What's Happening: April's Lunch & Learn Sessions and 2024 Senior Olympics Registration

Registration is Now Open for the 2024 Senior Olympics

Please note that participants may register online by clicking on the link below, or in person at their nearest DeKalb Recreation Center. Registration is also open to non-DeKalb senior residents.

Click here to register.

Click here for detailed instructions and additional information.

Click here to view the tournament schedule.

For more information about the DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games, contact 404-371-2711.

Hiring Event Hosted by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Thursday, April 18th

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

774 Jordan Lane, Bldg. 4

Decatur, GA 30033

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is hosting a hiring event. Positions include Administrative Coordinator, Patient Transporter, Patient Access, Floor Care Technician, and more.

Click here to view all open positions.

Please note that professional attire and resumes are required.

HS Lunch & Learn Sessions:

Empowering Women to Become Whole, Healed and Well

Thursday, April 18th

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER

Over the past 36 years, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness has created a legacy in the Atlanta community. This legacy is one which ensures that women and families will always have access to quality healthcare. During this session, Kim Smith Turner will discuss all of the programs that they are providing to keep women healthy.

Preventative Care Through Nutrition Education and Positive Lifestyle Modifications

Wednesday, April 24th

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER

Pea Pod Nutrition and Lactation Support, Inc. is dedicated to the nutritional health of Georgia families. The organization has a wide range of health care providers specializing in everything from infant feeding to sports nutrition, chronic disease management, weight loss, pregnancy nutrition, and beyond.

Supportive Services for Immigrant and Refugee Women and Children

Tuesday, April 30th

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER

Please join us as we learn about the exciting new programs and services at the International Women’s House, an organization that provides a safe haven and supportive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, with a focus on immigrant and refugee women and children, cultural sensitivity and self-sufficiency.

Spotlight on Youth Entrepreneurship: Marco Rippy's Illuminating Journey

Marco Rippy, a teen entrepreneur, shines bright in the vibrant tapestry of young entrepreneurs making waves in DeKalb County. A 13-year-old 8th grader with a flair for creativity and a knack for business, Marco's journey into the world of entrepreneurship as “Marco the Candle Guy” is as inspiring as it is illuminating. Recently featured on VoyageATL, Marco's story is a beacon of youthful innovation and determination that the community can rally behind and support.

Marco's story is a testament to the power of youthful creativity, family support, and the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills from a young age. His highlights his personal achievements and serves as an example of what young minds are capable of when given the opportunity to explore, create, and lead.

Marco has been an active participant in OYS programs, including RISE UP & Y.E.P. and he has also attended and volunteered in various County activities such as MLK Day of Services and Teen Summit.

DeKalb Youth Meet to Address Mental Health Issues and Social Media

The OYS Social Media and Mental Health Summit explored the intricate relationship between social media and mental health, focusing on the experiences of youth and families. Mental health experts, social media influencers, entertainers, and up-and-coming personalities engaged in dynamic discussions that empowered and educated an audience of 12 to 18-year-olds and their parents.

Students Inspired by Black Entrepreneurs

The Office of Youth Services, along with Black business owners of DeKalb County and surrounding cities visited Winnona Park Elementary School for its Black History Month Celebration.

Students were able to meet and talk with individuals who have achieved entrepreneurial success. The showcase taught students about the contributions of black entrepreneurs to society and the economy, highlighting their innovation, resilience and creativity.

North DeKalb Senior Center's Masquerade Sneaker Ball

Elegance met urban flair at North DeKalb Senior Center. Members paired their finest attire and masks with stylish sneakers to create a unique and eclectic atmosphere.

Black History Month Celebrations

Members of East Central Dekalb Community and Senior Center celebrated Black History Month by honoring the profound contributions of African Americans throughout history. They explored their achievements, resilience, and impact throughout the month with “Creative Crown,” an introduction and exploration of African Headwraps. The experience provided an opportunity to style and create their own headwrap. Members also learned about heart health, took a group trip to Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and dined at Paschal’s Restaurant, which was known to be a key meeting place for civil rights leaders and strategists including Martin Luther King, Jr. and his lieutenants.

Each neighborhood center celebrated with a variety of events - Lithonia Senior Center hosted "A Taste of Our History," DeKalb-Atlanta Senior Center members presented a special program, North DeKalb Senior Center welcomed guests to "Moments in Black History," and South DeKalb Senior Center members wore African attire and performed a special play.

Central DeKalb Senior Center Celebrates Women’s History Month with Classes About Fascinating and Fearless Women

Members of CDSC celebrated Women’s History Month with classes about the profound impact of remarkable women who have shaped the course of history. Fascinating Women Characters in Literature looked at some of the most fascinating women characters in fiction; Three Fearless Women spoke about little-known women who risked their lives to rescue Jews during the Holocaust; Exercise Physiologist Lisa Gray, with Emory Decatur, offered strength training, stretching, flexibility and nutrition tips during Senior Fitness with Lisa Gray. Downsize, Preserve, Share taught members about downsizing and saving and sharing family photos and stories for future generations; and Women in Architecture highlighted the early achievements of Julia Morgan & Mary Jane Colter in the West, Leila Ross Wilburn here in Atlanta, Ellamae League in Macon and the spectacular contemporary, but recently deceased Zaha Hadid whose works span the Globe.

Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI)

November 2022 the Human Services Department’s Office of Partnerships, External Affairs and Grants (OPEAG) was awarded $1.5MIL from the United States Office of Justice Programs' Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI). Upon receiving a unanimous support from CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners the team begin working to develop a “plan.” Comprising key stakeholders and partnership throughout the County; OPEAG sought out to ensure that addressing crime in DeKalb was a top priority.

Now approaching the second year of the grant the office has begun steps towards introducing the needs assessment phase of the grant through the guidance of Cure Violence Global (CVG). One of the top goals will be to empower key entities and/or government agencies and community-based organizations with data review meetings, community partner meetings, potential workers, and the most important - community. OPEAG will host meetings over the next few months that will be designed to familiarizes stakeholders and organizations with the Cure Violence Model with focuses on determining potential target areas, partnerships, workers, and program structures for future steps in implementation.

Reach Out and Read Georgia

For more than 20 years, Reach Out and Read Georgia has provided literacy resources to DeKalb County’s children and families. Through 444,074 well visits and 315,361 books, Reach Out and Read has made a strong impact in DeKalb.

Reach Out and Read’s model is evidence-based and peer-reviewed. Medical providers use wellness visits to educate parents about positive parent-child interactions, language skills and the developing brain. Clinicians encourage parents to read aloud with their children beginning at birth and offer are appropriate guidance. Doctors use books as a tool to assess developmental milestones. During wellness visits, clinicians provide children from birth through age 5 a free, developmentally-appropriate book to keep.

Active Reach Out and Read Georgia Sites in DeKalb County:

DeKalb County’s Human Services Department is a network of county programs, services and community partners that support the well-being of all DeKalb county citizens. We strive to create opportunities for people to be safe, healthy, and realize their full potential. Human Services is dedicated to supporting the development of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities

for the citizens of DeKalb County.

Visit the Human Services Website