Social service programs in our community are plentiful but most are not aware of what is available or how to find them. The Chamber’s second program in the 2023 State of the Community Series – “State of Social Services” – was an attempt to raise awareness on the vast array of these services and to highlight two of them: Department of Children and Family Services and Action Pact.
On Thursday, August 10th, the Chamber hosted the State of Social Services luncheon at Lyons First Baptist Church for approximately 75 people. Our first program speaker was Ashley Payne, Director of Toombs County DCFS. Payne spoke on the need for foster families in Toombs County (only 5 are currently active) and gave updated figures such as the food stamp program which currently is being utilized by approximately 6,700 of our citizens, and Medicaid used by approximately 8,700. Current donation needs of DCFS are new car seats and pack and plays, lice kits, and small-increment gift cards.
Pam Fountain, County Coordinator of Toombs County Action Pact, was our second speaker. Fountain outlined several of Action Pact’s initiatives such as energy assistance for the 65+ age group, low income household water assistance, senior nutrition program and the elderly and disabled waiver program. Through Meals-on-Wheels, they have served 25,658 meals so far in 2023. Of particular note, due to the low census participation in 2020, the senior programs were cut by $70,000 this year which has a severe negative impact on the capabilities and service numbers for such a valuable support system in our ever-growing aging population. Current donation needs are: industrial kitchen renovation, arts and crafts materials, BINGO prizes, and giving of your time, talent or monetary donations to assist in programs, classes, and/or activity sponsorships of a day trip.
Our goal through the Public Policy Council of the Greater Vidalia® Chamber is to raise the Civic IQ of the Toombs County community. Coming up next in our State of the Community Series will be a bit of a deeper dive into the State of Industry. This event will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 11:30 a.m. at Lyons First Baptist Church. Tickets and more details on the event will be available in September so please watch for the announcement on our social media pages and via your newsletters. If you are not signed up for our newsletter, contact danab@greatervidaliachamber.com and she will add you to the list.
As always, we are grateful to our sponsors: Georgia Power (Presenting Sponsor), Southeastern Technical College (Gold Sponsor), and Leigh-Anne White & Company (Silver Sponsor). To see all available community resources, please see below QR code:
