THE CENTER SQUARE – SNAP applications in Georgia jump sharply during COVID-19 crisis

THE CENTER SQUARE – SNAP applications in Georgia jump sharply during COVID-19 crisis

by | Mar 27, 2020

Applications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have increased by 79 percent in less than a week in Georgia amid the COVID-19 outbreak, state officials said.

The health crisis, which has led to the social distancing requirements and shelter-in-place orders in places around the state, also has caused a spike in unemployment claims and fears over food security…

Representatives for the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO), a solutions-based think tank focused on community building through public policy, said they expect the number of Georgians who depend on government assistance to continue to grow in the coming months.

“The health toll is the most severe, but the economic consequences are also deeply felt,” GCO president and CEO Randy Hicks said.

 

GCO spokesman Corey Burres said long-term reforms need to be set in place to drive faster recovery.

“Obviously the longer our communities face financial hardship, the less money will be available for government interventions,” he said.

Hicks said the most impact could come from community support.

“We believe that the most good will happen through our local communities, where neighbors help neighbors,” he said.

Read the full article here

What Does The 2020 Stimulus Package Mean? | VIDEO

What Does The 2020 Stimulus Package Mean? | VIDEO

by | Mar 26, 2020

What Does The 2020 Stimulus Package Mean? | VIDEO

What’s in the coronavirus stimulus bill and what does it mean for Georgia families and small businesses?

GCO’s Vice President of Public Policy, Buzz Brockway, went live on Facebook to answer that question and talk about what is next. 

Community Is Happening Despite Social Distancing

Community Is Happening Despite Social Distancing

by | Mar 19, 2020

Community Is Happening Despite Social Distancing

As our communities, state, country, and even the world face unprecedented times because of the COVID-19 virus, one thing remains constant: community. It’s true that because of mandates on social distancing, physical gatherings are being discouraged. This may make some people feel disconnected.

It is a natural reaction. We are meant for community and the family it brings. It is why one of the vital pieces of the success sequence is family, and it is why the Georgia Center for Opportunity provides classes on relationship.

So what do we do when we can’t physically be together? Never underestimate the ingenuity of people to create community however they can.

Here are a few great examples of people who are working to establish connection amidst social distancing:

1. Do You Want To Read A Kid’s Book?

Josh Gad, most famously the voice of Olaf in Frozen, daily reads kids books via Twitter.

2. Good Samaritan Shopper

In light of fear of exposure to the elderly and immune compromised, a Charlotte man is offering to shop for those who are unable, or concerned about, going out for themselves.

3. Inspirational Songs

Jon Foreman, lead singer of the band Switchfoot, leads nightly acoustic sing alongs from his home in California.

4. Online Churches & Small Groups

While many churches offered online streaming options before the outbreak, many are being thrust into a new way of doing church for everyone. It’s not just Sunday morning services, but small groups and youth ministries as well.

Last night my son joined dozens of other middle school students on Instagram for a live stream and chat. My men’s small group meets virtually, and my wife is working with our women’s ministry to host daily chats with women stuck at home.

Our church is far from the only one doing this. Church communities all over the country are finding ways to stay connected virtually.

 

5. Online Concert & So Much More

Brad Paisley has already shown that he is doing everything he can to support the community during this time. But on Thursday, March 20, 2020 he will be hosting a live concert on Instagram and he is already taking requests via text.

 

It all comes down to connection. We are meant for community. Despite the need to stay apart physically, we still find ways to connect.

Relationship is vital to your well being and to your upward mobility. Stay connected and find ways to be part of the community, virtual or not, around you.

 

Share How You Are Staying Connected In The Comments!

Strengthening Family – Making The Most Of This Time Together

Strengthening Family – Making The Most Of This Time Together

by | Mar 17, 2020

Strengthening Family – Making The Most Of This Time Together

It’s an unprecedented time across Georgia, America, and the world as we all grapple with Coronavirus. As schools and daycare centers shut their doors to prevent further spread, millions of parents are faced with a new way of life, alone at home with the kids all day.

At GCO, we believe that family is vital—now more so than ever. So we’re approaching this as a great time for families to connect and interact in new ways. Here are a few ways to do that.

Family Activities

Doing activities together can open up opportunities for conversations and interactions that wouldn’t come naturally.

These resources can help you identify a few ways to stay engaged with each other.

1.

Fun Things To Do In The House

  • Play a Board Game
  • Start your spring garden by planting seeds indoors
  • Build a fort using blankets
  • Make colorful slime out of Elmer’s glue and borax
  • Learn a language on Duolingo
  • Take the “try not to laugh challenge” on YouTube
  • Do a family puzzle
  • Have a family reading hour
  • Watch a streaming movie
  • Enjoy as actor, Josh Gad (voice of Olaf in Frozen), reads to storybooks to the kids on Twitter
  • Do an arts and craft project

2.

Explore Your Neighborhood

  • Take a walk
  • Take a hike in an area where there aren’t a lot of people
  • Try to discover and write down all of the plants and animals in your neighborhood
  • Play yard games like spikeball, badmitton or Boche ball
  • Play catch

 

    Discover Other Activities

    Online Resources

    Explore the world online.

    While it’s great to explore museums and parks in-persons, it’s not always an option. That is why many of these institutions provide virtual tours or adventures you can enjoy online.

    1.

    Tour International Museums (Virtually)

    2.

    Explore American History

    3.

    Online Learning

    Find more at MCN.edu

    What is your family doing to connect while you are at home?
    Let Us Know In The Comments

    THE CENTER SQUARE – SNAP applications in Georgia jump sharply during COVID-19 crisis

    THE CENTER SQUARE – Georgia Senate approves plan to expand Special Needs Scholarship program

    by | Mar 12, 2020

    A bill that could increase the number of scholarships the Georgia Department of Education awards to special needs students is on its way to the House for review.

    Senate Bill 386 would expand the eligibility requirements for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship.

    The Georgia Senate voted 33-22 on Tuesday in favor of the bill.

    “We are excited that the Georgia Senate passed SB 386 and has opened the door of opportunity for students with special needs in our state to get the education they need,” Georgia Center for Opportunity Vice President of Public Policy Buzz Brockway said. “We are hopeful the state House will follow suit and pass this as well.”

    Read The Full Article Here