SAVE THE DATE
THE AMAZING PACE:
Help for the Daily Challenges of Caring
For Persons with Disabilities
Tuesday, APRIL 24, 2007
9:00 AM TO 2:15 PM
MULBERRY STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
719 MULBERRY STREET MACON, GA 31201
$5.00 PER PERSON, INCLUDES LUNCH
For Professional and Family Caregivers
For more information or to request a registration
form, call Natalie Brown, 478-751-6509.
The Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging
The Middle Georgia CARE-NET
The Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging
A Division of the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center
175-C Emery highway
Macon, GA 31217
Sunday, March 04, 2007
NAMI Yard Sale needs donations for 4/7
Great Big Ole Yard Sale, Saturday, April 7 !!
Donations needed now! 328-0508
NAMI-Central Georgia, Inc. will have a big ole yard sale on Saturday, April 7, from 8:00am until 12:00 noon (or whenever).
All proceeds benefit the clients !
NAMI-Central Georgia, Inc. is located at 209 Elberta Road in Warner Robins. It is a United Way agency serving the mentally ill with employment, and residential care, as well as field trips and recreational outings To make this yard sale a success NAMI needs DONATIONS of household goods, knick-knacks, appliances, furniture, electronics, toys, tools, and whatever else is gathering dust at your place. WE CAN PICK UP DONATIONS WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE. Call 328-0508 and leave a message for Kelvin.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!
Please forward this message to your friends, members of your clubs and churches, and so on. Help us spread the word for a good cause, and clean out your garage and attic too !!
Donations needed now! 328-0508
NAMI-Central Georgia, Inc. will have a big ole yard sale on Saturday, April 7, from 8:00am until 12:00 noon (or whenever).
All proceeds benefit the clients !
NAMI-Central Georgia, Inc. is located at 209 Elberta Road in Warner Robins. It is a United Way agency serving the mentally ill with employment, and residential care, as well as field trips and recreational outings To make this yard sale a success NAMI needs DONATIONS of household goods, knick-knacks, appliances, furniture, electronics, toys, tools, and whatever else is gathering dust at your place. WE CAN PICK UP DONATIONS WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE. Call 328-0508 and leave a message for Kelvin.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!
Please forward this message to your friends, members of your clubs and churches, and so on. Help us spread the word for a good cause, and clean out your garage and attic too !!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Easter in the Park Announcement
Hello Everyone!!
Please forward this email to anyone that might be interested in having a Service Provider booth at our Easter in the Park Event this year.
The event is planned for Saturday, March 31st. This is the week before Easter so we hope that will make it easier for your group to participate this year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Please note we are requesting each table have a game or activity for the children to play or do with a prize or gift from your organization. This does two things, it gets the parents to your table and it allows some more fun for the children. Please call me if you would like to do a different activity. Last year we estimated we had over 1400 people at Easter in the Park.
Tian Foss
Prevention Programs Director
Rainbow House CRC
478-923-5923
You can't change what you don't know: Education the key to prevention.
Please forward this email to anyone that might be interested in having a Service Provider booth at our Easter in the Park Event this year.
The event is planned for Saturday, March 31st. This is the week before Easter so we hope that will make it easier for your group to participate this year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Please note we are requesting each table have a game or activity for the children to play or do with a prize or gift from your organization. This does two things, it gets the parents to your table and it allows some more fun for the children. Please call me if you would like to do a different activity. Last year we estimated we had over 1400 people at Easter in the Park.
Tian Foss
Prevention Programs Director
Rainbow House CRC
478-923-5923
You can't change what you don't know: Education the key to prevention.
Monday, February 26, 2007
2/26 NAMI meeting with speaker on depression
Today , February 26, Liz Bell-Willis will adress the monthly meeting of NAMI-Central Ga. on "Depression." In any given year 13 to 14 million Americans suffer from clinical depression. It is the leading cause of disability among women. Ms. Bell-Willis is a registered nurse with 21 years of experience in psychiatric nursing. The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. at the New Hope Center at 100 Story Road, Warner Robins The public is invited to come and ask questions. For more information or directions call 328-0508.
4/19-4/20 Conference on Summer Learning
GAIC and the Center for Summer Learning are pleased to announce that Atlanta will host the Center for Summer Learning's National Conference, Celebrate Summer as a Season for Learning, April 19-20, 2007. Bringing together school administrators, program providers, policy makers and researchers, this is the only national conference that brings the issue of summer learning to the forefront. We encourage you and your colleagues to attend this year!
The Only National Conference Focused on Summer Learning
Celebrate Summer as a Season for Learning is a two-day conference that will challenge you to plan, support and advocate for high-quality summer programming in your community and nationwide. In Georgia, most young people have 9-10 weeks of "idle time" on their hands with little supervision and lack high-quality, engaging opportunities that help them to stay on track and succeed making this conference helpful to local efforts.
Focus on Summer Learning from Georgia's Experts
The following engaging sessions will be led by Georgia experts from the education and youth development fields.
Integrating Parent Involvement into Summer Learning for Successful Child and Youth Development
Dr. Lisa Malice and Donna Kosicki, Georgia PTA
Public/Private Summer Learning Partnerships: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Program
Fred and Martha Downer Assaf, Pace Academy, Atlanta, Georgia; Carl Ackerman, Punahou School, Honolulu, HI; Beth Casey, Middle Grades Partnership, Baltimore, MD
Summer Extravaganza Teaching and Learning Camp (TLC): Summer Learning in Hotlanta
Dr. Mindy DiSalvo and Donna Whiting, DeKalb County School System
Summer Learning and Workforce Development: Effectively Reaching our Older Youth
Parky Rogers and Dr. Barbara Hill, Junior Achievement of Georgia
Time and Learning Opportunities in the 21st Century
Jill Riemer, Pat Willis, and Laura Dobbs, Georgia Afterschool Investment Council
Register Now!
Register now at www.summerlearning.org/events/conference.html. Conference registration is $325/person through March 1. After that, registration is $350/person. Groups of four or more receive a 10% registration discount. For more information about the Center and the conference, visit www.summerlearning.org or call Jennifer Brady, the Center's director of training and management assistance, at 410-516-6230.
Sincerely,
Rachel E. Wellborn, MSW
Communications and Project Manager
Georgia Afterschool Investment Council
formerly the Georgia Partnership for Youth Investment
100 Edgewood Avenue, NE - 3rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-527-8831 (office)
404-527-7353 (fax)
rwellborn@unitedwayatlanta.org
www.afterschoolga.org
The Only National Conference Focused on Summer Learning
Celebrate Summer as a Season for Learning is a two-day conference that will challenge you to plan, support and advocate for high-quality summer programming in your community and nationwide. In Georgia, most young people have 9-10 weeks of "idle time" on their hands with little supervision and lack high-quality, engaging opportunities that help them to stay on track and succeed making this conference helpful to local efforts.
Focus on Summer Learning from Georgia's Experts
The following engaging sessions will be led by Georgia experts from the education and youth development fields.
Integrating Parent Involvement into Summer Learning for Successful Child and Youth Development
Dr. Lisa Malice and Donna Kosicki, Georgia PTA
Public/Private Summer Learning Partnerships: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Program
Fred and Martha Downer Assaf, Pace Academy, Atlanta, Georgia; Carl Ackerman, Punahou School, Honolulu, HI; Beth Casey, Middle Grades Partnership, Baltimore, MD
Summer Extravaganza Teaching and Learning Camp (TLC): Summer Learning in Hotlanta
Dr. Mindy DiSalvo and Donna Whiting, DeKalb County School System
Summer Learning and Workforce Development: Effectively Reaching our Older Youth
Parky Rogers and Dr. Barbara Hill, Junior Achievement of Georgia
Time and Learning Opportunities in the 21st Century
Jill Riemer, Pat Willis, and Laura Dobbs, Georgia Afterschool Investment Council
Register Now!
Register now at www.summerlearning.org/events/conference.html. Conference registration is $325/person through March 1. After that, registration is $350/person. Groups of four or more receive a 10% registration discount. For more information about the Center and the conference, visit www.summerlearning.org or call Jennifer Brady, the Center's director of training and management assistance, at 410-516-6230.
Sincerely,
Rachel E. Wellborn, MSW
Communications and Project Manager
Georgia Afterschool Investment Council
formerly the Georgia Partnership for Youth Investment
100 Edgewood Avenue, NE - 3rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-527-8831 (office)
404-527-7353 (fax)
rwellborn@unitedwayatlanta.org
www.afterschoolga.org
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
In July 2006, the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) introduced the
Georgia Crisis & Access Line, a new statewide hotline designed to streamline
24/7 access to mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse
and behavioral healthcare crisis services. Georgia DHR awarded the service
to Atlanta-based Behavioral Health Link (BHL), a division of Integrated
Health Resources, LLC.
The goal of the Georgia Crisis & Access Line is to promote friendly and easy
access to services throughout the state's 159 counties. 1-800-715-GCAL is
available day or night in time of crisis and to assist with routine access
to services.
1-800-715-GCAL (4225) is staffed by trained and caring professionals who are
available around the clock. The confidential service is free to the public.
There is also a provider and resource database online at mygcal.com to help
with information about service options.
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
A crisis has no schedule. Help is available 24/7 for problems with mental
health, drugs, or alcohol.
Call 1-800-715-4225
or visit us online at mygcal.com
Georgia Crisis & Access Line, a new statewide hotline designed to streamline
24/7 access to mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse
and behavioral healthcare crisis services. Georgia DHR awarded the service
to Atlanta-based Behavioral Health Link (BHL), a division of Integrated
Health Resources, LLC.
The goal of the Georgia Crisis & Access Line is to promote friendly and easy
access to services throughout the state's 159 counties. 1-800-715-GCAL is
available day or night in time of crisis and to assist with routine access
to services.
1-800-715-GCAL (4225) is staffed by trained and caring professionals who are
available around the clock. The confidential service is free to the public.
There is also a provider and resource database online at mygcal.com to help
with information about service options.
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
A crisis has no schedule. Help is available 24/7 for problems with mental
health, drugs, or alcohol.
Call 1-800-715-4225
or visit us online at mygcal.com
Houston Co Community Outreach Service Center Women and Children's Homeless Shelter
Good News! The official opening date for the Community Outreach Service Center Women and Children's Shelter has now been set. We will begin admitting clients on Thursday, February 22, 2007. All women admitted into the shelter must have been Houston County residents at the time they became homeless, they must have 2 forms of identification (one of which must be a picture I.D.) and they must meet the HUD definition of homeless (i.e. sleeping in place(s) not meant for human habitation, currently living in a shelter or transitional housing, within one week of eviction, leaving a short-stay facility such as detox center, crisis center, jail, etc. or is being discharged from such a facility and has been a resident there for more than 30 consecutive days and no subsequent residences have been identified.)
As an emergency facility, clients must understand that housing is generally limited to a period of thirty (30) days and during such time all clients must seek employment unless there is a physician's statement indicating an inability to do so. Clients will be assessed a nominal fee for their stay.
Please share this information with as many agencies and service providers in the Houston County area as possible. Also, we are in dire need of female resident assistants for nights and weekends. If anyone knows of any responsible, trustworthy candidates who might be interested in this position please ask them to contact us during the hours of 10am - 2pm at (478) 922-3195 or leave a message on our voicemail.
Thank you.
Tachunta A. Thomas
Interim Director
Community Outreach Service Center, Inc.
"A Haven for the Homeless"
(478) 922-3195
Friday, February 02, 2007
2/27 Crib Matching Program
Programs/Agencies that work with families of infants are
invited to participate in the Georgia Department of
Human Resources, Division of Public Health’s…
CRIB MATCHING PROGRAM TRAINING:
A STRATEGY TO REDUCE THE RISKS OF
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) AND OTHER INFANT SLEEP DEATH
The Division of Public Health will match 3 cribs for every 5 purchased.
Come and learn more about:
· Participation in the Crib Matching Program
· SIDS/infant sleep safety (e.g. bed sharing)
· The latest recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics on SIDS and Infant sleep safety
Training is a requirement for participation in this initiative. This session is one way to fulfill that requirement
We look forward to seeing you on:
February 27, 2007
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 pm
Location: DHR Middle Georgia Training Center
4885 Riverside Drive, Suite 300 (3rd floor of the Riverside Corporate Center)
Macon, GA 31210
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Monica McGoldrick in Sav'h 3/8 and 3/9 (CEUs)
Clinical Social Work Association of Savannah
21 Annual Professional Conference
March 8 & 9, 2007
Monica McGoldrick, LCSW, PhD (h.c.) will be the featured speaker at the 21st Annual Professional Conference of the Clinical Social Work Association of Savannah. Plan to join us and hear this nationally known teacher, author and family therapist.
On first day of the Conference, she will address the topic, Ethical treatment of Multicultural Families (6 core ethic credit hours). Friday morning will be spent examining the topic of the Critical Applications of Family Therapy, in terms of Basic Dynamics as well as the treatment of Blended Families. The afternoon will be used to take a closer look at clinical options for working with Military Families and exploring therapeutic techniques to better address Family Violence.
Mark your calendars now for Thursday and Friday, March 8 and 9, 2007 and plan to join us in historic Savannah at the Coastal Georgia Center.
Please check the CSWA-S website, www.socialworksavannah.com, to keep updated on current details.
View the Conference Brochure
Where to stay while your in Savannah?
21 Annual Professional Conference
March 8 & 9, 2007
Monica McGoldrick, LCSW, PhD (h.c.) will be the featured speaker at the 21st Annual Professional Conference of the Clinical Social Work Association of Savannah. Plan to join us and hear this nationally known teacher, author and family therapist.
On first day of the Conference, she will address the topic, Ethical treatment of Multicultural Families (6 core ethic credit hours). Friday morning will be spent examining the topic of the Critical Applications of Family Therapy, in terms of Basic Dynamics as well as the treatment of Blended Families. The afternoon will be used to take a closer look at clinical options for working with Military Families and exploring therapeutic techniques to better address Family Violence.
Mark your calendars now for Thursday and Friday, March 8 and 9, 2007 and plan to join us in historic Savannah at the Coastal Georgia Center.
Please check the CSWA-S website, www.socialworksavannah.com, to keep updated on current details.
View the Conference Brochure
Where to stay while your in Savannah?
NAMI Central GA Meeting 1/29 @ 7PM
NAMI CENTRAL GA, INC
MONTHLY MEETING
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
SUE MARLOWWE
PRESIDENT, NAMI COLUMBUS
This promises to be a very exciting meeting
Refreshments Served afterwards
When: January 29, 2007
7:00 PM
Where: New Hope Center
100 Story Road
Warner Robins, GA 31093
For more information, call 328-0508
MONTHLY MEETING
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
SUE MARLOWWE
PRESIDENT, NAMI COLUMBUS
This promises to be a very exciting meeting
Refreshments Served afterwards
When: January 29, 2007
7:00 PM
Where: New Hope Center
100 Story Road
Warner Robins, GA 31093
For more information, call 328-0508
Mental Health Benefit Program for Hurricane Evacuees
Subject: Mental Health Benefit Program for Hurricane Evacuees
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 11:01:20 -0500
From: HowardL@usa.redcross.org
As part of our goal to continue assisting our 2005 Hurricane season clients we are pleased to announce a new initiative. The American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program has introduced Access to Care, a benefit program that removes financial barriers to mental health and substance abuse treatment for people affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
Access to Care provides assistance with counseling, medication or substance abuse treatment, and can cover treatment received anywhere in the country, when received by a licensed provider of your choice. Services are covered from August 30, 2005 until April 30, 2008.
Access to Care is a part of the Hurricane Recovery Program, an initiative of the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross.
As the Access to Care representative for the state of Georgia, I would love to have the opportunity to meet with you and the county collaboratives in your respective regions to provide you with more information about the program. If you are interested, or are aware of other community agencies, providers, faith-based organizations, or state offices that may benefit from gaining more knowledge about the program in order to continue to serve individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, please feel free to contact me at the phone number listed below or through email.
Thank you.
Lynell A. Howard, M.A., LPC
Senior Associate, Mental Health
Hurricane Recovery Program
American Red Cross
3485 N. Desert Dr
Building 2, Suite 103
East Point, GA 30344
404-496-5751 (office)
404-767-7354 (fax)
HowardL@usa.redcross.org
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 11:01:20 -0500
From: HowardL@usa.redcross.org
As part of our goal to continue assisting our 2005 Hurricane season clients we are pleased to announce a new initiative. The American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program has introduced Access to Care, a benefit program that removes financial barriers to mental health and substance abuse treatment for people affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
Access to Care provides assistance with counseling, medication or substance abuse treatment, and can cover treatment received anywhere in the country, when received by a licensed provider of your choice. Services are covered from August 30, 2005 until April 30, 2008.
Access to Care is a part of the Hurricane Recovery Program, an initiative of the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross.
As the Access to Care representative for the state of Georgia, I would love to have the opportunity to meet with you and the county collaboratives in your respective regions to provide you with more information about the program. If you are interested, or are aware of other community agencies, providers, faith-based organizations, or state offices that may benefit from gaining more knowledge about the program in order to continue to serve individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, please feel free to contact me at the phone number listed below or through email.
Thank you.
Lynell A. Howard, M.A., LPC
Senior Associate, Mental Health
Hurricane Recovery Program
American Red Cross
3485 N. Desert Dr
Building 2, Suite 103
East Point, GA 30344
404-496-5751 (office)
404-767-7354 (fax)
HowardL@usa.redcross.org
Autism Spectrum CEUs in Atlanta 2/13-2/14
"Critical Issues for Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum"
Atlanta, GA ~ February 13-14, 2007
Location:Holiday Inn Airport North1380 Virginia AveAtlanta, GA(404) 762-8411
A block of rooms has been reserved for $82 plus tax per night. Please call the hotel and make reservations soon. Rooms are limited.
Special Parent Price!2 Days: $1601 Day: $95
Feb. 13 - Transitioning to AdulthoodWith Peter Gerhardt: Increasing attention is being paid to needs of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as they enter adolescence and grow into adulthood. Where job placement was once considered desirable, now the goal is career development. Instead of residential placement, now there is talk of residential choices in support of quality of life. This workshop will provide an overview of this movement toward transition planning for competent adulthood. Social skills and appropriate sexual behavior will also be addressed in young adults with ASD. Peter Gerhardt is the President of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and the Founding Chair of OAR's Scientific Council.
Feb. 14 - Behavior Solutions for Severe ASDWith Maria Wheeler: A dolescence combined with severely limiting autism presents a unique challenge for the effected individual, families, educators and therapists. In this session, we will explore age appropriate interventions for addressing behavioral concerns. These topics that directly relate to behavior will also be covered: daily schedule planning for the adolescent with autism, communication and visual supports, sensory issues and influences, aggression, tantrums, non-compliance, sexuality, and the adolescent need for independence. Maria Wheeler is the co-author of "A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism," and the author of "Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders."
Printer-friendly conference information
Rates:Professionals- $140 for one day, $205 for two days Par ents- $95 for one day, $160 for two days
Groups of 4 or more receive 10% off!
Continuing Education: 1 PLU is available from the Georgia Department of Education for the entire conference. There will be a total of 12 contact hours.
Graduate Credit: Up to 2 credits are available. Please visit our Atlanta page for more details.
Purchase orders, Visa/Mastercard and personal checks are accepted. Purchase orders or payments MUST be received by February 12, 2007. Please fax purchase orders.
Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. 2024 Jonathon Drive Appleton, WI 54914 Phone: (920) 749-0332 Fax: (920) 882-0736 Email: spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com Website: www.spectrum trainingsystemsinc.com
Atlanta, GA ~ February 13-14, 2007
Location:Holiday Inn Airport North1380 Virginia AveAtlanta, GA(404) 762-8411
A block of rooms has been reserved for $82 plus tax per night. Please call the hotel and make reservations soon. Rooms are limited.
Special Parent Price!2 Days: $1601 Day: $95
Feb. 13 - Transitioning to AdulthoodWith Peter Gerhardt: Increasing attention is being paid to needs of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as they enter adolescence and grow into adulthood. Where job placement was once considered desirable, now the goal is career development. Instead of residential placement, now there is talk of residential choices in support of quality of life. This workshop will provide an overview of this movement toward transition planning for competent adulthood. Social skills and appropriate sexual behavior will also be addressed in young adults with ASD. Peter Gerhardt is the President of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and the Founding Chair of OAR's Scientific Council.
Feb. 14 - Behavior Solutions for Severe ASDWith Maria Wheeler: A dolescence combined with severely limiting autism presents a unique challenge for the effected individual, families, educators and therapists. In this session, we will explore age appropriate interventions for addressing behavioral concerns. These topics that directly relate to behavior will also be covered: daily schedule planning for the adolescent with autism, communication and visual supports, sensory issues and influences, aggression, tantrums, non-compliance, sexuality, and the adolescent need for independence. Maria Wheeler is the co-author of "A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism," and the author of "Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders."
Printer-friendly conference information
Rates:Professionals- $140 for one day, $205 for two days Par ents- $95 for one day, $160 for two days
Groups of 4 or more receive 10% off!
Continuing Education: 1 PLU is available from the Georgia Department of Education for the entire conference. There will be a total of 12 contact hours.
Graduate Credit: Up to 2 credits are available. Please visit our Atlanta page for more details.
Purchase orders, Visa/Mastercard and personal checks are accepted. Purchase orders or payments MUST be received by February 12, 2007. Please fax purchase orders.
Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. 2024 Jonathon Drive Appleton, WI 54914 Phone: (920) 749-0332 Fax: (920) 882-0736 Email: spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com Website: www.spectrum trainingsystemsinc.com
Music therapists?
Anyone know of any music therapists in the area?
Please email me at jasonhobbslcsw @ gmail.com
Thanks,
Jason
Please email me at jasonhobbslcsw @ gmail.com
Thanks,
Jason
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
New Parent Class 1/5/2007 - 3/30/2007
New Parent
Connections
Fridays 10:00 -11:15 am
January 5th-March 30, 2007
Women' s Center Conference Room at Houston Medical Center
Open to all parents and their
newborn to 6 month old.
Have you ever wondered?
Is my car seat safe?
When will my baby sleep through the night?
This isn't what I expected?
What do I do all day with a baby?
When do I start to prepare my child for school?
For more information call
Tian Foss 478-923-5923
Receive a free Children's Book
Connections
Fridays 10:00 -11:15 am
January 5th-March 30, 2007
Women' s Center Conference Room at Houston Medical Center
Open to all parents and their
newborn to 6 month old.
Have you ever wondered?
Is my car seat safe?
When will my baby sleep through the night?
This isn't what I expected?
What do I do all day with a baby?
When do I start to prepare my child for school?
For more information call
Tian Foss 478-923-5923
Receive a free Children's Book
Policy alert re adolescent health and youth development cuts
CONNECTED to Public Policy
Connecting Communities to State Policy in Action
News Bulletin---December 7, 2006
URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Funding Cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program Department of Human Resources (DHR) proposed FY08 budget recommends cutting $3.4 million from the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program. There are two major components of the AHYD program and services: * Youth development coordinators (18 positions throughout Georgia) and related community-based services, including teen pregnancy prevention services and health outreach. These positions and services provide a network of community-based support to help adolescents succeed as they move into adulthood. By focusing on the positive assets of youth and working in partnership with families, schools, public agencies, community organizations, and the faith community, the AHYD program and services reinforce positive attitudes, healthy behaviors, and activities and reduce risk-taking behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, poor school performance, and sexual activity. * Teen Centers (currently 31 throughout Georgia). Teen Centers were created in 1997 to address high teen pregnancy rates in Georgia. Pregnancy rates have declined significantly in Georgia, but they have declined at even a higher rate in counties with a Teen Center. Each center is unique, as communities have been able to customize programs and services to meet local needs in ways that fit with local attitudes and concerns. What we understand: The proposed redirection in funds would eliminate youth development coordination and all of Public Health's community teen pregnancy prevention services. Teen Centers would not be eliminated. What may be at risk? * Georgia's 18 youth development coordinators, who act as the outreach and coordination point for the statewide youth development system. These coordinators work with teens and their families and in collaboration with other community organizations such as Family Connection. Their efforts build upon and expand community resources to improve the quantity and quality of services for adolescents and youth. Youth development coordinators serve the entire state, but are located in the following counties: Bibb, Chatham, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Crisp, Dekalb, Dougherty, Floyd, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Laurens, Lowndes, Richmond, Troup, Ware and Whitfield. * Community teen pregnancy prevention services and adolescent health outreach that are provided in counties where there are no Teen Centers. These programs serve thousands of Georgia teens.
Connecting Communities to State Policy in Action
News Bulletin--- December 6, 2006
URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Funding Cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (continued) Georgia has worked hard to develop a comprehensive youth development system and our hard work has paid off with a steady decline in the teen pregnancy rate over the past 10 years. Why would we dismantle a system that has been so successful? According to the 2006 Georgia Kids Count report, the teen pregnancy rate in Georgia has declined from 68.3 per 1000 in 1994 to 39.4 per 1000 in 2004. Infants born to teen mothers tend to have lower birthweight and greater incidence of infant mortality. Pregnant teens are less likely to seek and receive timely prenatal care. Children born to young mothers are more likely to have increased health and behavioral problems, poor school performance, and be at increased risk of child abuse and neglect. DHR's budget proposals for FY08 have been forwarded to Governor Perdue and the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). Governor Perdue and the OPB staff are working on the Governor's version of the FY08 budget, which will be finalized soon and presented to the Georgia General Assembly soon after the session convenes on January 8, 2007.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? If you are concerned about how these proposed cuts will affect services in your community, you should contact Governor Perdue. You should also share your concerns with your own state representative and state senator. You can write, call, fax or e-mail Governor Perdue: Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor 203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Tel: 404-656-1776, FAX: 404-657-7332 E-mail: <http://www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml> If you are not sure who your state representative and state senator are, go to www.vote-smart.org <http://www.vote-smart.org>. On the panel on the left side of the page, you are asked to enter your nine-digit ZIP code. Instructions for determining your nine-digit ZIP code are included. Once you have entered this information, you will be provided with contact information for all of your elected officials, including your state representative(s) and state senator.
Trevor Survival Kit available
I thought folks may be interested in this FREE resource.
Jason
__________________________________________
Jason Hobbs, LCSW, MDiv
Pastoral Counselor
404 Corder Road, Suite 100
Warner Robins, GA 31088
office tel: (478) 322-1113
office fax: (478) 322-1114
http://jasonhobbs.blogspot.com
The Trevor Survival Kit a Valuable Resource for Educators & Youth
Service Providers
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning youth face many
social factors that put them at higher risk for self-destructive
behaviors, including suicide. In 2001, the Massachusetts Youth Risk
Behavior Survey (MAYRBS) concluded that LGB youth are "almost four (4)
times as likely to have attempted suicide (31% vs. 8%)" and "more than
five times as likely to have received medical treatment for a suicide
attempt (16% vs. 3%)" than their heterosexual peers. The Trevor Project,
a non-profit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and
questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention among that group,
believes that there is a cure for these grim findings.
To this end, the organization created The Trevor Survival Kit. This
classroom tool for middle and high schools, colleges and universities,
is to be used in conjunction with the Academy Award-winning short film,
Trevor-about a 13 year-old boy that attempts suicide after realizing he
might be gay-to generate constructive discussion about the myriad of
issues surrounding suicide, personal identity and sexual orientation.
"Through education and frank, open discussions with all youth about the
issues that cause them to feel isolated, alone, misunderstood and
'different' from their peers, we can make a difference," stated Andy
Scheer, the organization's Program & Outreach Director. "By empowering
our youth, we make them gatekeepers of one another's lives."
To receive a complimentary copy of The Trevor Survival Kit-which
contains The Trevor Teaching Guide, short film Trevor, posters and other
outreach materials-please send an email to Moi Garica at
Moi.Garcia@TheTrevorProject.org or call their administrative offices at
310.271.8845 ext 229. To ensure proper delivery, please include your
name, position, institution name, street address, and telephone number
when emailing requests.
Judy Hoff
Sr. Coordinator, Safe Schools
PFLAG National
www.pflag.org
919-496-2192
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
NASW CE 11/17
NASW LUNCH N' LEARN
Please join us as we wrap up our 2006 CE program year with a two-part
program for November and December. On November 17th from 12:00-1:00 PM at
Coliseum Psychiatric Center there will be a presentation of the PBS
Documentary "Out of the Shadow" the story of a family's struggle to deal
with their mother's schizophrenia. On December 15th there will be a
discussion of the video, the book "Saving Willie" which is one of the
daughter's account of life with a schizophrenic mother and advocacy options.
Please call 994-0110 by 8:00 PM, November 15th and 8:00 PM December 13th to
reserve a space or space and lunch.
We need volunteers to serve on an Education Committee to plan the programs
for 2007.
To cut down on mailing expense, please provide a telephone number, an E-Mail
address or several self addressed stamped envelopes so we may continue to
notify you of CE events.
If your job, distance or lack of interest prohibits you from taking part in
CE events, please notify us so we can take your name off the local mailing
list for monthly CE events.
We will still send all members notice of five hour Ethics Programs.
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