Monthly Newsletter

Our first month with the Community Resource Center open has been nothing short of a dream come true. (Cue the corny rom-com music.)

In just a few short weeks, we've welcomed the Jasper Craft Crew, NA meetings, Book Club members, neighbors seeking resources and support, volunteers, and families accessing wraparound services through our doors. Watching the space come alive with connection, support, and community has been incredibly rewarding because it is exactly what we envisioned it could be!

And we're just getting started. July is bringing even more groups, classes, and opportunities for connection and support, and we can't wait to see how the Community Resource Center continues to grow into a true gathering place for Pickens County.

Please remember that there is no Collaborative Meeting this month. We hope you enjoyed celebrating our nation's 250th birthday with family, friends, and community. As always, thank you for being part of the work of building a stronger Pickens County. We truly are better together.

With Joy and Gratitude,

Leslie Long

This month, a young woman walked through the doors of the Community Resource Center looking for resources, support, and a listening ear. She was navigating the difficult process of leaving an unhealthy relationship and was temporarily living out of her vehicle while working to rebuild stability in her life.

To make ends meet, she was delivering for Instacart to cover food, occasional hotel stays, and other basic needs. What she needed most, however, was a safe place to pause, regroup, and begin planning her next steps.

Through the support of the Center and community partners, she was able to access a shower, use WiFi in a safe and welcoming environment, apply for jobs, and receive food assistance. With a little encouragement, some practical support, and an interview-ready outfit, she landed a job!

Today, she is working toward permanent housing and greater stability for her future.

Stories like this remind us that sometimes the most important resources we can offer are connection, dignity, encouragement, and the belief that someone can move forward even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Because of the support of our community, we were able to connect, equip, and empower this young woman as she took the next steps in her journey with agency and confidence. We are honored to be a small part of her story and look forward to seeing all that lies ahead for her!

Our community is stronger because of the incredible organizations, agencies, businesses, faith communities, and volunteers who work every day to support the people of Pickens County. Through collaboration and shared purpose, our Community Partners help connect individuals and families to resources, services, and opportunities that improve quality of life. We invite you to learn more about the partners highlighted below and discover how you can support their important work.

This year, Georgia ranked 39th in the nation for child and family well-being in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book. While the state has avoided ranking among the bottom ten states since 2017, recent progress has begun to level off. Georgia's greatest challenges continue to be in health outcomes, where the state dropped six places to 45th in the nation, even as economic well-being improved to 34th.

At Pickens County Family Connection, we believe data tells the story of our community. Behind every statistic is a child, a family, a neighbor, or a friend navigating challenges and opportunities right here at home.

Data helps guide our work by identifying emerging needs, highlighting disparities, and informing the strategies we pursue alongside our community partners. Whether we are addressing access to basic needs, supporting student success, strengthening family stability, or expanding community connections, we rely on local and statewide data to ensure our efforts are focused where they can have the greatest impact.

Numbers alone do not create change, but when communities come together around shared information and shared goals, meaningful change becomes possible. By listening to both the data and the experiences of our neighbors, we can continue building a stronger, healthier Pickens County for every child and family.

Click the photo below to view the full Georgia Kids Count Profile.

Stay connected with what's happening across our community through the Partner Bulletin Board. This features upcoming events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, classes, and announcements from our Community Partners. We are proud to help share the great work happening throughout Pickens County and encourage you to explore these opportunities to get involved, support local organizations, and stay engaged with our community. Click the link below!