Community Connections

Gwinnett Great Days of Service Celebrates 20th Anniversary

September 8, 2019 by kfenton

Scheduled for October 25-26, Gwinnett Great Days of Service mobilizes thousands of individuals, corporations, churches, schools, civic organizations, and communities in meaningful volunteer service to address some of Gwinnett County’s most critical needs.

Whether you are part of an organization in need of volunteers, a company or group with a passion to create a positive impact, or an individual with a desire to change your community, officials at the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services invite you to participate in the 20^th Anniversary of Gwinnett Great Days of Service.

Scheduled for October 25-26, Gwinnett Great Days of Service mobilizes thousands of individuals, corporations, churches, schools, civic organizations, and communities in meaningful volunteer service to address some of Gwinnett County’s most critical needs.

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health & Human Services envisioned Gwinnett Great Days of Service 20 years ago in the spirit of Gwinnett’s slogan “Success Lives Here”. In 2000, the event started with just 1 day of service + 10 projects + 100 volunteers to create a new era of civic engagement and volunteerism. Today, Gwinnett Great Days of Service is recognized as one of the largest volunteer days of service in the United States.

“Our work is to inspire individuals throughout Gwinnett County to take action to build a stronger, more unified community for all of us,” said Keith Fenton, chief operating officer of the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services. “Our organization sits at a very unique intersection of corporate, philanthropy, government and community and we are empowering people throughout Gwinnett to raise their hand and be counted among those working for positive change.”

The motivation to serve and volunteer where we live and work is a strong and common ethic – one that is revealed by the thousands of hours volunteers contribute each year to hundreds of projects and organizations including Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Annandale Village, Home of Hope, Nothing But the Truth, and many other local organizations and schools.

Group Of Helpful Teenagers Creating And Maintaining Community Art Project

This year the service projects are as varied as the organizations. Activities that take place during Gwinnett Great Days of Service projects can range from painting to cleaning and organizing, gardening, landscaping, writing notes of encouragement, stocking community kitchens and shelters, and cleaning up nature trails and streams. Because of the wide breadth of projects available, volunteers can chose based on location, an agency they are passionate about, a volunteer activity that they are skilled or interested.

“Our team has been hard at work, experimenting with new ways to make volunteering easier and more accessible than ever before. Anyone from anywhere, can do something good for our community”, Fenton added. The Gwinnett Coalition’s approach not only offers up some much-needed support for our nonprofit community, but it often lights a more permanent passion for service in volunteers, which is a win for groups in need. There are many wonderful domino effects that happen when somebody volunteers with an organization. They learn so much about themselves, they learn about others, they make these connections with people in ways they would not normally.

To learn how you, your company, school or organization can participate, visit www.GwinnettGreatDaysofService.org or call 770-995-3339.

ABOUT THE GWINNETT COALITION FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Gwinnett Great Days of Service is a program of the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services. The Gwinnett Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the health and human service needs of everyone in Gwinnett County, Georgia. We accomplish this mission by identifying needs and resources, setting priorities, planning solutions, focusing on results, and educating and motivating the community to action.

Rock’n the Ville’s Car-B-Ques & Brews to Benefit Gwinnett County Veterans

August 23, 2019 by kfenton

In the tradition of Rock’n Ribville, the City of Lawrenceville’s Car-B-Ques & Brews special event will bring together incredible live entertainment, classic cars, fun and games for the kids, cold-beverages, a free concert, and mouth-watering BBQ of all kinds as we celebrate another amazing year in Gwinnett’s County Seat! In addition to great BBQ and classic cars, this year’s event will benefit programs and services for military veterans made possible through the Gwinnett County Veterans Resource Center.

“We could not be more thrilled and excited to have been selected as the benefiting agency of this spectacular annual event”, said Keith Fenton, Chief Operating Officer for the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services. “This generous funding provides us with the means to continue focusing on the complex realities of veteran’s issues and work diligently to provide innovative programs and services that respond to the diverse needs of veterans, their families, and our community.”

Festivities will run from 1:00 – 8:00pm with live performances throughout the day from R&B Inc., Loganville-native Jordan Rager, and a special performance by Grammy Winner and member of the Grand Ole Opry – Joe Diffie! Diffie has earned 20 top 10 singles and twelve #1 country hits including “Home,” “Pickup Man,” “Third Rock from the Sun” and “John Deere Green.” He has released 13 albums and has garnered sales exceeding $6M.

Presented by US Auto Sales, Car-B-Ques & Brews is partnering again with Kicks 101.5 Rock 100.5 Q99.7 and Bud Light to bring live station broadcasts throughout the day. Car-B-Ques & Brews is also made possible by the support of Gold Sponsors: Consolidated Pipe & Supply and McCray’s Tavern Lawrenceville Silver Sponsors: Eastside Medical Center First American Bank & Trust Peach State Federal Credit Union Precision Planning, Inc. and Renasant Bank Bronze Sponsors: Anderson Power Services Community Sponsors: Capital Endeavors, Inc. Jeremy Higginbotham – State Farm Agent Kona Ice of Gwinnett Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices/SAMALLYEH LLC/ & National Indoor RV Centers

For more details about Rock’n the Ville’s Car-B-Ques & Brews, visit www.rockntheville.com.

Back-To-School Immunizations Affect Health, Law and School

July 18, 2019 by kfenton

Beat the back to school rush!

Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County (GNR) Health Departments encourage parents to bring their children and teenagers for early vaccinations to protect themselves against disease.

Every year, the Health Department gears up for a back-to-school, immunizations extravaganza. We like to call it Back-to-School Rush. The time for back-to-school immunizations demonstrates the true essence of public health at work, that is, the Health Department working closely with school, government, and community partners to make sure that our communities are protected. The Gwinnett County Public School system is the largest school system in Georgia with 143 schools and an estimated enrollment of almost 180,000 students. Due to the large volume of students in the county, the Health Department works collaboratively with the school system to educate parents about the vaccines required to attend public school. All school-required immunizations are available at all Health Department locations.

GEORGIA LAW
Georgia law states no child can be admitted to or attend any school or facility in this state unless the child has submitted a certificate of immunization to the responsible official of the school or facility. The Health Department will document all new immunizations on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization, Form 3231, as required by the school system, or can transfer previous immunizations to the form for a small fee.

VACCINE REQUIREMENTS
Effective July 1, 2014, for entrance into Georgia public school, grades kindergarten through 12, students must have a total of two doses of measles vaccine, two doses of mumps vaccine, one dose of rubella vaccine and a total of two doses of varicella vaccine. If the child does not meet Georgia requirements, the Health Departments can vaccinate your child with the needed immunization.

Our website has locations and hours of operation of the health centers. For immunizations we accept cash, credit cards (except American Express), Medicaid, Peachcare, Aetna, and BlueCross BlueShield.

Here is a list of all the immunizations required by law that can protect against 12 diseases:

*DTaP – Diptheria
*DTap – Tetanus
Hib – Haemophilus influenza type B
HepA – Hepatitis A
(HepB) – Hepatitis B
**MMR – Measles
**MMR – Mumps
**MMR – Rubella
*DTap – Pertussis
PCV13 – Pneumococcal
IPV – Poliomyelitis
Chicken pox – Varicella

* DTaP combines protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

** MMR combines protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

IMPORTANCE OF VACCINE SCHEDULE
The Health Department encourages parents to bring their children to the health centers early in the summer to beat the back-to-school rush, which usually starts in late July or August. The timing of vaccination before school starts is important so that children, teenagers, and young adults can not only protect themselves against life threatening illnesses but it can also prevent delay in school attendance and school participation.

The Health Departments offer every vaccine listed on the current vaccine schedule. It’s important for children to be vaccinated at certain ages because researchers and scientists have determined that the ages displayed on the schedule are the specific times when the body’s immune system will provide optimal protection against disease after vaccination. There is no research to show that a child would be equally protected against diseases with a different schedule.

KINDERGARTEN
Every child entering into the Georgia school system (Kindergarten – 12th grade), or a child care facility is required by law to be protected against 12 diseases. Students must have a Georgia Certificate of Immunization, Form 3231. The Health Department will document all new immunizations on this form or can transfer previous immunizations on the form for a small fee.

7th GRADE BACK TO SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
All students born on or after January 1, 2002, and entering, advancing or transferring into 7th grade in Georgia needs proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) and an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (“MCV4”). The HPV, chickenpox, and influenza vaccines are also recommended for preteens and teens.

COLLEGE
Living in student dormitories can put college students at higher risk for spreading disease. Students, especially, living in residence halls should be vaccinated with the meningococcal conjugate (meningitis) vaccine. If they received this vaccine before their 16th birthday, a booster dose is recommended before going to college for maximum protection.

TEAM PLAYERS AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Months of preparation are devoted to ensure that plenty of staff members, resources, and support are available to operate the clinics efficiently during the high volume time. Efforts across the different programs of the Health Department provide optimal service to our clients. Employees from emergency preparedness, WIC, epidemiology, and women’s health programs volunteer their time to assist staff at our three Gwinnett-based health centers in Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Buford. Information on immunizations, school screenings, and school requirements are shared with the general public, community partners, and our staff before the back-to-school rush to increase awareness of school immunizations. To learn more visit www.gnrhealth.com.

For information about the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services, please contact Keith Fenton, Chief Operating Officer, at 770-995-3339 or keith@gwinnettcoalition.org.

Diary of a Gwinnett Coalition Intern

July 16, 2019 by kfenton

“Interning with the Gwinnett Coalition has by far been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.” – Chelsea Ballew

My name is Chelsea Ballew and I serve as the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services’s summer intern. I am finishing up my studies at the University of Georgia with a degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. Upon beginning my internship, I have been encouraged to document my experiences. When I started my internship with the Gwinnett Coalition, I never could have imagined all that I would gain and the opportunities I would have to give back to the community I grew up in. Interning with the Coalition has by far been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.

Here is just a snapshot of the many experiences I have had this past week:

July 8, 2019: On Monday, I started the day emailing all of the registered participants of the Stewards of Children training. The Stewards of Children is a two- hour training that educates adults on how to react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. It is the only evidence-based training proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child protective behaviors. When I first started planning the Stewards of Children training is seemed so far away. I am very proud of how this event has come together as 24 individuals from 9 different organizations were trained. It has been a great learning experience. I thoroughly enjoy planning and executing events such as this one. On Monday I also had the opportunity to gain more knowledge about one of the Coalition’s partner agencies, View Point Health. Prior to my site visit, I had minimal background knowledge of View Point Health and the services they offered. I was shocked by the wide range of services offered by the organization and that they are 1 of 22 agencies in Georgia with these services. The Chief Executive Office, Jennifer Hibbard informed me that in 2018 alone they served 16,000 individuals across all of their mental health, substance abuse, and developmental/intellectual disabilities services. I knew they had a variety of outpatient services, but I did not know they also had residential facilities for people with substance abuse. I found it intriguing just how many services were offered at this one facility. Jennifer also provided me with some great information about ViewPoint that I can share with people on the Gwinnett Helpline. For example, I did not know they offered walk-up services until 2pm and assisted clients on a first come first serve basis. After my site visit, I gathered all of the materials for the Stewards of Children training and filled out the certificates for the facilitator to sign. This was the most time-consuming part of my day, but I was more than glad to do it. I wanted to get everything together today so I was not rushing last minute on Tuesday to get everything in order.

July 9, 2019: On Tuesday, I spent most of the morning getting last minute items in order for the Stewards of Children training. After lunch, I visited Annandale Village, the intellectual and developmental disabilities community is one I have always had a passion for. I absolutely loved their facility and all of the work they do. I cannot believe there are only three facilities in the country like Annandale. What I thought would be an hour tour turned into three. They have a very unique facility. I love how they take their residents on various excursions throughout the week from baseball games, going to the movies and visiting the grocery store. This is a community I believe is highly underserved. Annandale goes above and beyond to allow their residents to live out a long and purposeful life.

I got to meet several of their residents. I even had one of their residents show me his half-court shot. It warmed my heart to spend time with them! I am really glad I got to visit Annandale during my internship. When I got home, I could not stop talking to my mom about my visit.

July 10, 2019: On Wednesday, I participated in the Stewards of Children training I had been planning for several weeks. This week was one of the most rewarding weeks thus far. When my supervisor, Keith Fenton, first gave me the task of planning this training, I was kind of nervous since this was like nothing I have ever done before, but it went better than I could have ever imagined. Not only did I learn a lot about hosting and planning a training session, but I also learned a lot about child sexual abuse. I have worked with children for most of my life from babysitting to teaching children in afterschool programs, but this training has changed my outlook forever. This course provided me with the steps and knowledge to be able to help a child in need. As an individual who will eventually have children of my own this training also showed me how to talk to my future child about sexual abuse and sex in general. My parents never talked with about sexual abuse and this is something I will be very upfront with my child about so they know not only what is right and wrong, but also that I am an adult they can trust if anything was to ever happen. I believe this training should be administered to any person who interacts with children or has children of their own.

July 11, 2019: On Thursday, I attended a Social Storytelling training hosted by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. I thoroughly enjoyed the training and gained valuable insight into social media for nonprofits. The topics covered in the training included where to find content, how to measure marketing efforts, mapping out the target audience and fundraising. A lot of the information covered was similar to what I learned in my marketing and health communications courses, especially the SWOT analysis. I found the statistics they shared in regard to the number of Facebook and Instagram users to be shocking. It was surprising to me that the highest demographic on Facebook is people ages 25-34. I was also surprised that the highest traffic on Facebook occurs midweek between one and three o’clock. Just last year $300 million dollars was raised for non-profits solely off Facebook birthday donations. I have really enjoyed all of the training and seminars I have attended throughout my internship. After the training, I assisted on the Gwinnett Helpline for the rest of the day.

July 12, 2019: On Friday, I worked the on the Coalition’s Gwinnett Helpline. We had a large number of calls, I filled up almost two call sheets. We are still having a ton of callers requesting financial assistance for rent. Helpline Director, Suzy Bus, and I both had quite a few calls from Spanish speaking individuals. I am glad the Gwinnett Helpline exists as it provides a valuable resource to individuals and families in need.

iCan Bike Gwinnett: A Bike Camp for People with Disabilities in Need of Volunteers

July 2, 2019 by kfenton

Volunesia (Voh-li-NEE-zhah) noun. that moment you forget you’re volunteering to change the lives of others, because they end up changing yours. iCan Bike Gwinnett WILL give you volunesia. We Promise!

Biking is an activity that most people take for granted. Although it is usually considered to be a basic skill that all kids learn, we understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why iCan Bike – Gwinnett exists!

Presented by The Guide Project, iCan Bike Gwinnett is a bike camp for people with disabilities that will take place at George Pierce Park in Suwanee from July 15 – 19. The program partners groups of riders with volunteers who assist each rider as they gradually transition from specialized bicycles with rollers for back wheels to traditional, two-wheeled bikes. The camp not only teaches attendees to ride a two-wheel bike independently, but it also promotes inclusion, self-esteem, independence, and confidence for people with disabilities.

How can you help? Well, we are glad you asked.

Volunteers are needed to serve as Spotters. Two volunteers are assigned to each rider to serve as their ‘spotters’ providing physical support, motivation and encouragement throughout the week. While all individuals learn at their own pace, some will be ready to ride on two wheels as soon as the third day, and historically approximately 80% of the individuals who participate in iCan Bike ride a two-wheel bicycle independently (at least 75 feet with no assistance) by the end of our five day program. The remaining 20% make tremendous progress towards this goal and leave our programs accompanied by parents and/or siblings trained as ‘spotters’ to pick up where we leave off!

Just 75 invigorating minutes per day… it may be the most rewarding exercise and emotional experience you’ve ever had.

***NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IS NECESSARY***

To volunteer or for more information, please visit VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION or contact Stacey at Stacey@guideeachother.org – 770-742-7000.

Community Connections

Gwinnett Great Days of Service Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Scheduled for October 25-26, Gwinnett Great Days of Service mobilizes thousands of individuals, corporations, churches, schools, civic organizations, and communities in meaningful volunteer service to address some of Gwinnett County’s most critical needs.

Rock’n the Ville’s Car-B-Ques & Brews to Benefit Gwinnett County Veterans

Back-To-School Immunizations Affect Health, Law and School

Beat the back to school rush!

Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County (GNR) Health Departments encourage parents to bring their children and teenagers for early vaccinations to protect themselves against disease.

Diary of a Gwinnett Coalition Intern

“Interning with the Gwinnett Coalition has by far been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.” – Chelsea Ballew

iCan Bike Gwinnett: A Bike Camp for People with Disabilities in Need of Volunteers

Volunesia (Voh-li-NEE-zhah) noun. that moment you forget you’re volunteering to change the lives of others, because they end up changing yours. iCan Bike Gwinnett WILL give you volunesia. We Promise!

Talk to Us!

We Aim to Help!

Coalition Programs

Community Connections

Scheduled for October 25-26, Gwinnett Great Days of Service mobilizes thousands of individuals, corporations, churches, schools, civic organizations, and communities in meaningful volunteer service to address some of Gwinnett County’s most critical needs.

Beat the back to school rush!

Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County (GNR) Health Departments encourage parents to bring their children and teenagers for early vaccinations to protect themselves against disease.

“Interning with the Gwinnett Coalition has by far been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.” – Chelsea Ballew

Volunesia (Voh-li-NEE-zhah) noun. that moment you forget you’re volunteering to change the lives of others, because they end up changing yours. iCan Bike Gwinnett WILL give you volunesia. We Promise!

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