Where can you turn when you feel hopeless ? What do you do when you have no idea where to go for help ? Connecting Henry , a department of Henry County Government and a nonprofit organization that operates as the local branch of the Georgia Family Connection , is proud to be entering its 19th year of operations . Georgia Family Connection is the only statewide network in the country dedicated to the health and well-being of families and communities . Its mission is to identify and connect existing resources in the community by facilitating collaboration to strengthen families and children in Henry County . Connecting Henry is the gateway organization that brings community partners ( non-profits and faith-based organizations , government and public agencies , businesses and civic organizations ) and citizens together to collaborate and share resources with the community to advocate , educate , and assist one another . It envisions a community where collaborative partners work together to remove barriers in order to empower families to become stable and self-sufficient . Connecting Henry has a reputation for building strong relationships with community leaders , agencies , schools , and faith-based organizations to unite the community and strengthen families . Connecting Henry hosts a bi-monthly Collaborative meeting bringing together community partners to address issues within the county that affect us all . Topics discussed in past meetings have included homelessness , crime rates , school absentee rates , low reading level statistics , grant writing , marketing and more . The purpose of these meetings is to bring community groups together and to develop

solutions to enhance the quality of life in Henry County . All voices have an opportunity to be heard at the table , all viable ideas are considered , and everyone has the opportunity to participate . Connecting Henry fulfills many roles and is led by a dedicated and caring team of professionals who have made it their mission to connect and empower members of the community who are in need . Headed by Executive Director Susan Crumbley , Connecting Henry reaches out to a wide network of partners . Crumbley is assisted by a dynamic team which includes Program Director Barbara Coleman ; Finance Manager and Grant Writer Janice Jacoby ; Program Coordinator and Math Instructor James Williams ; Intake Coordinator and Office Manager Cheryl Walker ; Instructors Brenda Strickland and Taylor Welch ; Career Advisor Gwen Crawford ; Driver Roosevelt Dozier ; and Mentor Chris

Smith . Connecting Henry is a beacon to many families in Henry County and , in many cases , a lifeline without which many citizens would feel hopeless . Through its Benevolence Network , Connecting Henry partners with local churches and the school system ensuring families do not fall through the cracks . The organization fields 300 - 400 calls each

month , routinely makes referrals to resources , and provides financial assistance to families in need . Connecting Henry , as the gateway organization to the Benevolent Network , is known for its due diligence in assisting families with the goal of providing long-term solutions , not just quick fixes .

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