On Saturday, August 23rd, Georgia Home Visiting Lowndes held a monthly group connection to introduce the families it serves to their local heroes.  The event, “Heroes in the Park,” was held at McKey Park.  Several local officials were in attendance, including members of Valdsota Fire Department Station #4, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk, Valdosta Police Department Resource Officer Carla Jones and airmen from Moody Air Force Base.  The event’s heroes introduced themselves and participated in a Q-and-A session with the families.

“I enjoy these types of events, meeting the children and their families,” Lt. Mark Terrell said.  “It’s good to have the families meet us on good terms.  That way, if anything ever happens, they know they can trust us.”

“Sheriff Ashley Paulk thanked us for giving him the opportunity to meet the families and spend time with the children in the community,” said Berinda Hollis Nwakamma, program director of Georgia Home Visiting Program Lowndes.  The children we’re able to tour the fire truck and receive school supplies.  The children we’re encouraged to come dressed as their favorite hero.  We are so grateful to have both city and county officials in attendance.  I am humbled by my fellow Leadership Lowndes classmates, Lt. Tangela Rowe and Lt. Joe Dukes, who assisted in Georgia Home Visiting Program’s efforts in providing community resource and support to the families we serve.”

Keyara Hamilton with Goodwill and Kricket Robinson with Amerigroup were also in attendance.

Georgia Home Visiting Program Lowndes is currently serving 78 families and 120 children throughout the entire program.  The program is under the umbrella of the Lowndes/Valdosta Commission for Children and Youth, Inc.  Seth Brown is the executive director.  The monthly group connection is a collaborative effort organized by the parent educators and Lead Parent Educator Shantell Lambert.