NEWS & OPINIONS
Finding Focus and Direction with Better Work
Finding Skilled and Teachable Talent BETTER WORK is helping our neighbors find better work opportunities in Columbus. We care about facilitating life transformation and not only an initial job connection. We want local families to thrive, become self-sufficient, and...
The Power of Community Connections
A belief in working together is key BETTER WORK Columbus is connected with groups and organizations across the Chattahoochee Valley. These groups include both the Chattahoochee Valley Poverty Reduction Coalition (CVPRC) and the Mayor’s Commission on Reentry. A...
Money Can’t Replace Meaning and Purpose
Work has intrinsic value Last month, I had the honor of participating in the Heritage Foundation’s annual Antipoverty Forum, where scholars and practitioners discussed the state of poverty in the country and the local efforts to confront the issue. The discussion this...
Partnerships and Building Blocks Come Together in Columbus
Building a stronger network of resources On November 4th, BETTER WORK Columbus hosted a reception to announce a new partnership with Jobs for Life to bring its proven curriculum and a nationally recognized program to help struggling people find meaningful,...
New report details the economic devastation of COVID-19 shutdowns in the 50 states
GCO’s study compares each state’s response to the pandemic and measures the impact it had on local communities and their ability to work.
BETTER Work Network is Growing in Columbus
A Network of Partners is Growing in Columbus Columbus, Georgia has over 11,000 citizens identifying as unemployed, but the number of available jobs is over 6,000. What's the problem? Why are so many people not working? Kristin Barker serves as the program manager for...
#GivingTuesday 2021
Giving Opportunity The days following Thanksgiving have become jam packed with advertisements for all the product sales happening after the holiday. The volume of advertisements often becomes overwhelming and obnoxious. As we reflect on all we have accomplished this...
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Expected To Hurt Those In Need
The Farm Bureau Released A Report That The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Was Going Up Significantly. What is happening Many people are gathering for the first time in nearly 2 years for Thanksgiving. A recent Farm Bureau report shows the impact of Inflation and other...
Why Recidivism Rates are Dropping
In Georgia there has been a reduction in the rate of ex-offenders returning to prison. In the most recent report from the Georgia Department of Corrections, 25.3 percent of those released from all facilities (private, state, inmate boot camps, county, transition...
Breakthrough Event: From Prison To Opportunity
Our first Breakthrough event was a huge success as we gathered to discuss the impact reentry and second chances programs had on our communities. Check out all of the latest video and presentations from the event.
Nicole’s story: How a raise meant losing food stamp benefits for this mom of four
Nicole had high hopes when she moved her family from a rural area in south Georgia to Henry County in the Atlanta metro. The cost of living went up, but the job opportunities were more plentiful and paid much better: She went from making $25,000 a year to over $35,000...
Q&A with Curtis and Tonika on their experience in the Elevate class
The COVID-19 pandemic has put stress and strain on peoples’ relationships like few other times. In this challenging environment, the Georgia Center for Opportunity has stepped up to be involved in a new series of relationship enrichment classes called Elevate for...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Louisville leaders say violence reduction strategy falling short in key areas
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, 2022 was the third-deadliest year in Louisville’s history. There were 160 homicides last year, a 150% increase from 2012 when the Metro finished the year with 64 homicides. “It is simultaneously fully...
Nelson Mullins – Gold Dome Report – Legislative Day 36
House Education Committee – Policy Subcommittee The Policy Subcommittee of the House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), met Monday to consider one measure: SB 233, authored by Senator Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), is the...
Georgia school voucher bill stays alive after heated Senate debate
A school voucher bill is one of many that survived Monday’s legislative deadline where pieces of legislation have to pass at least one chamber in order to stay alive for Georgia’ 2023 legislative session. After some intense debate on the Senate floor, Senate Bill 233...
Georgia Senate passes bill to create state-funded education savings accounts
The Georgia Senate passed legislation to create state-funded education savings accounts. Under Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, taxpayers would fund $6,000 per student per school year. Families could use the money to defray "qualified" education...
‘School choice’ legislation is sweeping the nation. Here are the states where it’s been introduced
This year, there has been a spate of bills introduced around the country that would expand school choice programs following Arizona’s passage of universal school choice last year. Last week, Georgia’s Senate Education Committee voted to pass education savings account...
Georgia Senate committee advances education savings accounts bill
The Senate Education Committee voted to advance legislation creating state-funded education savings accounts. The committee voted 6-5 Tuesday afternoon in favor of Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. “Too many times, education access in Georgia is...
Senate Bill 233, The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, passed the Senate Education Committee
Senate Bill 233, The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, passed the Senate Education Committee today in a 6-5 vote. Funded by the state in the amount of $6,000 per student for each school year, Promise Scholarships would allow families to find the right fit for...
Georgia Senate again pushes $6,000 school voucher bill
Georgia Senate Republicans are again pushing a plan to give $6,000 educational vouchers to many students, part of a nationwide push for what supporters call education savings accounts following the COVID-19 pandemic. The movement is fueled in part by fights over...
