during their spring breaks.

For more information, contact Richard Hart : 242-3468, 563-1253  or Christine Nash: 245-1330 ext. 27, volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net

For more information visit our website:  www.valdostahabitat.org

To volunteer contact Volunteer Coordinator by e-mail:  Christine Nash, volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net or phone: 229-245-1330, ext 27.

Habitat ReStore

…is open to the public every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  It is at 2010 East Cypress St.  For sale are donated new and used home improvement materials, furniture, appliances, and much more.  Donations to the store are tax deductible. All sales proceeds benefit Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity and are used to help further the mission of building affordable housing for people in need. 

Workers needed for ReStore…must be able to withstand variations of temperature…

For more information, call the store manager, Bill Ray, at 229-247-8513.

Flu vaccine

“Many people believe that if they have not gotten the flu or the flu vaccine by January, they are in the clear,” stated Debra Adams, RN, APRN, District Nursing and Clinical Director. “This is not true.

The CDC recommends certain groups getting vaccinated as soon as possible because they are at highest risk of getting the flu or spreading the flu to vulnerable populations. Those priority groups for getting the vaccine are pregnant women, caregivers for infants younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons from 6 months through 24 years of age, and persons 25 to 64 years of age who have health conditions, such as asthma and chronic congestive heart failure. Although priority groups have been highlighted, there are no restrictions on who can get the seasonal or H1N1 vaccines at this time.

For more information on NIVW or receiving your flu vaccine call your local health department, South Health District at 229-333-5290 or visit www.flu.gov.

MAY 2011

BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Valdosta Blood Donation Center                   2517-A Bemiss Road

Mondays, Tuesdays:                              10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wednesdays:                                            1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays:                8:00 am - 2:00 pm

For more information or to set up a blood donation event, contact Tina Tucker,

American Red Cross, 229-241-1141,   Ext 221 or tuckert@usa.redcross.org

JULY 2011

BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

July 6 My Friend’s House Support Group Meeting, 10:30 AM. This group meets on the first Wednesday of each month for persons who are caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias. Contact Dorothy Dye, ddye@valdosta.edu .

July7  Valdosta Civic Roundtable, 12:30 PM, NEW LOCATION Wooden Nickel Pub, Inner Perimeter Road near North Oak St. Ext. This is a group of representatives from many civic organizations who meet to exchange information about events in Valdosta. It meets the first Thursday of every month. Representatives of all groups are welcome. Contact Jane Osborn for more information; 229-630-0924.

July 7 Valdosta City Council meeting, 5:30 PM, City Hall. Link to page with agenda: http://www.valdostacity.com/index.aspx?recordid=1071&page=193