VALDOSTA AREA Community Calendar

Please send updates and additions to osbo1933@bellsouth.net 

Community Events begin on page 2

April events begin on page 8

Arts, Theatre and Learning Opportunities begin on page 22

Resources and Volunteer Opportunities begin on page 28

Citizen Opportunities…see elected/appointed officials in action:

Lowndes County Commissioners Meeting

Tuesday, April 22, 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, April 24, 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

Industrial Authority Conference Room

Meets the second Tuesday of each month.

2110 North Patterson (corner of Patterson and Park)

Link to page with agenda:

http://www.industrialauthority.com/

For more information, call 229-259-9972

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Health departments receive car seat mini-grants

Ben Hill, Cook, Echols, Lowndes and Tift County Health Departments were awarded the 2014 Car Seat Mini-Grant by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Injury Prevention Program. Through the Mini-Grant, the health departments work with community partners (i.e., law enforcement, fire, EMS) to provide car seats and educations to financially eligible families. For more information about the car seat program, contact your local health department.

For local information, please contact Lowndes County Health Department, 229-333-5290.

(229) 242-1187

United Hospice is providing support group meetings throughout the holidays on Thursdays at 5:30 PM.  Support group meetings are open to those in our community who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Counseling is available in a group setting and also for those who would like individual counseling. Anyone who is interested in attending may contact Dede Wadell, United Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at

229-242-1187 for questions and meeting locations. 

Winnersville Camp Cocoon 2014 When:  Saturday May 3^rd

Where:  Camp Tygart, Ray City GA

Ages:   5-15 who have experienced heartache from loss due to death, divorce or family separations

Cost:  FREE Registration Deadline: April 18, 2014

Volunteer Registration Deadline:  April 18, 2014

Contact:  United Hospice  (229) 242-1187  

Camp for Survivors of Suicide

Third Annual Camp SOS is fast approaching. Camp SOS is a wonderful experience for all age groups.  Many of our past campers have already expressed an interest in returning to camp again this year!!

To view additional information about Camp SOS, please see the the GSPIN website at http://gspin.org/campsos.  Here you can download the flyer and registration form.  It is important to know that the registration form must be completed and mailed back to SPAN-GA.  Camp SOS is free of charge, but we request a small registration fee of $40 per family and $20 for individual campers. 

For more information, contact Sheri McGuinness, President/CEO, Suicide Prevention Action Network, Georgia, spangeorgia@aol.com, 770-517-6405 or Diane Petro 404-819-7370

High Cost Home Loan Counseling

Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat is a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency and can meet your client’s need for “High Cost Home Loan Counseling.” People in need of this counseling may call 229-245-1330, ext 22, to pre-register for our Home Buyer Education Workshops (held every other month) or Financial/Homeownership Skills classes (held 3 times each year).

South Georgia String Project

The South Georgia String Project, led by Director and Master Teacher Lauren Burns, is a joint venture of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and the Department of Music at Valdosta State University.

Adults and children are welcome to participate.

y.

SGSP is a low-cost after-school string music program for children (ages 8 to adult) that incorporates both group and private lessons taught by VSU music faculty and students, as well as mentoring by VSU music students.

For more information, visit www.valdosta.edu/sgspFor more information, go to http://www.valdosta.edu.sgsp

Toastmasters is growing in our area!

Citizens have five 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.

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

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

Moody Talking Tigers Thursdays, 5 PM, The SPOT-Entertainment Central Bowling/Community Center, 6251 Davis Street, Bld 583 at Moody AFB

Contact Wendy Byrd, 229-244-9400

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

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

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

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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.

Georgia Department of Corrections Valdosta Transition Center needs:

Books, games, men’s clothes, men’s shoes 

Furniture and household items for those who are moving into apartments and homes.

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YMCA Challenger League

Participants invited regardless of ability.

Volunteers needed to assist participants.

Contact Cheryl Marshall at

229-244-4646 or cmarshall@valdostaymca.com

Learning in Retirement

Spring LIR classes are open for registration. Hundreds of topics from which to choose. Small annual fee of $45; most classes free with fee. Click on link for catalog: http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/extended-learning/continuing-education/documents/lir_spring_2014.pdf

or call 229-245-6484

Valdosta Choral Guild

Spring Concerts:
Sunday, May 4, 2:30PM
Monday, May 5, 7:30PM
Location to be determined

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.

VSU PLANETARIUM

For times, see this link: http://ww2.valdosta.edu/phy/astro/planet_shows.shtml

BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Crafters Come to the South Georgia Regional Library

Calling all...painters, model makers, beaders, knitters, tatters, loomers, leather punchers, quilters, scrapbookers or any other type of craft you do, if you are interested in sharing your craft with others, please come join the Crafters of the Round Table in the Folsom Room at the main library branch located at 300 Woodrow Wilson Drive.

You are responsible for bringing any supplies needed including drop cloths, tape, glue, scissors, needles; whatever your craft may require. This club is meant to inspire others to branch out to other crafts and enjoy teaching others. If enough interest is shown, Crafters of the Round Table will hold a gathering every month on the 3rd Saturday.

For more information, please contact Debbie Altobello @ 333-0086 x230 or by email daltobello@sgrl.org

APRIL

April is Autism Awareness Month

(See related activities below.)

We welcome you to join us at Valdosta North Rotary.

Engage Rotary, Change Lives.

Meetings:  Tuesdays Time:  12:00-1:00

Location:  Valdosta Country Club

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As part of Georgia Cities Week:

Monday, April 14: Customer Service Day, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Customer Service Center, 102 N. Lee Street.  Citizens can meet face to face with their city council members and department heads, while browsing city information on the display table, reading “If I Were Mayor” contest essays and enjoying some complimentary refreshments.  

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Valdosta Lowndes Retired Educators Association meets the second Monday of every month (April 14)

(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 .

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YMCA Challenger League

• for boys and girls ages 5 through adulthood, with physical and mental disabilities. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger program is to give everyone a chance to play regardless of limitation.

• To help athletes we use a “buddy” system and pair each player with a Volunteer that is at least 9 years of age through adult. This interaction has proven to be a positive experience for all involved and has resulted in lasting friendships. BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY!

BASEBALL

Freedom Park, Field 6

3795 Guest Road

*LAST FIELD ON THE RIGHT*

APRIL 14, 2014 - *MAY 19, 2014

*AWARDS: MAY 19, 2014 (after play)

Contact Cheryl Marshall at 229.244.4646 or cmarshall@valdostaymca.com

Brain Injury Advocate Services of Georgia

Peer Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, April 15       6:00 PM

NOTE NEW LOCATION

Fellowship Hall, First Christian Church

1905 North Patterson Street (parking lot side door)

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

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Southern Georgia Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) Community Care Services

Program Providers Network Meeting

Wednesday, April 16 10 AM to Noon

Southern Georgia Regional Commission in Waycross

1725 South Georgia Parkway, West Waycross

The agenda will include a presentation by Bonnie Sayles, Director of Programs and Services, Alzheimer’s Association (South Georgia Region). Also, George Barnhill, former Chief Assistant District Attorney, Waycross Judicial Circuit, will discuss safety concerns for staff providing in-home services.

For more information or questions, call Wanda Taft, 912-285-6097 or 888-732-4464

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Survivors of Suicide Peer2Peer

Wednesday, April 16

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

(third Wednesday of every month)

This month, we will meet in the conference room in the building to the right.

For more information, write to sosvaldosta@yahoo.com

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Valdosta Multiple Sclerosis Self Help Group April 17

Meets the 3^rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm

Smith Northview Hospital cafeteria

4280 North Valdosta Road Valdosta

Contact Info: Barbara 229-247-7792 or swimfoot9@aol.com

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VSU’s Campus Wellness and

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

are hosting a panel event that examines the relationship between chronic illness, spirituality and healing. The event will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 in Bailey Science Center Room 3009.

The event will be based on a discussion of the book “Chronic Illness, Spirituality and Healing: Diverse Disciplinary, Religious and Cultural Perspectives.” The book analyzes how the mind-body-spirit-environment relationship may be used to attend to the well-being of people living with chronic conditions using a blend of biomedical care and spiritual practice.

Panelists for the event will be comprised of faculty from Philosophy and Religious Studies: Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, Dr. Christine James, and Dr. Lavonna Lovern, in addition Dr. Rebecca Green will represent the College of Nursing and Health Sciences on the panel.

“Anyone interested in the application of spiritual care, disability studies, and cultural studies to chronic illness are especially encouraged to attend,” said Dr. Lily Vuong, assistant professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies and moderator for the panel discussion.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Lily Vuong at lcvuong@valdosta.edu.

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Autism Awareness 5K Race

April 19^th Pine Grove Middle School 7:00 am Registration

For information email Melissa Roe at melissaroe@lowndes.k12.ga.us or see Facebook page Autism Awareness 5k

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

April 21

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.

Emotions Anonymous Meeting

Tuesday, April 22, Greenleaf Center from 4:30 to 5:30 pm

Group is free and open to individuals 18 years of age and older in the community who need emotional support. This group is peer lead and refreshments will be provided complements of Greenleaf.

For further information contact:

Susan Uptagrafft, CPS at 1-404-823-0838

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Spectrum Connection is a group that offers an intimate and safe environment for people of diverse identities to share experiences, ask questions, and express concerns about issues relevant to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. This group provides a space for members to talk about issues they would not normally be able to talk about in public, covering topics such as sexuality, religion, relationships and identity.

Who: Anyone over the age of 17 is welcome to join the group. We invite anyone and everyone to attend, regardless of their affiliation with the university.  As this group is conducted in a therapy-like setting, all members must read and sign a confidentiality agreement to take part in the meeting. 

When: The meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month at 6:30pm, with the next meeting on April 23

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

We welcome you to bring any issues or relevant discussion items to our meeting, and we look forward to making the connection!

For more information please call: 229-219-1281.

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Second Quarterly Community Collaborative April 24

11 am -1 pm

James H. Rainwater Conference Center

This is the second meeting of a collaborative effort to better serve individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities. The meeting will be a working lunch which will be catered, so in order to ensure we have a meal for everyone, please RSVP at your earliest convenience! You may RSVP to Joni Fulp in person, jfulp@benchmark-hs.com, or 404-823-0741. If you have any questions or need directions to the conference center, please ask.

As a reminder, there are four subcommittees working within the Collaborative. They are Safety, Recovery, Community, Judicial, and Emergency Services. If you have not yet joined a subcommittee, please let Joni know to which group you would like to be added.

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Behavioral and Sensory Needs

Friday, April 25

Valdosta City Hall Annex, 300 N. Lee St. Valdosta

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Presenter: Lynn Adams, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor

Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Valdosta State University

To register, call 229-245-6565 or email jmjudkins@dhr.state.ga.us

This FREE educational workshop is being sponsored by the Babies Can’t Wait Program-

Local Interagency Coordinating Council, South Health District 8-1

5 CEUs have been approved by GA State University, Project SCEIs.

*Registration is from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.

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Buffalo Wild Wings Fund Raiser for

Family Autism Support Team

Have a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings on Baytree Road, mention FAST and a percentage of your meal price will be donated to Family Autism Support Team.

April 26

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Color Me Free….The Race of Faith

All proceeds go to South Georgia House of Hope,

helping women overcome addiction and abuse

What:  A fabulously fun run where you will finish covered in beautiful color for a beautiful cause

Music, food, colorful faith & fun!! *** Big Green Egg give away..

Raffle tickets $10.00 each or  12  for $100.00.

When:  Saturday April 26th, 2014   9am -1pm

Where:  I-75 at Exit 13   Valdosta, Ga.

Who:  We are encouraging families, friends, schools, church and business groups to send teams to help support a great cause.

               ”Live your life in full color to help others get clean”

Why:  South Georgia House of Hope is a non- profit 501(c)3 organization helping women and their families overcome addiction and abuse.

Your registration donation and all sponsorships are tax deductible. If you would like to help sponsor this event or a runner or team please contact us at  229-241-2707. Thank you for giving Hope!!

Early Registration: (before April 10th)   $35.00 per person

          Teams of 5 or more: (discount)  $30.00 per person

          Day of event: $40.00 per person

1st 100 to register will receive free T shirt, sunglasses & color pack.

All pre-registered runners will receive a free t-shirt!

There will be prizes for the most creative costume & for the individual that raises the most sponsorships. *** BE EXTRAVAGANT***

Extra Info: ~  Please arrive early the day of event- waves of runners will be released       beginning at 9am.

~ From Princess to Prom~ Bring your Lowndes High School ID and get ushered to the front of the line. Have a blast with your friends and be home in time to get beautiful.

 ~ Wear anything and everything white (shirts, shorts, hats, tu-tu’s, aprons, etc) for along the walk you will be covered from head to toe with a safe non toxic glorious vibrant color blast every 1/4 mile and a color explosion finale creating a beautiful rainbow all over you.

Light the Path of Hope for a Child Walk

April 26 10 am

Lanier County Courthouse

For more information contact Cindy Odum 229-244-4477, Amy Lollis 229-563-3606 or Elaine Grice 229-686-6576, Ext 4

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5^th Annual Tom Town Community Party

TOM’S CORNER

N. Troupe and E. Mary St

April 26 10AM – 2PM

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS, BOUNCY HOUSE, FACE PAINTING, VFD SMOKE TRUCK, VPD, MISS PIGGY, FREE FOOD & MORE

To be a vendor please contact Barthaniel Werts at 229-834-9707

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Celebrate Recovery Valdosta

April 28, 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

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“Invisible War” Screening

shown by The Haven's volunteers, Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 PM in the VSU Student Center Theater.

MAY

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Thursday May 1 12:30 PM

Wooden Nickel Pub (Inner Perimeter)

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.

2014 Goodwill Week celebration!

The week will begin with our annual COMMUNITY AND FAMILY EMPOWERMENT DAY on

Saturday, May 3 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill Career Center.

To become a sponsor or for information, call 229-316-1216 ext. 2.

We are seeking sponsors for:

On behalf of the Community & Family Empowerment Planning Committee, we thank the community for your continuous support. Through community support and collaboration, together, we can preserve and create STRONG and THRIVING families in Valdosta-Lowndes County, Georgia.

Deadline for sponsorship is Friday, April 18 at noon.

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Lowndes Interagency Coordinating Council

Monthly meeting, Thursday May 8

9:00 AM

Coastal Plain Building, 1810 West Hill Street, Unit B2

For more information, contact Jessie Judkins, 229-259-5138

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Down Syndrome Association of South Georgia

Monthly meeting, First Christian Church, 1905 North Patterson Street

Saturday, May 10

10 AM to 12 NOON

Enter through the play yard in the back of the church.
For more information, go to info@southgeorgiadsa.org.

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF VALDOSTA

Sunday, May 11, 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: November 11, December 1.

Call 229-244-3393 for more information.

Prevent Child Abuse Monthly Meeting

When:            The second Tuesday of every month

Date: May 13, 2013

Time:             12:00 PM

Location:      Wooden Nickel Pub    3269 Inner Perimeter Road, Valdosta

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

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Tift County Commission on Children and Youth

Next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Way office.

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VALDOSTA CIVITAN CLUB

May 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.

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South Georgia Pride Monthly Meeting

Unitarian Fellowship, 1951 East Park Avenue

May 20 7:30 PM

For more information: email rwilliams@southgeorgiapride.org

or go to www.southgeorgiapride.org

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FREE LUNCH AND LEARNS HELD AT

PHOEBE PUTNEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

May 27

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

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.

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.

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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

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Valdosta Symphony Orchestra

Human Inspiration

March 8, 2014 at 8:00 pm in Whitehead Auditorium.

Alasdair Neale, guest conductor

Acclaimed Maestro Alasdair Neale, music director of the Marin Symphony and former associate conductor of the San Francisco Symphony, leads the VSO in Prokofiev's glorious Fifth Symphony, which was composed as a testament to the spirit of humanity.

• Stravinsky Scherzo à la russe

• Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy

• Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, Op. 100

Ticket price: General adult admission $25; non-VSU students $5; VSU students free w/ID

Senior and Military Discounts Available.

Tickets are available at the Box Office before each performance.

Tickets $25 Season Tickets on sale soon

229-333-2150 or www.valdostasymphony.org

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Theatre Guild Valdosta

at the 'Dosta Playhouse

122 N. Ashley Street

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

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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

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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.

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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

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  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

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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.

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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}

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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

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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?

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.

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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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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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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.

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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

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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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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).

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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. 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 .

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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 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

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

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United Hospice

United Hospice has been providing palliative care both in the home and in a care center setting since 1993. Services begin and end with compassion and the preservation of dignity and comfort. Resources are available to patients 7 days a week, and include certified professional consulting on pain management, wound care, pharmaceutical care, and advanced clinical nursing.

Quality of life treatments such as palliative radiation and chemo, blood transfusions, and IV Therapy are covered services. United Hospice also has an on-call policy that allows patients and family to call for a visit from an RN when conditions change—because we believe in hands-on assessment and not a slew of questions over the phone. This on-call process is just part of the proprietary UniGuard Program delivered to each patient as a way to prevent unnecessary re-hospitalizations.

More about United Hospice:

• Weeknight, weekend, and holiday admissions

• Centralized intake available for all referrals

• New referral response time of less than two hours

• Increased accuracy and flow of information through electronic medical records

• Language interpretation services available for all nationalities

• Bereavement support services for the patient’s loved ones as well as the Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Hospital staff

• A non-profit affiliate, United Hospice Foundation, which provides scholarships, hardship grants, and bereavement support initiatives to community members and staff.

• Acceptance of all hospice eligible patients regardless of ability to pay

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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.

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

WE PICK UP!

Call 229-333-0063 for more info

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

Ask about RB Bucks!

Find us on Thrift Store Junction: www.thriftjunction.com/repeatboutique

Find us on the web: www.RepeatBoutique-GA.com

Find us on Facebook: RepeatBoutiqueGA

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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 at the office at 214 W. Park Ave., Valdosta. Training is provided!

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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.

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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.

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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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 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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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

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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.)

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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

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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.