Allocation Panel #5! This day we visited Green Oaks Center, Colquitt County Special Olympics, and Easter Seals. All these organizations assist and promote the health and independence of people with disabilities. Green Oaks is requesting funds for their Transition Program. This program provides “gap funding” for individuals who are currently receiving services from Green Oaks, but due to unforeseen circumstances, such as death or illness of a caregiver, need additional supports and services. Next stop on our tour was Colquitt County Special Olympics. They are requesting funds for 3 separate programs. One program covers the expenses of all athletic competitions and travel for athletes and volunteers. Another program provides Special Education Self-Contained Students with an Educational Senior Trip, where these students get an opportunity to learn something new and exciting. The last program will provide an opportunity to send adults/children in the program to Camp Big Heart. Camp Big Heart is a weeklong summer camp where these kids can go and participate in camp activities. If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring a child for Camp Big Heart, please contact PJ Jones or Mitchell McKinny at Special Olympics and located in the PEC building at the Colquitt County Board of Education. The last panel of the day was Easter Seals. Easter Seals is requesting funds for their Family Support Program. This program assists clients with incontinence supplies when Medicaid or insurance funding has been exhausted. Year to date, this program has already assisted 15 clients get the necessary supplies they need! Panel #5 members were Rod Howell (Panel Chair), Jim Matney, Laura Dell, Anne Swartzentruber, Brent James, and Tyler Mobley (Allocation Chairman).
