Tallatoona CAP, Inc. works with other agencies to serve Gordon County
Tallatoona Community Action Partnership, Inc. has served Gordon County, as well as seven other counties, since the early 1960’s. The mission today is to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, to gain new opportunities and achieve self-sufficiency. Tallatoona CAP, Inc. works closely with other agencies throughout the area to provide services for local residents.
The Calhoun Housing Authority and Tallatoona CAP, Inc. have worked together assisting Gordon County citizens successfully for more than twenty years. “Tallatoona has been a very important partner to the Housing Authority because of its many programs offered to the low income families living here in our rural community, ” said Gail Brown, executive director of the Calhoun Housing Authority said.
Over the past forty-five years, Tallatoona CAP has grown and expanded their programs and service area to include Head Start, Low Income Energy Assistance Program ( LIHEAP), Weatherization, Food and Nutrition Services, Health Related Services, Holistic Case Management and Community Services.
Tallatoona programs have continued to grow over the years due to the increased growth Gordon County is experiencing and the social issues that come with that growth. Many qualifying residents participate in the Scana assistance and the GED assistance program. “Elaine Thompson cares about this community as we do and her dedication is why we have such a successful relationship,” said Brown.
Gordon County has received multi-faceted support from Tallatoona CAP throughout the years. They are constantly growing and changing to meet the needs of all the communities they serve.
“The Kindergarten Program was my introduction to Tallatoona and many great programs are in existence today,” said Janice Croft Tipps of the Calhoun Housing Authority and former Tallatoona Board of Commissioners volunteer. “But if I had to choose a specific program, it would be the Senior Energy Assistance program. This program is so important to our seniors and residents to receive assistance in paying their heating and cooling bills.”
In addition, many Gordon County seniors have received assistance with hearing aids and reading glasses. The Tallatoona Indigent Medicine Program was formed in 1998 and offered free or reduced medication for the elderly and low-income families.
“I was very proud to be a part of this agency for the extraordinary services they have provided expressly to the Calhoun Housing Authority and our county,” Tipps added.
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. Tallatoona is dedicated to helping people
help themselves and each other.
According to Tallatoona’s Community Services Director April Rogers, the Pathway to Empowerment Program provides services and support to families who are committed to changing their lives by setting and achieving goals focused on career pathways, education, financial literacy, job training and life skills development. The Pathway to Empowerment Program also includes access to Employment Opportunities, Public Benefits and Income Supports ( Childcare, Transportations, Etc.), Career Development, Employment Counseling, GED Assistance, Higher Education Assistance and Resume Development.
“The goal is to help families reach their highest potential,” Rogers said in regards to the program.
“Tallatoona and GNTC’s Adult Education program have been partners for ten years,” said Melissa Blevins, site manager of Georgia Northwestern Technical College. “It takes groups working together to insure the success of all in the community.”
Rogers said that in addition to programming focused on economic stability, Tallatoona CAP offers assistance to help families maintain their heating source during the winter months. “This past winter season, over one thousand Gordon County families were assisted with payments towards their heating bills,” Rogers added.
With so many programs available, Tallatoona will continue to reach out and offer assistance as they continue to serve the children and families of Calhoun and Gordon County to help build a better tomorrow.
If you would like to help them face this challenge by volunteering or if you need assistance, you can visit the Tallatoona Gordon County office at 125 Red Bud Road, Suite 7, Calhoun, Georgia or you can call 706- 6292333.