Major
Programs and Services
Efforts to develop timely service offerings that alleviate the causes of poverty and meet the ever-changing needs of the impoverished in Southwest Georgia are ongoing. Although service emphasis may differ from county to county to meet the diversity of local needs. Agency services fall under the Following five major programs:
Community Services
While encompassing a variety of services for individuals of all ages. Community Services target the needs primarily of senior citizens and at-risk youth. Services range from congregate and home-delivered meals to transportation and after-school youth programs. Funding is provided through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
Crisis Intervention Services
Crisis Intervention Services provide assistance in the payment of utility bills, purchase of food, and provision of emergency shelter in situations that prevent cut-offs, minimize malnutrition, and circumvent the incidence of eviction. Funding is provided primarily through CSBG, FEMA, local sources, and United Way.
Housing & Energy
Housing and Energy programs are designed to conserve energy and lessen the hardships of high home fuel/utility costs by preventing infiltration of the elements through weatherization measures such as weather-stripping, insulation, sealing, caulking, skirting, and other minor home repairs as needed and permitted by funding sources. Other grant and low/no-interest loan programs are designed to repair deteriorating housing conditions. Funding is provided through George Department of Energy, Rural Housing of USDA, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, and other sources as they become available.
Child Development - Head Start
Much more than just a daycare service. Head Start is an educationally based comprehensive preschool program designed for children ages 3 to 5 with emphasis in three major areas: Early Childhood Development and Health Services, Family and Community Partnerships, and Program Design and Management. Early Head Start serves families with children ages 0 to 3. Funding is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Other Programs
Programs such as USDA Surplus Commodity Distribution, the Robert J. Clinton Children's Summer Camp, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Emergency Energy Assistance Program (EEAP), Informal Child Care Health and Safety Training, Work Experience Placement, and Family PRIDE Parenting Program complete the array of services that "help people help themselves".
