The Decatur County Family Connection Collaborative had their monthly meeting on Friday January 13 at the Courtyard Café on Water Street beginning at 12 noon. Ami Mejia, the Decatur county Family Connection Coordinator, welcomed the group of approximately 50 and individual introductions of those attending were made. The group included local educators, business professionals, government agencies, private agencies, physicians, and concerned citizens.
Following the introduction of those attending, Ms. Mejia introduced Debbie McIntyre,Director of L.I.F.E. Debbie spoke to the group on "The Culture Of Poverty" as January is National Poverty in America Month. Ms. McIntyre spoke of the work of Ruby Payne author of "A Framework for Understanding Poverty". Ms. Payne is also the founder of www.ahaprocess.com a company that is devoted to educating professionals and community leaders about the effects of class and poverty on our society.
Ms. McIntyre spoke about the nature of poverty. It is not a color issue and effects economic groups across the board. There are 2 types of poverty. One type is generational. This occurs when a family is at the poverty level for two or more generations. The second type is situational. Situational poverty can happen to anyone at anytime in any economic group. The loss of a job, sudden illness can change a family's income level.
The two most important things that can move a person out of poverty are education and relationships. Ms. McIntyre explained that the more important of the two being relationships or role models. Children with frequent access to adults that are appropriate and nurturing and don't engage in self destructive behavior themselves have proven to be the best role models for the child. Ms. McIntyre explained that in order to break the cycle of poverty children need a caring adult in their life.
Following the presentation by Ms. McIntyre, County Commissioner Perry was asked about a situation is Attapulgus. According to Commissioner Perry an 84 year old resident in Attapulgus, who had no indoor facitlies had the outhouse collapse. Waste was then being dumped on the property. Commissioner Perry stated that he had spoken with Michelle Barwick, Community Service Manager of the Neighborhood Service Center. Ms. Barwick was also present at the meeting and stated that they are working with the health department and area services trying to get the situation resolved.
An update on the Decatur County Family Connection Stratey Teams was given by Ms. Mejia.
Early Childhood Stratey Team
No update
Youth Development Strategy Team
The team continues to work on their operating plan for next year. The programs and activities suggested include a juvenile diversion program, abstinence educaton, substance abuse prevention programs and activities and the Youth Council. There is a CYCC grant that a partner is considering applying for to support needed programs.
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CATS for Youth (Family Connectoin's Youth Council)
The students have tentatively set Saturday, Feburary 11th from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon for the orientation for the Youth MATTER intiative which involves a youth adult partnership. A number of the students have also volunteered to participate in the Kiwanis' Read Around the World in Feburary. They will read books to Kindergarten students in an effort to promote reading. They are also ordering materials that they will use in the drug education activities.
*Next meeting is Wednesday, January 25th at 5:30 pm at the Southwest Georgia Regional Library.
Financial Literacy Strategy Team
This is a new team that will be promoting financial literacy. At their first meeting on January 23rd, the group will decide what programs and activities they want to implement in the next year. They will also identify additional partners to invite to participate in their work. Suggested activities include free tax preparation services in 2007, money management classes, homebuyer education classes and more.
*Next meeting is Monday, January 23 at 12:00 noon at the Courtyard Cafe.
Mentoring/Literacy Volunteer Ad Hoc Committee
The committee is still recruiting mentors. There will be a meeting on January 24 for mentors who want to share their experices with other mentors to get ideas, suggestions and support. January is National Mentor Month. Contact Ami Mejia at 229-243-6451 for more information on becoming a mentor.
Domestic Violence Task Force
The task force is planning for Ckhild Abuse Prevention Month. The pinwheel ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 13th. "Raising Your Child's Grades Without Raising Your Voice" flyers will be attached to report cards for students from Jones Wheat and Hutto Middle Schools. The task force hopes to send the flyers home with students from the other schools in March. A subcommittee of the task force is also working on contacting the schools about participating in an art project, which will involve having students draw pictures of what they think domestic violence is.
*Next meeting is Monday, February 6 at 12:00 noon at the Courtyard Cafe. If you are able to attend the meeting please call the Courtyard Cafe ahead and order your lunch. You can pay for it after the meeting.
The public is always invited to attend and participate in the Family Connection Collaborative Meetings and task force meeting. The Collaborative is also looking for more involvment from the business and religious communities. The next Family Connection Collaborative Meeting is Friday, February 10 at 12:00 noon at the Courtyard Cafe.
For more information contact:
Ami Mejia 229-243-6451
Or
About Family Connection Partnership Mentoring Information
