Information Session for the Summer Voucher Program

Thursday, April 27th | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT. CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

The Office of Youth Services is partnering with Human & Community Development to offer families of DeKalb County a one-time voucher for financial assistance for summer camp programs. The Office of Youth Services will be hosting an interest meeting for Program Providers to participate in the Summer Voucher Program.

The Program Provider meeting will be held on April 27th for all interested providers. The Summer Voucher Program is slated to begin June 1st.

$100 Gift Cards Available at this Weekend's Fortitude Fitness Expo

Saturday, April 29th | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church

2340 Clifton Springs Road in Decatur

$100 gift cards are available for those who receive their COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot,

while supplies last.

Please bring your ID and insurance card.

District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, DeKalb County Human Services and more partner with the Beulah Community Family Life Center and the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to connect resources to DeKalb County families through a fun-filled Expo.

This FREE event welcomes vendors representing non-profit organizations, small businesses, county service agencies and other civic-minded groups that Expo participants can visit to learn, shop and engage to learn about services available throughout DeKalb County.

Community members will have an opportunity to receive:

COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters
Health screenings
Helpful resources in DeKalb

Participants will also enjoy:

Entertainment
Food
Fun
and much more!

DeKalb County Youth Collective Presents Youth and Family Summit

Saturday, April 29th | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Redan Recreation Center

1839 Phillips Road in Lithonia

Come out to receive community resources, jobs, health screenings, and more.

Vendors will be onsite to provide information on:

Teen summer jobs
Counseling and mental health services
Free community programs
Youth recreational summer programs
Court services
and much more

Grab your lunch and meet us online to learn about the Department’s many community partners as well as the services that they offer.

Tuesday, May 16th | 12:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

100 BLACK MEN OF DEKALB

The mission of the 100 Black Men of Dekalb is to improve the quality of life in our communities and enhance education and economic opportunities for all African-Americans.

Male Youth: Gain Mentorship from STEAM Majors at Morehouse College

Kickoff: Saturday, June 3rd

The program will run from June 9th - July 29th

Application deadline: Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The Office of Youth Services is excited to start the enrollment process for our 2023 R.I.S.E. Up Program application to the public.

The R.I.S.E. Up Program serves middle school and high school boys and young men of color residing in District 4 of DeKalb County. The program aims to cultivate positive social behaviors such as positive attitudinal development, self-esteem building, learning how to maintain healthy lifestyles and relationships, and contributing to the well-being of one's community.

Dr. Kinnis Gosha, the Division Chair and Associate Professor of Computer Science at Morehouse College, leads the program. Boys and young men of color in grades 6 to 12 will benefit from mentoring, coaching, and instruction from a cohort of 8 - 10 mentors who are STEAM majors at Morehouse College. The R.I.S.E. Up program only accepts 30 middle school boys and 20 high school young men.

To apply, applicants must reside in DeKalb County's District 4 and entering the 6th – 12th grade in fall 2023. The program will run from June 3^rd – July 29^th and will be hosted at Morehouse College. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 17th, 2023.

For more information on the R.I.S.E. Up Program, please contact Jantzen Kendall at jpkendall@dekalbcountyga.gov.

High School Students: Get Valuable Insight Into the Film, Art, and Music Production and Recording Industries

Program begins: Saturday, June 3rd

Application deadline: Friday, May 19th, 2023

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The Human Services Department is excited to accept applications for the Summer 2023 cohort of the Sights N’ Sounds program!!

In partnership with The Plug ATL and the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, The Sights N’ Sounds program is committed to providing students with exposure to the film, arts, and music production and recording industries. The Sights N’ Sounds program will offer workshops to encourage youth to gain interest and pursue a career in the entertainment field through our four focus areas of learning to encourage youth to gain interest and pursue a career in the entertainment field through our four focus areas of learning.

Classes will be held in person twice a week beginning June 3^rd for the duration of 8 weeks. The program will be held at 2700 Northeast Expy Suite B850, Atlanta, GA 30345.

For more information on the Sights N' Sounds program, please reach out to Kristen Wimberly via email at kwimberly@dekalbcountyga.gov or phone at 470-543-0761.

Program begins: Saturday, June 17th

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The Girls' Clubhouse program conducts group counseling sessions to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of DeKalb teen girls. The program explores topics surrounding self-esteem, self-concept, crisis, problem solving, communication, peer relationships, and identity development.

For more information on the Girls' Clubhouse program, please reach out to Lidia Quinones via email at lyquinones@dekalbcountyga.gov.

May is Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month is a national celebration. The purpose of Older Americans Month is to commemorate the achievements and contributions of individuals 55 years and older within their communities. The 2023 theme is “Aging Unbound,” which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes.

Join the DeKalb Human Services Department as we kick off Older Americans’ month with the torch lighting ceremony for the Senior Olympics, a wellness expo and more.

DeKalb Youth Finds Success Through Youth Entrepreneurship Program

The Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) provides an alternative route for youth participants 15-24 to learn, explore, develop, and prepare for the feasibility of opening their own business as an alternative to a “traditional career pathway.”

YEP program graduate Azora Brice, Stone Mountain High School graduate, created The Key Defense, an e-commerce business which supplies color coordinated defensive key chains. When asked what motivated her to start Key Defense Azora stated, “While working as a high school student I had to rely on Ubers and public transportation. Traveling alone as a young woman can be scary and I wanted peace of mind going to and from work. Hence, self-defense key chains.” To expand her entrepreneurial knowledge and sharpen her skills Azora joined YEP in 2022. When asked to use one word to describe the program Azora said, “Advance. I advanced in one way or another in regards to being a better entrepreneur.” She also mentions the most useful tool she gained from YEP was learning how to step out of her comfort zone. “In this program, you have to step out of your comfort zone a lot quicker than you expect to. Naturally, my first instinct is to give a shy, introverted approach. However, through my experience in YEP, I found that showing your confidence head on with a welcoming attitude and introduction will get you closer to your goal.”

As a result of her participation in YEP Azora was able to formally file her business with the State of Georgia under the guidance of program facilitator and business consultant, Chelsea Stevenson. Azora continues on her entrepreneurial journey with all she learn for YEP and strives to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in her family, especially in her siblings.

Improving Mental Health and Social Wellness Through Dental Care

The DeKalb County Human Services, Office of Youth Services, Project ONE80 Program, partnered with The Cheaux Love Project, Inc. and Colgate Healthy Smiles through their ongoing “Love Your Smile” campaign.

The "Love Your Smile" campaign was started by Dr. Devonte Johnson. His personal mission in his dentistry work has been to eradicate oral health care disparities in underserved areas, which has granted opportunities to find creative ways to help build self-esteem and awareness amongst the youth in the Metro Atlanta community.

Studies show that 65% of kids that are bullied grind their teeth due to heightened emotional stress. Studies also show that there is a direct correlation between poor hygiene and being subjected to being bullied in school. Through providing oral hygiene screenings, oral cleaning demonstrations and utensils for cleaning and overall oral health education, The Cheaux Love Project, Inc. will continue to be devoted to service and the community's overall well-being.

East DeKalb Members Learn How to Prepare for Possible Emergencies

East DeKalb Senior Center held a CPR Training/Refresher course for their senior members, led by Warren St. James, a certified CPR trainer and Tai Chi instructor. A fun and educational time was had by all. Tips and educational material was provided while attendees enjoyed fun activities and discussions throughout the course. The seniors appreciated learning more about the CPR process and various techniques that can save a life.

Education and Entertainment at Central DeKalb Senior Center

Central DeKalb Senior Center members attended “Senior Fraud and Scam Prevention,” presented by Jeanne Canavan, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney of the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Members learned about the most recent scams and fraud that targets seniors and how to protect themselves.

Members will end the month with laughter, courtesy of the Phoenix Players on Friday, April 28th. The Phoenix Players are an ensemble of seniors who are also experienced veteran actors. They will perform live drama, mostly about life’s lessons and lessons ignored.

Special Programs Provided by DeKalb County Library

Memory Care Musical Program

Wednesday, May 3rd

11:00am – Noon

Decatur Library

215 Sycamore Street

Decatur, GA 30030

Memory Care Musical Program

Sing and dance to musical favorites. This program is geared toward families that are in need of tips for caring for homebound and memory care family members.

One-on-One Prescription Interaction Assistance - Virtual

Saturday, May 6th

10:00am – 1:00 pm

Registration required

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Prioritizing your health and becoming an advocate for your wellbeing is important. It is also more important than ever to know about the medicines you take. If you take several different medicines, see more than one doctor, or have certain health conditions, you and your doctors need to be aware of all the medicines you take. Take the opportunity to discuss how different medications interact with pharmacist, DeLon Canterbury, PharmD, BCGP. Informational program only. Before adjusting your medications, you must consult with your physician.

Registration required:

Each registered participant will have twelve minutes. In preparation for day of program compile a list of medications including prescriptions over the counters eye drops and any herbal vitamins. Zoom link will be sent one day before class.

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