In Central Georgia, we are on a mission to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another, to disrupt the cycle of poverty.
We have seen an excellent demonstration of the power of community this month, from getting books into the hands of kids in unconventional places to helping people get on a better path to secure stable housing and employment, to thanking our teachers as a community, to ensuring that residents at Brookdale have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as the supplies necessary to provide for those experiencing homelessness.
For more than 100 years, we have worked collaboratively with nonprofit, for profit and government agencies to accomplish what no entity can do alone. We give change-makers avenues to make a difference through giving, advocating and volunteering. UNITED, we change lives for the better. Here's how we do it.
In an effort to increase literacy and access to books for our youngest learners in Macon-Bibb County, Community Schools United launched the Laundromat Library outreach program with local business owners and the Zeta Amicaes of Macon to bring books to children in unconventional spaces like laundromats, barber shops, and hair salons. Want to get involved? Click here.
We made headway cleaning up past convictions, and helping people get on a better trajectory to secure jobs and housing at our Record Restriction Event in Pleasant Hill. Our event was hosted in partnership with the Macon-Bibb Solicitor's Office, the District Attorney's Office, the Macon Judicial Circuit, Middle Georgia Justice, Georgia Justice Project, Black Voters Matter Fund, and Growing Real Alternatives Everywhere.
In partnership with Roger Jackson and Motivating Youth Foundation, Delivering Good came to Bibb County. Macon-Bibb County, Griffith Family Foundation, and Rhythm & Jazz Foundation are supporting this initiative. Organizing a giveaway at Central High School to provide new fashion surplus products was part of our effort to give school district employees a day of appreciation. More giveaway events are being planned.
The Gardens at Brookdale was established in partnership with Macon-Bibb County to provide residents at Brookdale with healthy food and lifestyle options. Volunteers are needed to help with planting in April. Click here to fill out the interest form.
Brookdale has received a tremendous amount of support from the local community in its efforts to assist those experiencing homelessness. Three major giving events for Brookdale have been powered by MidSouth Federal Credit Union, Piedmont Macon, and ShuBEE, which have all provided much needed supplies to better meet the needs of residents. For more information about Brookdale's needs click here.
Despite all this good news, our work isn't done. In April, we will send out a Community Survey to better understand our community's needs and understanding of our work. As we continue to fight poverty in Central Georgia, we want to ensure that our work is as strategic as possible. We will also celebrate National Volunteer Week in April with opportunities to get involved in Central Georgia. Keep an eye out for ways to get involved.
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