Our collaborative News page features stories about our work, partners, and events.
We welcome all news stories that relate to Spalding Collaborative and Family Connection. To submit your news story, send it through the “Contact Us” feature of this Web site (click on the “Contact Us” button in the column to the left of this screen).
Please include the following information:
For Spalding Collaborative Executive Director Regina Abbott, next month’s Opportunity Conference, in a sense, is the culmination of 10 years’ work. Slated to take place April 24 at the Eagles Way Church in Griffin, it’s where “neighbors” and “navigators” will …
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On behalf of Spalding Collaborative, I want to thank Jessica Gregory of stache studio, MillTowne Gourmet, United Bank, City Church, Leuder, Larkin & Hunter, Slices Pizzeria, Spalding County Republican Women, Stuart Ogletree State Farm, From the Farm, and Spa Angelique …
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On behalf of Spalding Collaborative, I want to thank Jessica Gregory, MillTowne Gourmet, United Bank, City Church, Leuder, Larkin & Hunter, Slices Pizzeria, Spalding County Republican Women, Stuart Ogletree State Farm, From the Farm, and Spa Angelique for your support and …
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Ferst Readers of Spalding County provides free, age-appropriate book and literacy resources for children from birth to 5 years old. Children in the program receive a book and resources mailed to them at home every month until their fifth birthday. …
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SENIOR Issues Fall Conference is coming November 20!Surviving the Covid Cocoon Senior Issues fall conference to be held The Senior Issues Committee’s fall conference will be held next month (November). Organizers say that because they cannot meet in person, …
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Backpack Food for Kids now serves eight elementary schools thanks to the financial support of our community– Anne Street, Atkinson, Beaverbrook, Cowan Rd, Jackson Rd, Moore, Moreland Rd and Orrs! Parents or guardians of children in these schools that receive …
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Spalding County Manager William Wilson Jr. spoke to the Educational Prosperity Initiative (EPI) on Thursday about the updates to the Heritage Park project. In the past, several members of EPI have expressed concern about the lack of forward movement on …
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Terrell Perry, of the US Census Bureau, gave an update on Census statistics in Spalding County to the Spalding Collaborative during its virtual May meeting held Wednesday. At the time of her presentation, Georgia ranked 34th in the nation with …
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Spalding County Nurse Manager Cynthia Tidwell spoke to the Spalding Collaborative during its May virtual meeting. She gave information on how COVID-19 is impacting Spalding County. At the time she spoke, there were 237 people within Spalding County who tested …
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The Griffin/Spalding community has 28 Little Free Libraries but with three are planned to go up by the end of June. Brett Bell — who has been spearheading the local effort along with a lot of help from the Spalding …
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In their most recent monthly meeting, members heard about the needs of the Meals on Wheels program and addressed ways they might help support its needs. Meals on Wheels in Spalding County is organized through Spalding County Parks and Recreation …
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Carmen Caldwell from the Middle Georgia Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Project presented the Spalding Collaborative with information about the dangers of vaping at its last meeting. Caldwell said the use of e-cigarettes, which is also called vaping, is an …
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Feeding Griffin Together raises $2600 for Backpack Food For Kids. Feeding Griffin Together, an annual lunch and concert designed to raise hunger awareness and raise funds to “feed Griffin together,”raised $2600 this year. These funds will be donated to BackPack …
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During the November meeting of the Educational Prosperity Initiative, Regina Abbott discussed her work on the Attendance Task Force, a group that oversees student absenteeism in the local school system. According to the Georgia Department of Education, an unexcused absence …
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Kathy and Ronnie Rhodes have volunteered for the Back Pack Food for Kids program since 2013 after Kathy retired after 31 years as an educator in Clayton and Spalding counties. They are the current directors for the program. Kathy first …
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Spalding Collaborative Youth Advisory Council members were presented the Golden Pencil Award at a statewide ceremony because they did more community hours and projects than any other group in Georgia. Pictured are Danaysia Thurmond, parent Penny White, Dy’mond Bell, Jeanetta …
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Project AWARE has donated 58 books to be placed in the 28 Little Free Libraries around town. The books selected focus on mental health, since May was Mental Health Month. The books are new and geared to elementary age students. …
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According to Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Georgia is currently ranked 39th in the nation for child well-being, and Prevent Child Abuse America estimated that as of 2012 child abuse and neglect costs the state anywhere from $2 billion to $3 …
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RAY LIGHTNER/DAILY NEWS Senior Judge Sid Esary spoke with the Educational Prosperity Initiative to get the word out about the Accountability Court. Spalding County has an accountability court to help veterans and those with drug, alcohol and mental illness issues …
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Griffin Police Chief Mike Yates and Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix both spoke Wednesday at the Spalding Collaborative meeting. Each addressed changes in local crime rates and programs aimed at stopping crime before it begins. One point that they agreed …
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Two ribbon-cuttings conducted at The Park at The Oaks There were two ribbon-cuttings at The Park at The Oaks on Wednesday. There was one for the park itself and one for the Little Free Library located there. The Park at …
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Spalding County falls short on preterm birth rates and scores even lower on infant mortality rates according to studies and findings presented at a recent Educational Prosperity Initiative (EPI) meeting. According to March of Dimes, preterm birth is a live …
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Dr. Murray Williams, Vice President of Adult Education at SCTC, spoke to the Educational Prosperity Initiative meeting held on Feb. 7 to announce the program. “We are very excited today about our new partnership at Fairmont Community Center,” she …
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Rushton’s Hope is a local faith-based organization that runs numerous programs to tend to the needs of the community. Rushton’s Hope recently launched Hope for Family Life — a branch of its ministry aimed at supporting mothers. Until recently, the …
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Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in children aged from birth to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A new coalition in Spalding County aims to help reduce the number of children who die as a …
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Waypoint Griffin is working with a number of local organizations to get its women shelter open. The Phoenix House — a shelter for homeless female veterans — will be in the former men’s shelter at East Griffin Baptist Church. Don …
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John Devlin saw a story in the paper six years ago about a new mentorship program in Spalding County. “It sounded so simple,” Devlin said. The Griffin-Spalding County Mentor Program had just launched and they were looking for volunteers …
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The Spalding Collaborative is working to get the message out about what it is and what it does. Brett Bell, chairman of the Collaborative, said he wants to bring greater attention to the Collaborative. “Basically, we’re here to connect partners …
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The Fairmont Oral History project, launched in 2015, records the stories and perspectives of members of the Fairmont community. Team members Jewell Walker-Harps, John Cruickshank, Richie Braman, Be-Atrice Cunningham, Ellen Bauske, Art Cain and Emily Williams emphasized that the work …
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The Spalding Collaborative is working to get the message out about what it is and what it does. Brett Bell, chairman of the Collaborative, said he wants to bring greater attention to the Collaborative. “Basically, we’re here to connect partners …
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The Griffin-Spalding County Mentor Program gave a 2018-19 Goals & Progress update to the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Educations during its Jan. 8 meeting. Spalding Collaborative Executive Director Regina Abbot told the board that as of Dec. 17, there were …
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Dylan Toma — a prevention educator with the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center — recently spoke with the Spalding Collaborative. The center — with locations in Jonesboro, Hampton, and Newnan, serves a 10-county area including Spalding — …
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January is National Mentoring Month and this year, the Griffin-Spalding County Mentor Program is celebrating the annual campaign aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more students with caring adults. Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in …
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There were dancing fruits and vegetables at the Fairmont Community Center on Thursday morning. Spalding County Leisure Services is doing “veggie pops or fruit flash mobs” explained Kelly Carmichael, director of Leisure Services, to encourage children to eat healthy. Carmichael …
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Rushton’s Hope will hold a Christmas party on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church on West Broad Street. The event is one of the many ministries Rushton’s Hope provides to Griffin residents. “Hope for …
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The 27th Little Free Library will be dedicated Friday at the Spalding County Health Department. The ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Health Department, 1007 Memorial Drive. The box is a newspaper box donated by The Griffin Daily …
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Griffin-Spalding County School Superintendent Jim Smith gave a State of the District Address on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Griffin Region College and Career Academy. Smith spoke about the vision of the local school district, changes that have been implemented …
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Senior Legislative Action Day was an opportunity to hear from state and local aging agencies and local legislators on senior issues. McIntosh Trail Council on Aging hosted the event for Spalding and Pike counties, something Dave Lamb said he hoped …
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The Griffin Housing Authority and Educational Prosperity Initiative held its first of what will be an annual Resident Services Honors Ceremony last week celebrate the success of residents and to thank the service agencies that helped achieve this. Housing Authority …
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The Griffin Housing Authority and Educational Prosperity Initiative held its first of what will be an annual Resident Services Honors Ceremony last week celebrate the success of residents and to thank the service agencies that helped achieve this. Housing Authority …
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On Thursday mornings during the school year volunteers gather to pack bags of food for students in the Backpack Food for Kids program. Friday was the first day this school year that the food was sent home with the kids. …
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The Backpack Food for Kids Program provided 6,701 weekend meals to about 250 children facing hunger during the 2017-2018 school year, Sixteen faithful volunteers packed 53,608 nutritious easy-open foods items into backpacks.These students left school on Friday afternoon knowing they …
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A Griffin-Spalding Little Free Library was placed at Brighter Tomorrows Counseling on June 27 at 1815 North Expressway. The newspaper box was donated by Griffin Daily News and decorated by students of AZ Kelsey Academy. The stewards for the LFL …
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Southside Hope Health Clinic will be getting a Little Free Library. The dedication for it will be 3:45 p.m., Wednesday at 409 W. Solomon St., Griffin. The box is a former newspaper box was donated and sponsored by The Griffin …
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Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, the Little Free Library program has been a huge success. We now have 21 little libraries in Griffin & Spalding County with plans for several more later this year. As part of …
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Dorsey Jones shared her story of sexual exploitation that began when she was 11 and how she’s now “more than a survivor but a conqueror.” Jones is now a probation officer with Fulton County Juvenile Court, where she’s able to …
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The community is invited to attend
“When I grew up, I knew where the monsters were,” said Bob Rodgers, president and CEO of Street Grace. Rodgers, who spoke to the Spalding Collaborative last Wednesday, said, “now I don’t know. They shop with us, go to church …
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The Senior Issues Committee of the Spalding County Collaborative hosted the 2018 Senior Issues Spring Conference on Wednesday at the Spalding County Senior Center. The conference opened with the recognition of James Johnston’s daughters Beth Horne and Mary Johnston. Mr. …
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The first Little Free Library of this year was dedicated Tuesday at the Spalding County Department of Family and Children’s Services. Brett Bell, who has spearheaded this campaign for the Spalding Collaborative, said “this box is the first for 2018, …
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The bonded $1.9 million Fairmont/Heritage Park SPLOST project is on schedule for completion in December of this year, as was originally projected. County Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor, who pushed for the project in her district as a way to get the …
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The first Little Free Library of 2018 will be at the Spalding County Department of Family and Children’s Services on East Solomon Street. Brett Bell, who has spearheaded the initiative, said Tuesday that “County Manager William Wilson and DFACS Director …
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Spalding County has “a number of decisions to make to move its communities forward.” This is according to Vaughn Irons of APD Solutions, who conducted a joint housing study for the county and City of Griffin. Irons made a presentation …
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Capstone Building Corporation announced the completion of the Iris at Park Pointe senior community development, which is located on the former site of the Meriwether Homes housing project. Located on the former Meriwether Homes housing project, this is the second …
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In order for Griffin stakeholders to develop a plan that will allow the area to compete favorably for investment at regional, state and national levels, a comprehensive housing inventory produced 12 recommendations to bring about positive change. APD Solutions CEO …
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Professional basketball player and Griffin High graduate Brent Petway donated 50 books to the Spalding Collaborative’s Little Free Library initiative. The donation includes a collection of high-interest readers for primary scholars, from Scholastic Books — including his biography titled “I …
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The 18th Little Free Library will be dedicated at 4 p.m., Friday at Impact Racing Ministries’ Taste and See Garden on Kentucky Avenue. The box for this one is an old newspaper box donated by the Griffin Daily News and …
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“Once again, we find ourselves here on behalf of Little Free Libraries,” Brett Bell told the children of Northside Hill Apartments. Bell asked and the children remembered people coming there and presenting the Little Free Library, the ribbon-cutting with the …
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Two mentoring programs have combined and will be having sign-ups at an open house, 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the A.Z. Kelsey gymnasium. “We have combined two programs together to serve the youth population of …
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There will be a rededication at 4 p.m., Friday for 11th Little Free Library at Northside Hills Apartments. It was knocked over by vandals the same weekend as the dedication on Sept. 15. According to the Spalding Collaborative, it has …
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The Griffin-Spalding Land Bank Authority will serve as a land bank depository for the Griffin Housing Authority. The deal, approved by both authorities, allows the Housing Authority to compile land, have the Land Bank hold it so the Housing Authority …
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One initially scheduled for Wednesday at Sunny Side City Hall has been postponed because of the weather preventing cementing of the pole, explained Brett Bell, who heads up the local Little Free Library initiative with the Spalding Collaborative Authority …
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A rededication of the Little Free Library at Cowan Road Elementary School was conducted Friday to honor former Cowan Road Elementary teacher Julie McLean Smith. Smith died on July 25 after having been diagnosed with leukemia in September 2016. Smith’s …
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The Spalding County Mentoring Program is looking for mentors and has a current campaign with a goal of 30 mentors in 30 days. A mentor acts as a listener, a role model and a friend, according to the Griffin-Spalding County …
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The Griffin-Spalding Land Bank Authority is considering an agreement with the Griffin Housing Authority to help the Housing Authority reduce its tax liability. “It gives us banking separation,” Housing Authority CEO Bob Dull said. He explained “our objective is not …
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In the first case of actual vandalism, the Little Free Library at Northside Hills Apartments was intentionally damaged. After being dedicated and installed on Friday, it was vandalized over the weekend. “It is with great sadness that I report the …
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In the first case of actual vandalism, the Little Free Library at Northside Hills Apartments was intentionally damaged. After being dedicated and installed on Friday, it was vandalized over the weekend. “It is with great sadness that I report the …
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last Friday for the Little Free Library Book Drop at First National Bank in Griffin. FNB serves as the primary location for the books donated to the program, whose focus is to build lending libraries …
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The 11th Little Free Library will have a ribbon-cutting celebration today at 4 p.m., at Northside Hills Apartments. The apartment complex at 615 Northside Drive will host the celebration and be the steward. The Little Free Library there is sponsored …
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The annual Doc Holliday Barbecue and Music Festival will return to downtown Griffin Sept. 22 and 23, bringing with it entertainment of the past and present. This family-friendly event not only offers entertainment for all, but has made it more …
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Local team honoring Ellis at Walk to End Alzheimer’s The Southern Crescent counties of Spalding, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, and south Fulton Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the Frederick Brown Amphitheatre in Peachtree City. The …
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DeVotie Baptist Church is hosting the 10th Little Free Library located next to its playground on Ruth Street. Worship Leader Brett Duncan said he “stumbled upon one” in Jackson, saw them pop up here and wanted to host one at …
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The next Little Free Library in Spalding County will have a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. The event is scheduled for 4:15 p.m., Wednesday at DeVotie Baptist Church, 1355 Experiment St. The church is the sponsor and steward for this Little …
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Some local middle school students recently attended the Zero Robotics’ International Space Station Programming Challenge via satellite from Georgia Tech’s campus. “The Zero Robotics program has a fun, flexible yet challenging curriculum where students work in teams to learn about …
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As she was leaving a meeting where she said there were more children than funding available for all of them to receive books from the Spalding County Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, resulting in a waiting list, Louisa Melton said …
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An oral history of the Fairmont community is being compiled by the University of Georgia-Griffin Campus. So far, 15 people have been interviewed for the oral history project, according to John Cruickshank, a librarian at the UGA-Griffin Campus Library. …
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The Griffin Housing Authority is transitioning Fairmont Homes out of public housing. Bob Dull, chief executive officer of the Housing Authority, provided an update on the project to the Educational Prosperity Initiative Thursday, saying there will be $16.7 million spent …
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WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital announced the opening of its “Little Free Library Book Drop” outside the entrance to the hospital’s Women’s Center. The library site opened on July 10. Rock Springs Christian Academy art teacher Grace Anderson and her students …
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The 8th and 9th Little Free Libraries opened Friday afternoon at Orchard Hill Park with two ribbon cuttings. “One that looks like a red barn is for children who use the playground and the other is for adults using the …
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Brett Bell and the Spalding Collaborative are “bringing Spalding together one Little Free Library at a time” with business and community coming together at locations across the county. The next two Little Free Libraries will be at Orchard Hill Park. …
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The Griffin-Spalding County Hospital Authority is accepting grant applications for 2018. The Hospital Authority administers certain trust accounts, using the proceeds to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Spalding County. Under applicable laws and trust …
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As the new school year is approaching quickly, so is the need for volunteers with the Griffin-Spalding County Mentor Program. According to Program Coordinator Elly Zhilyak, the program currently has 29 mentors and serves 10 local schools — Anne Street …
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The Spalding County Youth Advisory Council recently attended the Georgia Teen Institute to learn leadership skills and to lay the groundwork for the upcoming year. The Spalding County Youth Advisory Council is a youth-based workshop working within the scope …
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Local students are learning about Zero Robotics as part of a five-week Kids Enrichment University, which is a science, technology, engineering and math program. Zero Robotics is the world’s first robotics competition in space, explained Kenda Woodard with the Griffin …
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On Monday, Brett Bell announced the Little Free Library at the Healthy Life Community Garden, is being postponed until construction at the site has been completed. Bell said he met Monday morning at the garden with Spalding County Leisure Services …
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Time and Details TBA
The Dinoff School hosted this month’s meeting of the Spalding Collaborative Authority, with Headmaster Leslie Dinoff talking about the school. “There are so many hidden treasures in Griffin, so many good things going on here, people need to know,” said …
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A.Z. Kelsey Academy and Achievement Center has three components, explained Principal Stephanie Evans. When speaking to the Educational Prosperity Initiative, Evans said there are the middle and high schools, and the A.Z. Kelsey Academy. A.Z. Kelsey Achievement Center replaces …
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WorkSource Three Rivers has been awarded a grant of $250,000 to provide job training for high demand job sectors in our area. The High Demand Career Initiative (HDCI) is funded by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and its …
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A comprehensive housing inventory study and future investment analysis of neighborhoods throughout the city of Griffin is expected to be completed this summer. City officials selected APD Solutions Real Estate Group, a national community economic development consulting firm, to conduct …
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The Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club’s theme for May is Youth Services. To kick off this month’s theme, Elly Zhilyak, program coordinator of the Griffin-Spalding County (GCS) Mentor Program, was the guest speaker for the club’s May 3 weekly meeting. Founded …
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The fifth Little Free Library in as many months is scheduled to open on May 31 at the Fairmont Community Center. It will have a theme of the Three Little Pigs, with three doors with books in three different ages …
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The GED program held at the Fairmont Community Center is not being funded because of low turnout. Judy Cook Snyder, interim head of the GED program at Southern Crescent Technical College, said participation had decreased from 15, to 10 and …
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Griffin-Spalding County Mentoring Program The Griffin-Spalding County School System currently has 30 mentors. The mentoring program started in 2012 with 8 to 10 mentors according to Elly Zhilyak, who is the program coordinator. “There should be 10 per school, ideally,” …
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Griffin Police Chief Mike Yates said violent crime has gone down in the Fairmont community. Yates spoke to the Educational Prosperity Initiative last week and said that from January through April of this year, “violent crime has gone down significantly,” …
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The fourth Little Free Library is located downtown and is for adults too. Located at the small park across from the Griffin Regional Welcome Center on North Hill Street, the library will have books for adults. The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of …
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The Fourth Annual Spalding Collaborative Authority for Children and Families, Inc. signature event, The Healthy Children Conference, will this year partner with UGA Griffin, Project AWARE, and all initiatives of the Spalding Collaborative including Healthy Youth and Senior Issues Committees. …
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The Fourth Annual Spalding Collaborative Authority for Children and Families, Inc. signature event, The Healthy Children Conference, will this year partner with UGA Griffin, Project AWARE, and all initiatives of the Spalding Collaborative including Healthy Youth and Senior Issues Committees. …
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Griffin and Spalding County have contracted for a housing study, something that’s not been done since 2008. Vaughn Irons, of APD Solutions, the contractor, explained it would be a survey in the community to inventory housing in town, to …
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There is an old adage, that holds, “One does not always get to sit in the shade of every tree that you plant,” Mr. Robert (Bob) N. Dull Jr. helped plant the seed that grew into the education prosperity initiative …
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The free “take a book, leave a book” program is being spearheaded by Brett Bell for the Spalding Collaborative. Bell said the “whole purpose is to promote literacy.” Bell presented the idea to the Spalding County Parks and Recreation Advisory …
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U.S. District 3 Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-West Point) stopped by the Waypoint Griffin veterans resource center Tuesday to speak to center director Sandra Brownlee on ways to help service members successfully transition from the military back into civilian life. …
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The annual Shoes for Griffin shoe drive collected and gave out 252 pairs of shoes to students in the Back Pack Food for Kids Program. Field Foot and Ankle Clinic was the collection site for the drive. “According to my …
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Phase 3 of the Meriwether Homes redevelopment has been approved, with a 68-unit, multi-level senior housing facility to be built adjacent to the Griffin City Golf Course. Griffin Housing Authority CEO Bob Dull said Phase 3 will start next year. …
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You can help buy shoes for needy children. Field Foot and Ankle Clinic is conducting the Shoes for Griffin drive. These shoes will be received by children in the Back Pack Food for Kids Program, which provides supplemental food over …
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Building Capacity and Collaborations ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH), Maternal and Child Health Section is pleased to announce the 2016 recipients of mini grants to help reduce infant mortality in Georgia. Five organizations will …
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Day of Service to the Military held at local veterans resource center About three months ago, the Waypoint-Griffin veterans resource center opened at the old county courthouse and has served some 290 veterans since then. On Wednesday, the …
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Field Foot and Ankle Clinic is conducting the Shoes for Griffin drive. These shoes will be received by children in the Back Pack Food for Kids Program. BBFFK provides food for the weekend for some of Spalding County’s neediest …
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The Griffin Housing Authority has been awarded a Community Home Investment Program grant which can be used for home repairs and purchases within the designated grant area of the city. The CHIP grant is provided to housing authorities, local governments …
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The Atlanta Regional Commission is coming to Griffin to host a half-day workshop on how to make the community more walk and bike friendly. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at …
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Cutting the ribbon on The Oaks at Park Pointe, is just the beginning, said Griffin Housing Authority Executive Director Bob Dull. “The goal is to bring dignity, respect and confidence in a community,” Dull said, at Monday’s ribbon cutting for …
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Work has started on the Heritage Park/Fairmont Park SPLOST projects which include renovations, upgrades and additions to what’s already there. “It’s super exciting to be starting everything,” said Spalding County Parks and Grounds Manager T.J. Imberger, when providing an update …
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The Griffin-Spalding Archway Program, along with the Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families and Children, is encouraging use of Charity Tracker as a way to best use the benevolent resources the community has to offer. In a presentation at the …
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid Casting Call TEENS and Parents Men and Women/ Any Ethnicity Ages 16-45 Years old Kids 16 and 17 do not need a parent or guardian on set. They can sign them in and leave them …
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The more services available the more successful and beneficial this day will be to all veterans who come out. Please contact Sandra Brownlee, [email protected], if you have a service to offer and we will make accommodations for you. Please be mindful …
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Volunteers will be out Saturday handing out flyers for the One Village One Sound anti-violence rally to be held Aug. 20 in Spalding Heights. They will be meeting at the Fairmont Community Center, 241 Blanton Ave., at 10 a.m. …
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Caring, Helpful, Active Residents of Meriwether Homes C.H.A.R.M.S. was founded by Ms. Eula Redding to help the school aged children in the old Meriwether Homes community with homework assignments. What began at the kitchen table of a one bedroom …
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As school is getting ready for the start of the year, the BackPack Food for Kids Program will also be ready to start a new year. The program will begin the first week of September and will continue throughout the …
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The second annual One Village, One Sound anti-violence march and rally will be held in Spalding Heights on Aug. 20. Lisa Fambro, one of the rally organizers, said she will be meeting with the Griffin Police Department and Spalding County …
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Bob Dull, chief executive officer of the Griffin Housing Authority, discussed the history of Public housing and how it has evolved over the years, when he recently spoke to the Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club. Housing authorities are state-chartered and …
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Six local students involved with the Spalding County Youth Advisory Council attended the Georgia Teen Institute held at Oxford College of Emory University earlier this month to learn leadership skills and to lay the groundwork for the upcoming year. The …
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The Oaks at Park Pointe, a public housing property for low-income families in Griffin owned by the Griffin Housing Authority and developed by Pennrose Properties, LLC, was named winner of the 22nd Annual Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards …
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Noelle Cravens’ life may have been short, but she has left a lasting legacy in Griffin. Volunteers young and old alike at the Healthy Life Community Gardens in Griffin were busy Wednesday creating and decorating a section of the …
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Looking for something to do this summer? There are all kinds of events planned this summer including summer camps, sports camps, and those activities with little or no cost. “We continue to provide information on youth activities this summer,” …
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The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has awarded more than $6.2 million in grants to 16 community entities across the state to build new single family homes and help homeowners rehabilitate their homes. Grant amounts range from $160,140 to …
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To Spalding Collaborative Membership: Most of you are already aware that my tenure as Executive Director for the Spalding Collaborative will end on June 30, 2016. It has been my honor and privilege to have served with you these last …
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Griffin-Spalding County nonprofits and churches which provide services in the community can now use an online database to track their clients, staff of theSpalding Collaborative announced Wednesday. About 30 representatives from various charitable organizations attended the Charity Trackerinformational session …
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. And to bring awareness to the fact that the issue is very real locally, the Spalding Collaborative’s Healthy Children Strategy Team set up 588 purple pinwheels on the corner of Taylor Street and …
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The Spalding Collaborative is going to jail — The old county jail on Broad Street. The Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with Spalding Collaborative Authority for Children and Families to lease the old jail at 230 East …
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Arrowood promoting College and Career Academy Katy Arrowood, the chief executive officer for the Griffin Region College and Career Academy is out promoting the school as an option for students. Arrowood spoke to the Spalding County Educational Prosperity Initiative …
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Rev. Grady Caldwell, pastor of New Mercy Baptist Church, presented Joseph Walker, Executive Director for the Spalding Collaborative, with a $10,000 check from the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation. The grant is intended to help with the administration of …
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Impact Racing Ministries is looking for 20 mentors “who are committed to pouring into the life of youth,” said David Dodd. They will be working with the school system, “with the mentees primarily from Moore Elementary,” Dodd said, and …
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The Shoes for Griffin Campaign is collecting new shoes for the children in Spalding County that benefit from the Backpack Food for Kids Program. There are about 255 children in the program, which provides supplemental food over the weekend …
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The increases in state revenue will be going to education, according to members of the local legislative delegation. State representatives David Knight of District 130, John Yates of District 73, and State Senator Marty Harbin of District 16 spoke and …
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Dear Collaborative Members and Community Leaders, I am writing to you on behalf of our neediest children in Spalding County that benefit from the Backpack Food for Kids Program. You already know this program is close to my heart. It …
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We at Field Foot and Ankle are excited to kick off our 2nd Annual Shoes for Griffin Program. We support the efforts of the Spalding Collaborative and the Backpack Food for Kids program. Our goal is to provide a new …
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Griffin Police Chief Steven Heaton spoke with students at A.Z Kelsey Academy, letting them know, “the decisions you make can impact your lives in the long term.” Heaton was speaking with the students as part of the Education Prosperity Initiative’s …
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The Spalding County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Oct. 26-31, 2015 as Red Ribbon Week. The proclamation was presented to Spalding Collaborative Youth Advisory Council members at Monday’s meeting. The Youth Advisory Council invited all residents to participate in Red Ribbon …
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More than 65 percent of Georgia’s children are failing to meet the basic standard in reading by the end of third grade, and two out of three children can’t read on grade level when they enter fourth grade. That has …
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Spalding County is one of five counties that the Morehouse School of Medicine will be working with on a teen pregnancy prevention program. The grant from the Morehouse School of Medicine Health Promotion Resource Center is entitled “Replicating Evidence-Based …
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Representatives from the Morehouse College School of Medicine will be presenting a program at Thursday’s Educational Prosperity Initiative meeting on teen pregnancy. The meeting begins at 10 a.m., at the Fairmont Community Center, 242 Blanton St., Griffin, and is open …
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Hello, I am Kim Stephens RN BSN employed by Spalding Regional Hospital as the Community Outreach Coordinator. I also work closely with the Spalding Collaborative where I hold the title of Healthy Children Strategy Chair. The Healthy Children team has …
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With the 2015-16 school year in full swing, so is the Backpack Food for Kids program. Initiated four years ago by the Spalding Collaborative, UGA-Griffin and the Griffin-Spalding County School System, the program has set out to tackle food insecurity …
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Please take a few minutes to complete the Spalding Collaborative Self-Assessment for July 1, 2014 through June 30,2015. Let us know what our Collaborative did right and how to Improve. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BJ3L33W Please update your Membership Affiliation with Spalding Collaborative. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RBYG867 …
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Volunteers and Griffin Police officers will be handing out flyers Saturday for a stop the violence rally on Aug. 22, entitled One Community, One Sound. The rally will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Aug. 22, starting with a …
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Griffin-Spalding Schools is one of three school systems in the state participating in Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education). The school board was awarded a 5-year federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) …
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Plans for a stop the violence rally will be finalized at a community meeting Monday night. Lisa Fambro of the Fairmont Community said the rally entitled One Community, One Sound, will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Aug., …
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Plans are coming together for a stop-the-violence rally, scheduled for Aug. 22 in the Fairmont community. Denise Sierra proposed the peace walk and rally to take the neighborhood back from the gang violence. Her son was killed in 2013, shot …
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The second planning meeting for the One Village One Sound Anti-Violence Rally starts at 5:30 p.m. today.(July 21st) Whether you’re a Fairmont neighborhood community member or just a resident looking to help, you’re invited to take part in this process. …
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5K Scrub Run Registration Form
While the annual Back to School Bash held by the Spalding Collaborative has been canceled, there are still others holding similar events this month. Regina Abbott, of the Spalding Collaborative, said the Back to School Bash was not being held …
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To take back our neighborhood we have to come together as one! Please join us: Fairmont Neighborhood Meeting Date: July 7, 2015 Where: Griffin Impact Center, 223 Kentucky Ave, Griffin, Ga. 30224 Time: 5:30pm 6:30pm
Fairmont community planning a stop the violence rally Denise Sierra wants to stop the violence in her neighborhood. Sierra lost her teenage son to gang violence in 2013. He was walking away from a fight and was shot in back …
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May 28, 2015 South Metro MH/SA Professionals Network [email protected] The Master Resilience Institute of Armed Forces Mission is pleased to announce the following community workshops as part of the 2015 I WILL INTERVENE CHALLENGE… June 4th L3 (Listen-Learn-Lead) Suicide Intervention …
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HEALTHY LIFE COMMUNITY GARDEN It is summer time and we will once again be having our summer in the garden program. The Ferst Foundation has volunteered to read to the children and we will have our Junior Master Gardener Club …
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BACK TO SCHOOL BASH NOTICE The Executive Committee of the Spalding County Collaborative has made the difficult decision to cancel the Back to School Bash this year due to financial issues. We would like to encourage our members to connect …
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BY RAY LIGHTNER STAFF WRITER [email protected] May 12,2015 The Spalding County Health Department is going through accreditation, and part of that is a survey of the community. Dawn Walker, the District 4 Health Services quality director and accreditation coordinator, encouraged …
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Griffin-Spalding County Archway Partnership Invites Citizens to Community-Wide Listening Session GRIFFIN, Ga. – Griffin and Spalding County leaders and the University of Georgia Archway Partnership are hosting listening sessions to better understand the most important issues facing the community. Citizen support …
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New Archway director visits city By Ray Lightner | Posted: Monday, April 20, 2015 7:49 pm Robert E. Gordon Jr., the new director of the Archway Partnership, visited Griffin on his first day on the job, as GriffinSpalding County is the latest …
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2015.05.19.Let’s Be Clear Georgia_A Collaborative to Prevent Marijuana Abuse
Wow- Becky Woodruff and Rhonda Grubb headed up a fundraiser at Orrs Elementary in which the children brought change to provide books for Ferst children. Through their hard work (and Becky’s hours of counting coins) 22 children will receive books …
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Griffin Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force Vanessa Wilkins, Chair Chandra Wilson, Co-Chair February 25, 2015 Dear Community Members: The Griffin Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task force meets on the 3rd Thursday of each …
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Strengthening Families Georgia (SFG) will be offering a 2-day Training of Trainers on May 14-15 and repeated on July 16-17, 2015 at the Mercer University Regional Academic Center in McDonough. Applications are due May 1st. Upon successful completion of this …
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The Impact of Trauma Burnout
Georgia retained its ranking of 38th in a newly released 2014 state-by-state health report card. Southern states generally ranked at the bottom in the annual report by America’s Health Rankings. The report says Georgia has strengths that include a low …
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Safe to Sleep Display Opportunity
GOLF OUTING A fund raiser for (Almost) Mothers Caring House.Almost Mothers Day
Public Health Accreditation Community Needs Assessment District 4 Public Health is embarking on an Accreditation journey. In order for the process to be effective, community feedback is critical to understand what issues people face and how public health can help …
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February 3, 2015 GSCS Implements New Mental Health Program – Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education) The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS), along with Newton and Muscogee County School Districts, received a five-year grant from the Georgia …
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Moore Elementary School and the Griffin Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Partner in Education) will present An Afternoon of Music. This event is designed to say THANK YOU to the Griffin community and the surrounding areas for …
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PROJECT AWARE SUMMIT INVITATION “LEADING BY CONVENING” Griffin-Spalding County Schools is one of three school districts in the state to be a part of the Project AWARE Grant. The purpose of this federally funded grant is to increase awareness of …
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Moore Elementary School and the Griffin Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Partner in Education) will present An Afternoon of Music. This event is designed to say THANK YOU to the Griffin community and the surrounding areas for …
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Saturday, March 14, 2016 from 8-11am at Spalding Senior Center free cholesterol screenings for all adults (18+) by Spalding Regional Hospital other screenings/assessments available Sponsored by Amedisys Home Health Services, Brightmoor Hospice and Spalding Regional Hospital Community Health Fair
Norlien Foundation October 10, 2013 The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) is pleased to announce the launch of our first animated video, which presents the core story of brain development in an accessible and visually engaging format for public …
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Georgia Health News By Andy Miller December 11, 2014 Georgia retained its ranking of 38th in a newly released 2014 state-by-state health report card. Southern states generally ranked at the bottom in the annual report by America’s Health Rankings. …
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Georgia’s Success! State and local support of Darkness to Light has made a huge difference in our mission to end child sexual abuse. It takes caring people to foster a commitment for real change on the community and state levels. One of the …
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Breakfast with Santa Flyer 2014 Each year, Spalding County Parks and Recreation hosts their annual Free Breakfast with Santa event at City Park, Ambucs Park, and Fairmont Park Community Centers. This year’s event is on Saturday, December 20, 2014 …
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Shoes for Griffin Field Foot and Ankle embraces the efforts of the Spalding Collaborative and the Backpack Food for Kids program. We are partnering with Eagles Way Church and our goal is to provide a new pair of athletic shoes …
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The theme of this year’s conference, After Mass Incarceration: Charting a Path to the Future, provides an opportunity for professionals from varied areas of criminal justice — law enforcement, law and the courts, corrections, and the faith community — to …
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Conference Synopsis & Event Overlay The Making Griffin/Spalding Better Together Conference is strategically designed for neighborhood organizations, cultural communities, nonprofit organizations, stakeholders, City and County Departments and residents to share best practices, knowledge and gain extensive knowledge of our community …
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Training Announcement – Turber Seminar
School system received abuse prevention training grant – Griffin Daily News_ News
USDA volunteers made summer program a success – Griffin Daily News_ News
Gardeners and Supporters, It will soon be time for Halloween and we, again, are going to have Halloween in the Garden. This event gives children in the area around the garden a safe and fun place to come to on …
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Click for Math Standards Flyer Do you struggle helping your elementary student with their math homework? Do you want to learn more about the new Georgia Milestones Assessment? If you answered “yes” to one or both of these questions, then you …
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Review FY2014 Self Assessment – Spalding.DRAFT Leave your feedback, by clicking here.
The University of Georgia’s Center of Community Design and Preservation (CCDP) at the College of Environment and Design (CED) was invited by a community revitalization task force to help members of the Fairmont community initiate improvements to their neighborhood. The project scope involved creating linkages between the Fairmont Homes public housing campus, …
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Gordon State College has a new program that is likely to benefit many of the community members in middle Georgia “Weekend College” is designed for adults who, until now, have been unable to earn a college degree because of important …
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SCRUB RUN 5K vimeo.com Spalding Regional Hospital is sponsoring the 3rd Annual 5K Scrub Run on September 13, 2014 at 9:00 am benefiting the Backpack Food for Kids Program. Registration time: 7:45 am – 8:45 am 5K & 1 …
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Groups to partner for Holliday festival July 2- This September, the Old West comes to downtown Griffin as community groups partner to remember one of Griffin’s most famous sons. The inaugural Mid Georgia Doc Holliday Festival …
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DPH Does Not Win Family Planning Grant July 19, 2014 By Andy Miller Georgia Health News A federal health agency has awarded a three-year, $7.8 million Georgia “family planning services” grant to a coalition led by an Atlanta-based community …
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Press Release_E. Griffin Elementary
New information on state recidivism rates and the progress of the Second Chance Act are highlighted in the recent New York Times editorial, “Second Chance Proves Its Worth.” The New York Times editorial board said, “A new study from the National Reentry Resource Center, …
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What is the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy? OUR MISSION: “PROVIDE BOOKS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO PREPARE ALL GEORGIA PRESCHOOL CHILDREN FOR READING AND LEARNING SUCCESS.” THE ISSUE: We know that approximately 61 percent of low-income families do not have a …
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Access and download Georgia KIDS COUNT data to inform your decisions in your efforts to improve child and family well-being in your community.
Use our resources to help you craft local solutions to issues in your city, county, or legislative district through a non-partisan, evidence-based lens.
Find out how we’re working together across the state to nurture children and families who thrive in vibrant communities—everywhere.
Childhood trauma affects emotional and mental health, and physiological health. LaDonna Collins of the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth says understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and how to prevent them are key components in seeing communities thrive.
Dougherty County Family Literacy Council is partnering with DFCS to help disadvantaged families become self-sufficient, stable, successful—and more literate in family wellness and well-being
The purpose of this request for proposals is to stimulate planning and facilitate collaboration and community discussion to expand the number of school-based health centers in Georgia.