November 2026 Newsletter

Native American Heritage Month


This November, we celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, and traditions of Indigenous peoples and recognize their important contributions to our communities and our country. Join us in honoring the voices, achievements, and heritage of Native American communities throughout November.


Learn more: https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/

Help us make a difference in your community this Giving Tuesday!


Scan the QR code or click the button below to make a donation to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser.

 

Head Start News: NHSA Submits Parent Letter With Nearly 17,000 Signatures on Proposed Head Start Changes

From the National Head Start Association.


Thousands of parents and caregivers call on federal leaders to protect the services, supports, and local decision-making that make Head Start work.


The National Head Start Association (NHSA) submitted a national parent letter signed by nearly 17,000 current and former Head Start parents and caregivers in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs.”


The letter, which was developed by parent leaders from across the country, brings the voices and experiences of Head Start families directly into the federal rulemaking process, underscoring the importance of listening to the parents and caregivers who see firsthand how Head Start supports children, strengthens families, and responds to the needs of local communities.

CAFI Spotlights

Please join us in welcoming Eddie Washington, Fiscal Manager, and Callista Briggs, Payroll and Benefits Specialist, to the CAFI team! We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the experience and expertise they bring to our organization.


We would also like to congratulate Kristin Hawn on her well-deserved promotion to Administrative Manager!

Candid Seal of Transparency


We earned a 2026 Candid Gold Seal of Transparency!


See what your donations help us accomplish:

https://app.candid.org/profile/7879153/community-action-for-improvement-inc/


Use this link for unlimited access to our profile. Keeping our profile up to date helps us gather support; enabling funders and donors to find us and learn about our impact. 

We're Hiring!

We are hiring for multiple positions at our Carroll, Coweta, and Heard County Head Start centers!


  • Program Aides
  • Teachers
  • Teacher Assistants
  • Infant & Toddler Caregivers
  • Family Advocates
  • Bus Drivers
  • Cooks


We are seeking candidates with a high school diploma, GED, CDA, associate's, or bachelor's in early childhood education or a related field.


Pay for qualified lead teachers starts at $20.27 per hour!

We are seeking a Maintenance Technician!


Under the general supervision of the Facilities Manager, the Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing general maintenance and repairs for assigned equipment and facilities including plumbing, basic carpentry, and other building systems as well as routine lawn care.


This position will also perform general custodial and sanitation functions in and around the facilities.


Qualifications:


Minimum:

High School Diploma or equivalent


2 years of related general maintenance experience


Preferred:

CMAT or CMRT Certification

LIHEAP appointments will open on December 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM for seniors 65 and older.

Visit our website for updates on LIHEAP assistance:

Head Start Enrollment is Open!

We have Head Start locations in Carrollton, Newnan, and Franklin. Our Head Start program is free for eligible families and is a great option for working parents with young children! Our program is also open to children with special needs and disabilities.


If you are interested in enrolling your child, contact us at (706) 806-9006 to begin the application process or click the button below to apply online.

Board Members Visit Newnan Head Start

Last month, we welcomed CAFI Board members Linda Bohannon and Derrick Teagle to our Newnan Head Start center! During their visit, they spent time connecting with staff, and our Head Start classrooms expressed their gratitude with handmade cards.



Thank you to our Board for your dedication, support, and commitment to CAFI's mission. We appreciate all that you do!

Empowered 4 Life Fundraiser Gala

Community Action for Improvement was proud to support the recent fundraising gala hosted by Empowered 4 Life, a valued community partner dedicated to empowering student athletes.


The event raised support for programs and services that provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities, transportation assistance, athletic equipment and supplies, and other resources that help local youth thrive. Representing CAFI at the gala were Administrative Manager Kristin Hawn, Board Treasurer Linda Bohannon, and Board President Derrick Teagle, who also serves as Executive Director of Empowered 4 Life. We are grateful for the positive impact Empowered 4 Life continues to make throughout our community and were honored to celebrate their mission and accomplishments.

Heard County Head Start Pumpkin Activity

Last month, Heard County Head Start students got into the fall spirit with a hands-on pumpkin carving activity! During this two-day learning experience, students opened up a pumpkin, scooped out the seeds, and baked them into a tasty snack. They also had the opportunity to sample the roasted pumpkin seeds while learning about the nutritional value of pumpkins and the importance of making healthy food choices.

Head Start Dental Screenings

On November 3, Head Start students participated in dental screenings provided by the Department of Public Health. These screenings help identify potential dental concerns early, support healthy oral development, and encourage positive dental hygiene habits. By promoting preventive care and early intervention, this event helped ensure our students are on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. We appreciate the Department of Public Health for partnering with us to support the health and well-being of our children.

Due to holiday office closures, our upcoming Board Meetings will be held on November 19, 2026, and December 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM.



Our December Board Meeting will be held virtually.

Newnan-Coweta Humane Society Pet Food Pantry

1st Saturday of the Month

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

608 Hwy 29 North, Newnan, GA

The Newnan Coweta Pet Food Pantry is here to lend a helping hand to families in need. Every 1st Saturday of the month, the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society hosts a Pet Food Pantry for pet owners.


To receive pet food from the pantry, you must be a resident of Coweta County. Find out more by visiting the link below.

First Baptist Church of Carrollton Food Pantry

Tuesdays and Thursdays

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

563 Old Bremen Road, Carrollton, GA

First Baptist Church of Carrollton will distribute food at their community food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 1 PM.


Appointments are required, to schedule an appointment, call 943-900-2603.

Carroll County Family Connection 2026 Food Calendar

WorkSource Georgia - Federal Worker Career Transitions

If you are a job seeker in Georgia who has recently transitioned from federal employment or other employment with federally-funded programs, WorkSource Georgia can help with navigating your career transition.


Visit www.WorkSourceGaPortal.com or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.

Job Corps

Job Corps is a free program for low-income 16-24 year olds to get hands-on training to start a career.


For more information and to apply, visit https://enroll.jobcorps.gov/

SNAP E&T Program

Available at Newnan, LaGrange, Valdosta, Columbus, and Albany Goodwill Training Centers

If you receive SNAP benefits, you may be eligible to receive free certification training through the SNAP E&T Program to help jumpstart your career!


Through this program, eligible participants can access free skills training, free education and GED courses, career certifications, connections to local resources, and more!


To find a Goodwill Training Center near you, visit https://www.goodwillsr.org/training-centers

LaGrange Empty Stocking Fund

October 5 - November 20, 2026

December Place Farm

LaGrange Personal Aid

300 Bull Street, LaGrange, GA

Signup for the LaGrange Empty Stocking Fund begins October 5th!


Application hours are 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Fridays.

Hiring Event

November 18, 2026

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Troup Harris Library

115 Alford Street, LaGrange, GA

On November 18th, Goodwill will host a hiring event at the Troup-Harris Library. There will be multiple employers present at this event, including CAFI!

Empowered 4 Life Giving Tuesday Fundraiser

This Giving Tuesday, join Empowered 4 Life in making a difference for local youth!


Your support helps provide leadership development, mentorship, educational opportunities, and more for young people in our community. We're proud to support this effort led by Derrick Teagle, Director of Empowered 4 Life and CAFI's Board President.


To donate, scan the QR code on the flyer, or visit https://givebutter.com/giving-tuesday-2026-w2tsgw


Ask a Lawyer

November 18, 2026

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

GLSP will provide free legal advice for a range of topics, including assistance with public benefits, school discipline/special education, housing, and more. This November, the attorney from GLSP will be assisting via phone.



Check eligibility: https://gaoi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=108&h=5c2a5f&


Register:

https://form.jotform.com/252919033748161

Hiring Event

November 19, 2026

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

1301 S. Park Street, Carrollton, GA

Meet with top employers hiring for a variety of roles! Bring your resume, dress to impress, and get ready for on-the-spot interviews and real opportunities to make an impact.

Giving Hearts Food Pantry

December 4, 2026

9:30 AM

North Point Baptist Church

1400 Cedar Street, Carrollton, GA

Giving Hearts, Inc. will host a drive thru food pantry on Friday, December 4th in Carrollton. Fresh produce will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Christmas in Coweta Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for Bridging the Gap's Christmas in Coweta program! This program provides gifts, clothing, and essential items to children in Coweta County.


Find out more: https://btgcommunity.org/christmas-in-coweta/

Franklin Winter Fest

December 5, 2026

3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Downtown Franklin Square

Franklin, GA

The town of Franklin will host their Winter Festival on December 5th in downtown Franklin. There will be food, arts and crafts, a parade, and more! Admission is free.


The Heard County Sheriff is also hosting their annual Toy Drive to benefit local children! Attendees are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics

Find a Food Pantry Near You


Need food? Finding your nearest food pantry is just a couple texts away!

1. Use your phone and text FINDFOOD to 888-976-2232

2. Reply with your zip code

3. Receive the closest pantries near you!


¿Necesita comida? ¡Encuentra la despensa más cercana a ti en pocos pasos!

1. Usa tu teléfono y manda un mensaje de texto con la palabra COMIDA al 888-976-2232

2. Responde con tu código postal

3. ¡Recibe las despensas más cercanas cerca de ti!

The Outpost Family Resource Center


Heard County Community Partnership now has a new family resource center! The Outpost is up and running, and ready to serve the community! For more information, reach out to their resource navigator, Mary Jones, at 706-616-7042.

Georgia Library Service PINES e-Card


Get a PINES ecard! If you can’t get to a library for a physical card, check out the PINES ecard to access all digital resources offered at your local library, such as GALILEO, eRead Kids, Mango Languages, and much more. You can also register to vote using the ecard application! Visit: gapines.org/eg/opac/register

New Ventures Inc. Paid Training and Direct Hire Opportunities


Do you struggle finding or keeping employment?

New Ventures Inc. is offering paid training opportunities to help you find meaningful work. Join their 400 hour training program and learn the skills you need to be a successful employee. This program helps individuals with barriers such as disability, criminal backgrounds, lack of education, homelessness, and more.


Fill out an interest form here: https://conta.cc/3MuXNsn and one of their Vocational Specialists will reach out to you. You can also visit their office for an interview at 150 Lukken Industrial Drive East, LaGrange on Tuesdays between 9-12 am, Wednesdays between 1-4 pm and Fridays between 9-11:30 am.


They also have multiple direct hire positions available in janitorial and lawncare. Learn more about available jobs here: www.newventures.org/careers


WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program


WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. District 4 provides WIC services FREE for eligible:

  • Infants and children 1-5 years old
  • Pregnant women
  • Postpartum women (up to 6 months)
  • Breastfeeding mothers (up to 1 year)

If you are a current member of the District 4 WIC program, you can make an appointment by calling 706.298.6080 or 770.722.0633.

All WIC participants must be at nutritional risk and have financial need. Click here to see the national WIC-eligibility requirements.

Well Child Checkups


D4PH provides head-to-toe assessments for youth from birth to 20 years old to achieve and maintain optimal health. Visit http://ow.ly/Smha50KxUbP or call 1-800-847-4262 to make an appointment.

 
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