VALDOSTA AREA Community Calendar

Please send updates and additions to osbo1933@bellsouth.net 

Community Events begin on page 5

Arts, Theatre and Learning Opportunities begin on page 19

Resources and Volunteer Opportunities begin on page 23

Citizen Opportunities…see elected/appointed officials in action:

Lowndes County Commissioners Meeting

Tuesday, August 13, 5:30 PM

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

Link to website:

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

Valdosta City Council Meeting
Thursday, August 8, 5:30 pm
Valdosta City Hall Council Chambers, at 216 E. Central Avenue on the second floor

Link to page with agenda: http://www.valdostacity.com/Index.aspx?page=193

Valdosta/Lowndes County Industrial Authority Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, August 20, 5:30 PM

Industrial Authority Conference Room

2110 North Patterson (corner of Patterson and Park)

Link to page with agenda:

http://www.industrialauthority.com/

For more information, call 229-259-9972

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

DID YOU KNOW?????

Veterans and the family members of veterans are eligible for special rates, exemptions, honorary licenses (fishing, hunting and driver) and other opportunities in Georgia:

http://veterans.georgia.gov/sites/veterans.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/state-benefits-ga.pdf

***********************************

There are numerous volunteer opportunities in Valdosta

to satisfy your need to help:

CREATING FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME

VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY FAMILY YMCA

SUMMER PROGRAM

T hrough Tuesday, August 6th

7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

For children entering Kindergarten - 12 years

YMCA Summer FUN will Include:

• Healthy Lunch, Snack & Dinner

• Swimming

• Field Trips

• Creative Art Projects

• Computer Time

• Guest Speakers

• Physical Fitness

• and much, much MORE!

Registration Fee $10/Camper

$75 Members / $80 Non Members

$5 Discount for Each Additional Camper

(subsidies available for eligible families)

Challenger League needs volunteers to help with summer programs of bowling and swimming.

For information, call 228-244-4646

Valdosta-Lowndes County Family YMCA

2424 Gornto Rd. • Valdosta

(229) 244-4646 • www.valdostaymca.org

***********************************************************

Several suicide prevention resources:

1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
National Hopeline Network http://hopeline.com/

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.

The American Red Cross

• helps families who have fires,

• helps people who need to contact loved ones in the military,

• gives fire and disaster safety and other courses to improve citizen health in the community and

• covers numerous counties in this area.

Contact Terri Jenkins to find out how your donation of time or money can help this organization that is always ready to help you.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. Msg & Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to 90999 to STOP. Reply HELP to 90999 for HELP

terri.jenkins@redcross.org

View the new website: www.redcross.org/southgeorgia

*************************

Save your mortgage…if you have suffered an employment-related hardship that has prevented you from paying your mortgage,

HomeSafe Georgia may be able to help you.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has partnered with GHFA Affordable Housing, Inc. to deliver a statewide unemployment mortgage payment assistance program to prevent foreclosures, under the name HomeSafe Georgia.

HomeSafe Georgia will help by providing "bridge" mortgage assistance to many Georgians who are unemployed or have seen a dramatic decrease in their income due to national economic conditions.

Who is Eligible for HomeSafe Georgia mortgage assistance?

First and foremost, the Georgia homeowner must have suffered a hardship due to unemployment or underemployment through no fault of their own. Other hardships, while unfortunate, do not qualify under this program. The homeowner must be able and willing to work, and be seeking new or better employment.

The homeowner must have been current on his or her mortgage before the event of the unemployment or underemployment, and cannot be more than six months behind on the mortgage at the time of application.

Other eligibility requirements apply. Check Eligibility Requirements for details and an eligibility checklist.

The applicant and property must meet all requirements.

Additional underwriting criteria may also be established.

*********************

YOU Can Light the Path of Hope for a Child!

Imagine you are five years old and unable to live safely at home. Strangers in court are about to decide your future. Life at home may have been bad, but the unknown is scarier.

When abused and neglected children enter the court system, they may see several different judges, attorneys and case managers who are all working hard to consider their best interests. However, there may not be any one person who will be the same person at every court hearing to speak for the child…unless that person is a CASA Volunteer.

CASA Volunteers are people just like you, who care about keeping children safe and helping them find a permanent home. They’ve been screened and trained to step in at this defining moment in a child’s life. They attend court hearings and speak for the best interest of the child and sometimes make all the difference. Your gift of time, or your financial gift, can help make all the difference in a child’s life. Help CASA bring kids home by volunteering or supporting CASA Volunteers.

You may make a donation to CASA of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit In Honor or In Memory of your loved one at Easter and/or Mother’s Day. Please contact Elaine Grice at (229)686-6576 ext. 4 or email elaine.douglas@berrien.k12.ga.us for more information on Light the Path of Hope for a Child.

*************************************************

Toastmasters is growing in our area!

Citizens have four club options in the area to improve our communication and leadership skills.  Meetings are open to all. If becoming a more proficient speaker and leader are some of your resolutions this year--or have been for years--now is the time to get started on YOU.

TitleTown Toastmasters

Thursdays, 6:00 PM, South Georgia Regional Library (Woodrow Wilson Drive).

Valdosta Toasts

Tuesdays, from 12pm-1pm, Ambling Training Room, 348 Enterprise Drive

Contact Stacey Whatley 229-244-2800, ext. 8028

Moody Talking Tigers

Thursdays, from 11 am-Noon, Moody Education Center

Contact Juanita Walker at 229-245-7077

Wiregrass Technically Speaking

Fridays, 9am-10am, 4089 Val Tech Rd, Room 7238

Contact Ron O’Meara at 229-333-2100, ext. 2111

May was National Foster Care Month

You can change a lifetime

http://www.fostercaremonth.org/

or

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING?

Call 1-877-210-KIDS

******************

COMING ATTRACTION:

Habitat for Humanity 5k Color run

Saturday, October 19, 2013 Drexel Park

Runners and sponsors must register by August 22

pre-registration: $25 per person and $70 per family (parents and children under 18)
registration: $30 per person and $90 per family
race day sign-up: $35 per person
t-shirts only guaranteed during pre-registration

race day info
registration time: 7:00-7:35 am
5k Color Run: 7:45 am

to sponsor or donate contact molly roan at 229.245.1330 x 31
To register to run contact donnie radney at 229.245.1330 x 27

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Sign up now to partner with low income and homeless families at Kids Are People, Too Fair on August 3…see below…

*********************

Georgia is now rating child care facilities. Go to this website to find out more: http://qualityrated.org/find-a-quality-rated-program/

Repair grants for homeowners:

From July 1 to August 15, 2013, the City of Valdosta Neighborhood Development Division will be accepting applications for owner-occupied home rehabilitation grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Valdosta home owners who qualify as low to moderately-low income residents (according to HUD FY 2013 Income Limits) may be eligible to use this grant funding to make much-needed home repairs.

Grants are limited to home repairs which cost under $10,000, and each applicant must meet the following criteria:

Home must be located in the city’s Designated Revitalization Area (DRA).

Applicant must be the legal owner of record of the home.

Applicant must provide proof of income and residency.

Property taxes and insurance must be current.

Repairs must improve and/or remedy unsafe living conditions (e.g. roof repairs, electrical/plumbing updates, repairs to floors/structural members, etc.).

Rehabilitation grants will be awarded to homeowners who can fulfill the affordability period necessary for residency in the home. The affordability period for this program is five years. Those homeowners who are awarded a grant and do not fulfill the affordability period will be required to repay a portion or the entire grant awarded.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Development Department at (229) 671-3617.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

South Georgia Regional Library

Summer Reading

Sign up a child at any of the branches of the library system. There are prizes, parties, activities and other book-related plans for the summer. See link below:

http://www.sgrl.org/pages/summer.html

***************

Downtown

Farm Days

August 17

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

On the grounds of the historic Valdosta Courthouse

Every Saturdays in June

***********************************

Spectrum Connection

is a group, facilitated by a team of Marriage and Family Therapy interns, that offers an intimate environment for people of diverse identities to share experiences, questions, and/or concerns about issues relevant to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

Stay tuned for new meeting dates and times in August.

Who? Ages 17+

What? A few topics covered in the past have included religion, identity, relationships, sex, family, and friends

Where? FamilyWorks Therapy Clinic, 903 N. Patterson Street (the corner of Gordon and Patterson: next to the old Georgia Power building)

Consider joining us and bring whatever is on your mind. We welcome you and look forward to making the connection!

Please call for more information: (229) 219-1281

SURVIVOR GROUPS AT THE HAVEN

Every Thursday, call for information.

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. Participants must complete an initial screening.

Groups are free, confidential, and facilitated by trained professionals. It is not necessary to be a current client of The Haven to participate. To join, contact Sheila Rowell, therapist@valdo​stahaven.org, 229-244-9056 to register.

JULY

DID YOU KNOW? 

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

 More than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day.

 A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006).

 The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.

 The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

 The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.

 Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98 percent of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

 More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

YMCA Challenger League

BOWLING

Jac’s Bowling Lanes

406 Connell Road

Through AUGUST 12, 2013

Participants invited regardless of ability.

Volunteers needed to assist participants.

Contact Cheryl Marshall at

229-244-4646 or cmarshall@valdostaymca.com

***************

Challenger League BOWLING

Jac’s Bowling Lanes

406 Connell Road

JULY 8, 2013 - AUGUST 12, 2013

AWARDS: AUGUST 19, 2013

Contact Cheryl Marshall at

229.244.4646 or cmarshall@valdostaymca.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

AUGUST

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Thursday August 1 12:30 PM

Wooden Nickel Pub

Join representatives of community organizations as they share information about the work of their group and networking occurs around the room. You are welcome to come at noon to order your lunch so that you may be prepared to speak. Please bring about 15 or 20 flyers, handouts or other materials to share.

Call Jane at 229-630-0924 if you have questions.

************

KIDS ARE PEOPLE,TOO FAIR

August 3 10 AM to 2 PM

Southeast Elementary School

South Georgia Partnership to End Homelessness Sixth Annual event to support impoverished and homeless children in our community by providing school supplies, food and community resource information.

There will be lunch, entertainment, resource information and 300 pairs of free tennis shoes

Resources include VPD, Lowndes County Sheriff, VFD, Family Connection, Harvey’s, Valdosta City Schools, Lowndes County School, The Haven,

Wal Mart, Children’s Advocacy Center, South Health District, Moody AFB and many others.

To share information about your service or to support this event:

For more information contact:

Dr. Ronnie Mathis, 229-293-7301 or Seth Brown, 229-251-4338

******************

The 13th Annual Kids’ Chance

Bowling Tournament and Auction

AUGUST 3

The 13th Annual Kids’ Chance Bowling Tournament is scheduled to start 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, Jac’s Bowling Lanes, 406 Connell Road.

Registration fee: $25 per person.

Organizers are also selling Boston butt, ham, turkey and sausage for $25 now through tournament day. These barbecued meats can be picked up Aug. 10, a week after the tournament.

Kids’ Chance provides scholarships for the children of parents who are seriously injured or killed on the job.

Money raised during the Aug. 3 Kids’ Chance event goes to help children in Georgia. It is a nine-pin, no-tap bowling tournament. Teams must have five members. Individuals can register and organizers will find them a team. The cost is $25 per bowler.

An auction is scheduled to follow the tournament. Raffle tickets for a charcoal/gas grill are available now through tournament day.

For more tournament information call Jac’s Lanes, 229-242-2695; or Diane McIrvin, 229-563-8007. More information on Kids’ Chance, visit www.kidschancega.org.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF VALDOSTA

Sunday, August 4, 3:00 - 4:30 in the nursery at Christ's Fellowship Church, 417 Connell Road...

directly across the street from the Spanish Mission Apartments sign.

Refreshments are fun, but not essential.

If you would like to bring a nutritious snack to share, please do!

We know a lot of you moms have babies that are all grown up now and long past the nursing stage. We still welcome you to come and participate at our meetings. The new and expectant mothers cherish your sage advice and wisdom...and it is always fun to just come and have a chat.

LLL of Valdosta offers a continuing series of four informal discussion meetings open to all women interested in breastfeeding. We suggest coming to the whole series before your baby is born. Mothers with babies will find the mother to mother support very helpful and encouraging.

The meeting dates planned for 2013 are: September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1.

Call 229-244-3393 for more information.

##################

Annette Turner Center for the Arts

Gallery Opening Reception

August 5 -- 5:00 -7:00 PM

FREE!

Withlacoochee Quilters Guild, works of Richard Peterman and a trio of artists.

http://turnercenter.org/events/current-events/

**************************

Celebrate Recovery Valdosta

August 5, Monday at 6:30pm

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts, and hang-ups.

We are a community group that is open to all.

CrossPointe Church

110 Northside Drive, Valdosta

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ SGMC QUIT SMOKING CLASSES

FRESHSTART

August 6, 13, 20 & 27 (Tues)

7:30am – 8:30am

Light breakfast provided

Call 229-333-1074 for more information

#############

Brain Injury Advocate Services of Georgia

Peer Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, August 6       7:00 PM      

Valdosta State University “Family Works”

901 North Patterson Street

Valdosta

(park in the lot where Georgia Power office was…parking passes inside the building) 

For more information about BIAS meetings, please call 229-671-4977

or email: biasofga@bellsouth.net

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Turner Center for the Arts Casino Night Fundraiser

August 9, 7-11 PM

Playing Time: 7:30 - 10:30 pm

Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N Patterson Street

Benefiting The Home Builders Association, The Turner Center for the Arts, Hungry at Home & Jacob's Ladder Therapeutic Horse Riding Facility.

For Tickets and Event Information, call the Home Builders at 229-247-8422, or tickets available at the Turner Center for the Arts.

The Ticket prices are: $50 per individual or $80 per set (two)

Admission includes: hors d'oeuvres and $2000 in funny money. Cash Bar.

No real gambling, playing for a chance to win fabulous prizes! Additional funny money can be purchased during the event. $10 buys $1000 in funny money or $20 buys $2500 in funny money. Vegas-style entertainment including: Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Texas Hold'em, Slots and more.

Family Autism Support Team

Support group for parents of children with autism and Asperger syndrome

Saturday, August 10 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Valdosta State University Communication Disorders Building, corner of Patterson and Brookwood

These groups will provide support and information for families impacted by an autism spectrum disorder

RSVP: ladams@valdosta.edu

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia

Back to School Pool party in August

Please make plans to attend our second annual pool party at the home of Matt and Amy Reaves, @ 904 Lemaka Drive, Hahira, Georgia on:

Saturday, August 10th

1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. (If you are interested in bringing a light snack, please let Donna know.)

Bring your suit and towel!

Please RSVP by August 5 to info@southgeorgiadsa.org

########################################

August 13 Prevent Child Abuse Lowndes County, Noon to 1:00 PM, Wooden Nickel Pub, Inner Perimeter.

For more information: Pam Brewer pbrewer@cflfostercare.com or 229-244-1707.

************************************

VALDOSTA CIVITAN CLUB

August 13

Meets 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of each month from 12:00 – 1:00

Old Times Country Buffet

Open to the public. Community projects benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information contact Emily Joiner at emilytjoiner@gmail.com or

Jane Singletary @ 229-251-5630 or janesingletary@gmail.com.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities,

Region Four Regional Planning Board will hold a public meeting on

Tuesday, August 13, 2013, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at

Decatur/Seminole Service Center

333 Airport Road, Bainbridge, Georgia 39817

(229) 246-6108

The purpose of this meeting is to solicit community input to help identify needs

regarding behavioral health and developmental disabilities.

"Public is Invited and Encouraged to Attend"

If you have questions, please contact Jackie Davis at jadavis4@dhr.state.ga.us,

(229) 225-5099 or Toll Free at (877) 683-8557

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

VALDOSTA CIVITAN CLUB

August 14

Meets 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of each month from 12:00 – 1:00

Old Times Country Buffet

Open to the public. Community projects benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information contact Emily Joiner at emilytjoiner@gmail.com or

Jane Singletary @ 229-251-5630 or janesingletary@gmail.com.

South Georgia HIV-AIDS Support Group

August 14 7:30 PM

Call for location information

Janice 229-740-5530

Dwight 229-834-3461

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

South Georgia Pride Monthly Meeting

Wooden Nickel Pub August 15 7:00 PM

For more information: email rwilliams@southgeorgiapride.org

or go to www.southgeorgiapride.org

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Haven Silent Auction

16^th Annual Fundraiser

August 17, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Mathis Auditorium

$15/person or $25/couple

Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

Music by Sold at Auction

For more information call 229-241-7047 or go to

www.valdostahaven.org/auction

##################

Brain Injury Advocate Services of Georgia

Caregivers’ Bible Study

Monday, August 19   6:00 PM

(Third Monday of every month)

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),

1905 North Patterson Street, Valdosta

For more information about BIAS meetings, please call 229-671-4977

or email: biasofga@bellsouth.net

****

The Lowndes Area Adoptive and Foster Parent Support Group, Inc.

August 19

Every 3rd Monday, 6:30 PM, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 100 East Park Avenue.

The group offers moral support to foster and adoptive families as well as services and information. There is access for the parents to the Valdosta Food Bank. Child care available as needed. President is Cathy Burks, 229-247-8030.

FREE LUNCH AND LEARNS HELD AT

PHOEBE PUTNEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Now being held on the 4^th Tuesday of each month

August 20, 2013

In Albany, we continue to join together LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs and LPCs, to provide CE programs for professionals in the area. A lunchtime series is offered free of charge every 4th Thursday of each month, from Noon – 1 pm in the Conference Room of Phoebe Putney’s Outpatient Behavioral Health building - 500 W. Third Street, Albany, Ga. (across the street from the hospital).

Join your colleagues, and gain knowledge from the experienced.

So join your colleagues, and gain knowledge from the experts in their fields. For more information or to volunteer to be a presenter in the future, please contact Shelly Patterson, LCSW, Southwest Unit Board Representative at spatters@surfsouth.com for more information.

Brain Injury Advocate Services of Georgia

Peer Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, August 20       6:00 PM

Valdosta State University “Family Works”

901 North Patterson Street

Valdosta

(park in the lot where Georgia Power office was…parking passes inside the building) 

Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Services

Services include: survivor advocacy, family advocacy, support groups, e-newsletter, prevention, community, education, court.

For more information about BIAS meetings, please call 229-671-4977

or email: biasofga@bellsouth.net

*******

Learning in Retirement

Registration kick off is August 21

Classes start September 9

Classes include: Essential Human Resources, Spanish for Excellent Customer Service, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Beer and Wine Tasting, African Dancing and many more !

Pay the $45 membership and most classes are free.

There are classes to attend and opportunities to teach classes.  If you have ideas for classes or are willing to teach a class for this series, call 229-245-6484 or go to website at www.valdosta.edu/conted .

##########

Survivors of Suicide Peer2Peer

Wednesday, August 21

8:00 PM, Unitarian Universalist Church, 1951 East Park Ave, Valdosta

(third Wednesday of every month)

For more information, write to sosvaldosta@yahoo.com

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

August 22…deadline to register for Color Run for Habitat for Humanity…see top of calendar……….

*****************************************

August 23, 24, 25

Driving Miss Daisy

Theatre Guild Valdosta

Featuring the original TGV players: John Gaston and Joanne Griner

Get your tickets now !

Opening night tickets are buy-one-get-one-free.

http://www.theatreguildvaldosta.com/ticketing.php#slide1

SEPTEMBER

Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association meets the second Monday of every month (September 9)

(except June, July and August) at the Valdosta Holiday Inn. We start promptly at 11:00 AM with programs of interest to our group, and we’re finished by 12:00 Noon. For a modest charge, a delicious buffet is available. All retired public school, college and university employees, their spouses, and others interested in the work of the Association are invited to become members of Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association and the Georgia Retired Educators Association. For information, call President Alice DeVane at 229-244-7066, visit our Facebook page (Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association -VLREA), or email adevane.vlrea@mediacombb.net .

Habitat for Humanity

September 14-21 will be the 4^th Annual Freedom Build

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lowndes Interagency Coordinating Council

September 10 Babies Can’t Wait Office,

3^rd floor DFCS building by the overpass

Noon…lunch will be served, so please RSVP if you plan to attend.
Speaker to be announced later.

%%%%%%%%%%%

Genuine American Hootenanny,

Bar-B-Que Dinner and

Concert!

Featuring Folk Music and Dance by Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly.

September 26, Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson Street

Bar-B-Que Dinner at 6:00 pm and Concert at 7:30 pm. $30 per person / $55 per couple. $10 kids under 10. $20 concert only.

Ticket price includes dinner, concert and a chance to pull a diamond from a bale of hay - complements of Steel's Jewelry!

OCTOBER 2013

Valdosta Great Strides Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis

Wild Adventures Theme Park October 26, 2013

Registration begins at 7:30 am Walk begins at 8:30 am

For more information, contact Vicki Nix, Development Director, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 404-325-6973 http://www.cff.org/great_strides/find_a_walk_site/index.cfm

Information about cystic fibrosis: http://www.cff.org/great_strides/cffactsheet **************************

CHALLENGER League Basketball

Valdosta-Lowndes County YMCA GYM

OCTOBER 28, 2013 - DECEMBER 2, 2013

AWARDS: DECEMBER 9, 2013

Participants invited regardless of ability.

Volunteers needed to assist participants.

Contact Cheryl Marshall at

229.244.4646 or cmarshall@valdostaymca.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Arts, Theatre And Learning Opportunities

http://ww2.valdosta.edu/comarts/VSUTheatre-DanceTicketsMemberships.shtml

To contact the box office: (229) 333-5973, Mon-Sat, 2-5 pm.

****************************

To purchase season tickets and for information on upcoming fundraiser performances and events that provide scholarship dollars for students, go to:

http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/communication-arts/theatre-and-dance/events/tickets-memberships-patronage.php

#####################

Valdosta Symphony Orchestra

Tickets $25 Season Tickets on sale soon

229-333-2150 or www.valdostasymphony.org

Theatre Guild Valdosta

at the 'Dosta Playhouse

122 N. Ashley Street

Nine to Five, The Musical

August 1 to August 17

Opening night tickets are buy-one-get-one-free.

Membership and patron packages available now:

Contact the number or website below a complete brochure

229-247-8423

http://www.theatreguildvaldosta.com/ticketing.php#slide1

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

THE HAHIRA/LOWNDES COUNTY COMMUNITY

OUTREACH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Hahira/Lowndes County Community Outreach Development Corporation (HLCCODC mission is to provide programs to assist at risk families with substance abuse issues and prevent or delay initiation of any drug and over a life time create a drug free community.  The HLCCODC is the lead organization of the South Georgia Regional Communities Coalition of Hahira.

The HLCCODC currently sponsors the following programs:

Teen Explosion is a youth leadership program.  Sheila Warren is the Adult Advisor for this teen leadership program.  Asset Builders is the curriculum used and focuses on teenagers planning activities for their peers to get the message out against drug abuse, violence, early sexual activities.

Cotillion: Contact:  Estell Rose, (229) 630-3120; estellrose@bellsouth.net

The Cotillion’s purpose is to present our finest young ladies to society—academically, morally and socially; and to provide positive reinforcements to assist them as they embark upon womanhood.  Junior and senior high school students are identified by school administrators from Lowndes, Valdosta, Brooks, Cook, Lanier, Echols, Berrien and surrounding counties with the following criteria:

         Must have “B” average

         Good moral character

         Not pregnant and have not been pregnant

         Involved in community

         Female born-debutantes/hostess; male born-escorts/hosts

         No alcohol or drugs

Escorts are juniors and seniors; sophomores are hosts and hostesses both with same criteria listed above.

Meetings are held every second Sunday.  Contact:  Estell Rose, (229) 630-3120;  estellrose@bellsouth.net

*******************************************************************

  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.

******************************************************

Kaleidoscope

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 229-333-1861 or visit the website at valdostasportsandevents.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

  Challenger League Sports

Sports for all seasons…

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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Volunteer at South Georgia Medical Center as a golf cart driver, chemo cap knitter, auxiliary member, art project provider, pet therapy provider. Go to http://www.sgmc.org/volunteers.aspx for complete information.

*************************************************************************** 

To order the most recent 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:

http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter/Publications.aspx?pubguid={C2FBD3FE-27EA-44EB-B5A6-0F45D713076E}

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Need help with the price of prescriptions? 

Contact one of the websites below for assistance:

http://www.pparx.org

http://www.covermymeds.com/main/why-use-covermymeds

****************************************

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

**************************************

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

Contact VA Social Worker Ayanna Sampson

1-800-308-8387, Ext 3416

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.

########################################

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

**********************************

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.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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

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.

The clinic needs volunteer physicians, nurses and administrative helpers 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.

For more information about the clinic, call 229-245-0020 ext. 3.

********************************

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

Page listing funding resources: http://www.gatfl.org/Resources.aspx

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

*********************************************************

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

********************************

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.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

State Department of Family and Children Services resources:

http://dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/ 

If you need a state service but don't know which state agency or person to call for help, dial 1-800-georgia (1-800-436-7442) for immediate assistance. Agents are on duty Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-6:00 pm (closed on state holidays).

************************************************

1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
National Hopeline Network http://hopeline.com/

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>

  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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

************************************

Atlanta Legal Aid has services for seniors all over the state. Go to this website for a kit for grandparents who need help when caring for relative children.

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 .

*******************************************

National Do Not Call Registry

Register home or cell phones to prevent mass marketing calls

https://www.donotcall.gov 

***********************************

Homeless prevention and rapid re-housing (stimulus ARRA dollars) funds are currently suspended 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

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Join the advocates for mental health services in Georgia –

2012 has become increasingly challenging for persons needing services for mental illnesses and addictive diseases, and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities in the State of Georgia. DBHDD Planning Board advocates are currently becoming very active with our Community Service Boards, Georgia Alliance on Mental Illness, law enforcement, county commissioners, the courts, consumers and other stakeholders to speak with one voice for the survival and improvement of access to DBHDD information and services in our region.

Interested persons may contact Linda Floyd at lfloyd@valdosta.edu .

FamilyWorks is the brief therapy center for the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at Valdosta State University. We provided state-of-the-art therapeutic help to families and individuals all over Valdosta, the VSU campus, and surrounding communities, including south Georgia and north Florida.

Who Goes to FamilyWorks? Any individual person, married or unmarried couples, children, elderly, couples, families of all varieties, roommates, and LGBT persons—all are welcome at FamilyWorks. 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 extraordinarily helpful when people find themselves stuck. Here are just a few of the dilemmas that people struggle with:

•relationship problems • anger management •pre-marital concerns

•domestic violence • individual depression •child behavior problems

•grief and loss • divorce and separation • communication difficulties

• parenting problems • sexual 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 We Have to Pay? We charge for each session according to a sliding scale that is based on family size and income. 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. The really good news: No one is ever denied services because they cannot pay. If your circumstances are such that you can't pay anything at all, let us know. Services are free to Valdosta State University students, faculty and employees.

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.

FamilyWorks - 903 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, 31698

FamilyWorks is housed in the one-story part of the Continuing Ed Building that is on the corner of Patterson and Gordon Streets (directly across the street from the Crescent). You can reach the building by turning in off of either Patterson or Gordon Streets. If you come in off Patterson Street, drive around to the back of the parking lot. We are tucked in the corner of the one-story part of the L-shaped building.

When you arrive, poke your nose into the Intake Office and ask for a parking permit. If you have a current VSU student, staff, or faculty parking sticker, you are good to go.

  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

South Georgia Regional Libraries Opportunities

South Georgia Regional Library

300 Woodrow Wilson Drive

For information, contact Patrick Spurlock, Community Relations Coordinator,

229-333-0086, ext 216

 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.

Check at the research desk for a packet that will enable you to go into state parks for free.

http://www.sgrl.org/pages/events.html

Backdoor Bookstore

11:00am – 2:00pm Tuesdays and Saturdays

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.

**************************************************************

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                                                       

*******************************************************************

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.

******************************************

Bethany Hospice is in need of volunteers to provide direct patient care, administrative care, and community outreach.  For more information, please contact Susan Doak, Volunteer Coordinator … sdoak@bethany-hospice.com or 229-249-8687.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hospice of South Georgia Sponsors Grief Support Groups

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.

Groups meet throughout the year at the Hospice of South Georgia Administration Building, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta. http://www.hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org/volunteer_opportunities.aspx

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Visit the new Hospice South, LLC.

CLOTHES CLOSET

Used Clothing and Accessories at Extremely Reasonable Prices!

(all proceeds will be used to support our needy patient fund)

125 S Hutchinson St., Adel, Georgia

WE ACCEPT ALL DONATIONS OF CLEAN CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES!

 Hospice South, LLC. is a full service hospice agency providing

Skilled Nursing, Home Health Aide, Social Work, Chaplain, and Volunteer Services in

Adel and all counties within a 60 mile radius.

 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

for Patient Care, Administrative, and Community Outreach positions.

Call for hours of operation

229-896-6100

Volunteers needed for 

Serenity Palliative & Hospice Care

Contact Chaplain Yolanda L. Payne at

229-241-8338. 

  ################################################

SouthernCare Hospice is in need of compassionate volunteers who can provide direct patient care or administrative care to our patients and their families.  For more information, please contact Sarah Murphy, Volunteer Services Coordinator at 229-217-0523 or smurphy@southerncareinc.com.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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

No registration required

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.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Drop (the things you don’t need) & Shop (for the things you do need)

285 Norman Drive (Across from Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club)

Open 9-6 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

9-5 on Wednesday

Options Now 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 such as working behind the scenes on events, abstinence teaching in our Wait Now program, computer technology assistance, and peer counseling. Call today to see where you can fit in, 229-333-0080, or visit our partners’ website for more information, www.ONpartners.org.   Applications are available online or at the office at 214 W. Park Ave., Valdosta. Training is provided!

****************************************************************************

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.

It is not necessary to be a current client of The Haven to participate.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 

Moody Air Force Base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Moody AFB, GA Office - (229) 257-7272 Cell - (229) 560-5085

For Live 1-on-1 Help Confidential Worldwide 24/7

CLICK: www.SafeHelpline.org CALL:877-995-5247 TEXT:55-247

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.

December Smith is the Easter Seals coordinator for Valdosta, if you need forms and have any questions regarding the application process for help with family respite care and other assistance. Please remember that the money from Easter Seals is based on the child and not family income. The family support/respite program covers Lowndes, Brooks, Lanier, Cook, Berrien, Tift, Irwin, Turner, Ben Hill, and Wilcox Counties. 

Champions for Children Program

The Champions for Children Program is designed to assist primarily children and families

who do not meet the eligibility requirements for TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid Program

http://www.championsforchildren.org

• Have applied for Katie Beckett and received a level of care denial 

• Age 21 and under

• Live at home

• Have a physical, cognitive, developmental or medical disability

Current Medicaid recipients are not eligible for this program

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.

Megan’s House now has services available to military families in need of respite care for special needs family members.

 Contact December Smith dsmith@swga-easterseals.org  for more information.

*********************

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

*************************

 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.

 **********************************************

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.

*****************************************************

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

307 E. Jane Street, Valdosta

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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

(If you are interested in learning more about this fundraiser, e-mail daltobello@sgrl.org.)

*********************************************

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

*        Meeting rooms for groups

*        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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

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
 

  *************************************************************************************

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.

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 Berrien, Brooks, Lanier, and Lowndes Counties.

*****************************************************

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

***************************************

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

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

*****************************************************

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

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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

*************************************************

  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

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

Lowndes County Humane Society

www.humanesocietyofvaldosta.org

#######################################

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 $7,500.

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 27.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator Donnie Radney can give you details about how Habitat uses volunteers to help families become homeowners. Call 229-245-1330 ext 27 or email at volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net . 

Habitat for Humanity Applicant Workshop

********************************************************************

Habitat for Humanity offers:

These classes may 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 of the GA Department of Community Affairs.

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). 

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). 

          Attend Homeownership and Financial Skills Classes

Classes Are Open to All

(Child care is not provided)

Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity

You must register before attending classes.

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

Home Buyer Education Workshop!!!

9AM—3PM

Habitat for Humanity

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

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunities:

Groups to assist during the week are needed for ongoing projects.

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

To volunteer call Donnie Radney at 229-245-1330/ext 27 or email at volunteerhabitat@bellsouth.net

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

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.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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.