VALDOSTA —
Fresh Start seems to have been a good idea that came to a rotten end this week. After all, there was the disappointed anger of those turned away a few weeks ago because the program lacked the manpower to handle hundreds of applications at one time. Then came those who learned Monday morning that they would not receive help because the program had run out of money.
The program could have been managed better, though it did have to travel through many channels to arrive here.
Fresh Start is a program initiated by the state Department of Human Services and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to provide one-time financial assistance to eligible folks in need throughout the state. In Lowndes County, the Greater Valdosta United Way partnered with Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP) to administer the program.
Perhaps, more volunteers could have been tapped to handle the estimated 400 people who arrived on Fresh Start’s first day. Perhaps, more volunteers would have kept organizers from having to ask people to leave and return at a later date.
As for people waiting Monday to be told all of the funds had been spent since the prior week, perhaps organizers should have replaced the signs asking potential candidates to return Monday with signs stating there were no more funds.
A few steps could have reduced the confusion and frustration that tarred the program.
Make no mistake: Fresh Start was a good program. Valdosta-Lowndes County was fortunate to be a part of it.
Within a few weeks, 137 Lowndes County residents received an average of $1,200 to $1,300 in paying delinquent utility bills and house payments. Lowndes County received approximately $136,000, with an additional $10,000 going to neighboring Brooks, Echols, Lanier and Berrien counties.
It is good to know many people were helped in desperate times; however, a little forethought may have kept the program from appearing desperate.
What We Think
What we think: Sad end for Fresh Start
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.
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A few thoughts for new graduates
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Video helps veterans
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. -
Thumbs Up. thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. Brian Hickox. Valdosta’s newest chiropractor overcame great odds to open his practice last week. Born with partial vision, an assault robbed him of the remainder of his sight. Despite these odds, he followed his dream to become a chiropractor. School took him twice as long, at seven years rather than the usual three and a half to complete, but he reached his goal. The story of Brian Hickox should be an inspiration to us all. It proves that we may lack sight, we may have to overcome difficulties and disabilities, but that doesn’t mean we have to lack vision.
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Honoring area students
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What next for a little safety?
Officials predict that the most recent al-Qaida attempt to bring explosives onto a plane will not increase airport security for travelers. Most security officials and transportation gurus claim the current measures of scanners, X-ray machines, random pat-downs, shoe and belt removal, etc., remain effective in detecting the type of situation from the latest terrorist attempt.
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VSU Softball: A new tradition
A record-setting winning streak. Advancement to the Super Regionals. A dramatic comeback. And a growing number of hometown fans to watch it all.
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Feeding the hungry by mail
Despite all of the region’s disagreements on various issues, Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit. South Georgia’s rich, poor and all who fall somewhere in between repeatedly answer the call.
If you want hard evidence of Valdosta-Lowndes County’s generosity drive around town this coming Saturday morning. -
Brown Bag Concerts return
The annual Brown Bag Concert Series is always an enjoyable way to hear some of the region’s talented musicians.
The series is a great break from work. It’s a fun time to meet friends and chat. Or to drop by and listen to the music. It’s a great break for lunch or to just drop by and sit a spell. - More What We Think Headlines
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
