Schley Family Connection meets
Schley County Family Connection held its monthly meeting at noon Feb. 28 at the Thomas Edwin Wall Post 191 American Legion in Ellaville.
John Greene called the meeting to order and opened with prayer.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of baked spaghetti, tossed salad, rolls, and fresh strawberries with whipped cream.
John discussed finalized the 2020 annual plans for Schley County Family Connection, focusing on student success. He thanked the Schley County Department of Family & Children Services for remaining as the fiscal agent for the Family Connection for the fiscal year 2020.
Grants applications were discussed including the Community’s Heart to Heart in Buena Vista, and Cool Kids Café for students at Schley County Middle and High School.
Todd West, Schley County Middle and High School principal, introduced Kaliyan Jordan, a freshman student/counselor, who discussed the success of the boys and girls basketball programs. She wants to pursue a degree as a neonatal nurse after she graduates.
Betsy Buchanan, Schley County Middle School counselor, discussed a Career Fair that was held Feb. 27 for grades 9-12 at the High School in which 36 vendors were involved. FBLA sponsored the event. She also discussed upcoming tests for students including the Pre-SAT.
West reported that he has resigned as principal of the Schley County Middle High School to take a new position in Parker, Colorado where he will be working with Sports Fundraising University to raise money for sports activities in Colorado high schools. Tee Reddish is the acting principal at the school for the remainder of the school year.
Dr. Kayin Robinson of the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition reported on cancer education programs, health fair assistance and financial training and assistance available through her agency. The coalition also provides a wealth of information on cancer screenings, awareness, and treatment.
Karen Albritton, program director for Southwest Georgia CASA, discussed the annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium that will be held April 4 at the GSW Academic Center. There will be a wide variety of speakers, and attendees can obtain SDU credits. Breakfast and lunch will be served. The event is free to everyone who preregisters. Karan also discussed the SAFE Sleep Program in which parents in their third trimester of pregnancy can obtain a free pack and play through SIDS Prevention Training.
Linda Adams of the Schley County Community Foundation reported about the Banner Painting Contest that will be held May 4 that will be held at Springtime Ellaville. There is an entrance fee of $20. Over $2,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winners in different categories.
Jamie Hurst of Liberty House of Albany discussed the domestic violence assistance programs that her agency provides. The agency covers 17 counties. Liberty House accepts referrals from agencies, and is available to provide community awareness through teen mazes, health fairs, and other community events.
Eric Jackson of the DFCS Kinship Program, reported that his program supports grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others relatives that care for children within the family.
Jim Outlaw of the Georgia Department of Labor discussed an upcoming Job Fair at the Preston Williams Center in Montezuma. Big Tex Trailers in Cordele is hiring 100 welders for the Crisp County Plant. Mr. Outlaw specializes in obtaining jobs for veterans throughout the area covered by the Department of Labor Office in Americus.
Kristy Smith, Schley County Health Nurse, reported that February was Heart Month. She said was not too late to get your flu shot. The Schley County Health Department provides many services including vaccinations, bloodwork panels, birth control, and more. Most insurance companies pay for many of the services provided.
Stephen Woodson, truancy officer for the Schley County School System, reported a 97 percent attendance rate for the school system. He also said that there was an increase in meth use by students throughout our area and the need for more teen suicide intervention.
Norbert Ingram of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice spoke on his program in Schley County. He is searching for a possible location in which youth can complete community service hours.
The next meeting of the Family Connection is March 28.

Nancy McMath Young lives in Ellaville.