Due to the public health critical concerns over the Covid-19, the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services will be initiating a work-at-home measure during office hours and can be contacted via email (info@gwinnettcoalition.org), phone, and etc., until further notice. The Gwinnett Helpline (770-995-3339) will continue to operate during the usual hours of 9-5, M-F. We appreciate your understanding and will keep you posted on any changes and updates in the coming days.
Community Connections
Everyone Counts. 2020 Census
Do you know what determines the federal funding each state receives for programs essential to our communities like Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, Head Start, SNAP & WIC, Special Education, Pell Grant subsidies, Affordable Housing, and SO much more? It comes from the Census. Census 2020 is coming! We need to ensure that Georgia gets an accurate count of all people no matter their age, ethnicity, income-level, or where they live so we can receive the proper federal funding for the programs our communities rely on. The census also tells the government where people live to determine political representation, what businesses should develop where, and what services are needed where (like locations for hospitals). It may be intimidating to provide the government the answers to the 10 questions on the form, but it is important to know that your information is safe and secure. However you choose to complete your form (online, over the phone, on paper, or with a census worker) it is important that you get counted!
Everyone Counts. 2020 Census
Census 2020 is coming up soon! Make sure you, your neighbor, and your community are prepared to fill out your forms come census day on April 1, 2020. The effects from the results of the census will be felt by every person living in the United States for the next 10 years! Your voice needs to be heard to ensure Georgia receives the proper federal funding for programs impacting health care, education, infrastructure, and so much more! The census will also impact your political representation on both the state and federal level for 10 years. Everyone will start receiving information about how to do the census by mail in mid-March. You can complete the census starting immediately by logging online, or by calling the phone line. You must wait until mid-April if you wish to receive a paper form. The Census is available in 13 languages and is safe, secure, and private! Starting in May, if you have not yet completed your form a census worker may come to your home to help you complete your census.
Call for Artists
Design a Local Community Book Exchange and Help Promote Literacy for Gwinnett’s Youngest Readers!
Gwinnett Coalition of Health & Human Services is seeking artists for a new program, G.R.E.A.T. (Gwinnett Reading Exchange & Art Transforms) Little Minds. We need local artists to help design and decorate the small prebuilt structures that will serve as free community book exchanges. These enclosed miniature houses will be installed throughout the community. Community members will then be able to visit the exchange to borrow a book and return it after they’re finished. Books will be targeted towards children eight years old and younger to promote early literacy.
How to Get Involved
You don’t have to be a trained artist to make an impact!
- Submit the Artist Application
- Once approved, you can pick up your book exchange
- Design Your Exchange! Guidelines for designs can be found here.
- Return your completed book exchange to the Hudgens Center by January 21st, 2020
Completed book exchanges will be on exhibit prior to their installation at the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, located at the Infinite Energy Center.
For more information contact Katie Gill at GREATLittleMinds@gwinnettcoalition.org or (770) 995-3339, ext. 209 at the Gwinnett Coalition of Health & Human Services.
Additional Information
Where Will the Book Exchanges Go After They’re Designed?
Once the public has a chance to view all the book exchanges at the Hudgens Center for Arts & Learning exhibition, the completed designs will be distributed throughout the county in areas of need.
Not an Artist but Still want to Help?
Book Exchanges can be sponsored by local businesses, community groups, or families. For more information on Sponsorship or adopting a community book exchange, head here or fill out our interest form.
Guidelines for Designing your Book Exchange:
Your pre-built book exchange served as its initial canvas. But if you can start from scratch if you prefer, as long as the design follows the size, weatherproofing, and construction standards. You can read more about those standards here.
Most book exchanges will be outdoors. In creating a design, consider the weather and other elements of nature. Designs should be created with durability and public safety in mind. You may modify the original book exchange but objects or additions to alter the book exchange should be attached in such a way that it cannot be easily removed.
Requirements & Resources
Requirements:
- Book exchanges must be primed
- minimum of three coats of varnish (using a two-part, hard gloss) to protect the durability of your design.
Restrictions:
- All designs should be appropriate for public display.
- Designs that are religious, political or sexual in nature will not be accepted.
- Corporate logos and advertising are also not allowed.
Holiday Wish List 2019
The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services reaches out to local nonprofits this time of the year and asks for a wish list to help their clients. For many, this holiday season is a time for families to fulfill their gift lists and for many local businesses to meet their 2019 profit goals. However, this is also a time to remember not everybody can experience enjoyment during the holiday gift-giving season.
If you would like to give back to our Gwinnett County community, please click on this wish list to see where you can make a difference. Thank you!