Outreach and Community Partners

 Submitted by Sarah Reynolds

 

Hello everyone! Outreach has been so busy being out and about that we have neglected to keep you all in the loop about all the exciting things we have been doing. It has been a great start to the summer and we are seeing some good numbers in SRF registration for bookmobile patrons (more on that in an upcoming blog post.) What we want to share this week is how we are working with other community agencies to reach and serve the entire Forsyth County community.

 

Forsyth County Senior Services – In May, representatives from Forsyth County Senior Services began joining the bookmobile at four of our regular stops that serve senior and multi-generational populations. At each visit they offer free food from their Food Pantry on Wheels, a Senior Services calendar of events, and information about all center locations, Ride Share services, and Meals on Wheels. The feedback from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive and we are excited to continue this partnership in coming months.

Forsyth County 4-H – This June and July, Forsyth County 4-H staff is joining us at three different stops each month to share information about 4-H opportunities for students in the county and facilitate a craft project for patrons. Our first visit was a bit slow and rainy, but we look forward to a great visit in July. There are lots of activities available for students of all ages and this is a great opportunity to inform families of their options in the school upcoming year.

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta – Ana Maria Bedon, Outreach Specialist for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, visited Cumming Library early last month to share with Youth Services staff the amazing STEM activity boxes the group is distributing this summer since they did not have camps. Julie and Denise connected her with Outreach, so they joined us at four locations in June. Patrons received the incredible age-appropriate kits complete with everything they need to do the projects and a listing of troops in their area. Parents and kiddos alike were super impressed and eager to learn more about getting involved.

Georgia Highlands Medical Services – In July, Georgia Highlands Medical Services will be onsite offering 1-dose COVID vaccines. We reached out to several of our regular stops to get approval from owners and property managers and were met with a great response. Spanish-speaking medical staff will be available to administer and answer questions about the vaccine. Thanks to Cleo and Steve for helping make this initiative a reality.