Disclaimer:
This resource guide is provided as a service by Family Connection. All information published herein is gathered from sources thought to be reliable and is not a complete list of all resources available to Dawson County citizens. Inclusion in this guide does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by Family Connection. Requests for changes or inclusions in this guide are appreciated and should be sent to [email protected]
Caregiver Resources
The coronavirus pandemic has turned life upside down and inside out. As a result,
families are increasingly weary, anxious, uncertain and stressed.
And that's just after a trip to your local grocery store! Can you relate?
Parenting is tough under the best of conditions, if you as a parent need help coping,
please call 1-800-CHILDREN for assistance!
Access to Services
  • Federally Qualified Health Center, or other community-based resource, please call the Georgia Family Healthline at 1-800-300-9003.
  • Assistance with essential services (finding food, paying bills), contact 211.
  • Childcare Support: To locate childcare that is currently open call 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (1-877-255-4254) or go online to http://qualityrated.org/
Food Resources
The Dawson County School Nutrition and Transportation Departments will deliver meals through normal bus routes Monday-Friday. Delivery buses will start at each school at 10:30 am with the hope to have all meals delivered at each bus stop by 11:30 am.
ALL CHILDREN ages 0-18 may receive a lunch and a breakfast for the next morning. 


For general questions, contact  Rita Gilleland  - 706-265-3246 ext 1019
If you have issues with meal delivery, contact  Tony Wooten  - 706-265-3246 ext 1012

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Wondering about Dawson restaurants offering
togo and/or curbside service?
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Visit Dawson To Go on Faceboook!
Click HERE for more information

Resources for Those Classified as High Risk

Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services and Dawson County Parks & Recreation staff will pick-up and deliver prescriptions to Dawson County residents. This allows residents of Dawson County that are classified as  high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention  in relation to COVID-19, to remain secure and safe at home, yet still get their medications.

Click HERE for more information or
call (706) 344-3646
Dollar General: Dollar General is opening its stores to senior citizens only for the first hour. The stores will also close early but those times vary by location.
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Home Depot: The Home Depot stores will now close daily at 6 p.m. The opening hours will not change.
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Kroger: Kroger is shifting store hours across the region to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.The stores will also add a hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for seniors to shop,  starting Monday March 23.
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Publix: Publix has adjusted its store hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Publix announced it will designate Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., as senior shopping hours for customers age 65 and over. This change starts Tuesday March 24 and it includes opening the pharmacy early.
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Target:  Target will close nightly at 9 p.m. to give time for cleaning and restocking. Stores will reserve the first hour of shopping every Wednesday for seniors and guests who have health issues.
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Walmart: Stores will be open from 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. until further notice. The retail chain also will host a senior shopping hour every Tuesday starting March 24. This will start one hour before stores open.
General Dawson County Resources 
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Dawson County Family Connection strives to connect those with resources with those who need resources!
We have created the  Community Resource List to help meet this goal
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Click HERE for Community Resource List

Loss of Income 
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- In Georgia-- as in every other state -- employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own may qualify for unemployment benefits. The eligibility rules, prior earnings requirements, benefit amounts, and other details vary from state to state. Here are the basic rules for collecting unemployment compensation in Georgia.
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For more information click HERE
Information for families that need to access SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. To limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public, it is encouraged for families to access self-service options online during this period.
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Self-service options include:
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Apply for Food Stamp and Medicaid Benefits
Visit: gateway.ga.gov (verification documents can also be uploaded and case status info is available for all benefits)
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Download an Application:
 https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services
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Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
Visit: https://www.connectebt.com/gaebtclient  or call: 888-421-3281 for updates
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Those without internet access can contact the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746 for additional information or to request a paper application. Once completed, applications and any required verification can be mailed back to your local county DFCS office.  County office locations are available online at https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations. 
Tips to Manage Stress & Anxiety

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  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.




If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
  • 911
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
  • 1-800-715-4225, GCAL is the 24/7 hotline for accessing mental health services in Georgia. 
 

Call us at 706-265-1981 
 

 

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