Schuylkill County’s VISION’s Strategic Partnership News - September2010

Schuylkill County’s VISION supports strategic partnerships that bring individuals, organizations and groups together to focus on important issues for Schuylkill County. Consider joining one of these groups as they make a difference in Schuylkill County.

Diversity Council of Schuylkill County
The Diversity Council was recently awarded a grant through the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation to conduct a county-wide art project focused on images of celebration of the rich cultural heritages and diversity of Schuylkill County. The project will involve local high school art classes in the creation of murals depicting diversity throughout Schuylkill County. The murals will be a traveling exhibit.
Next meeting: Thursday, September 23 at 4 pm at the VISION office, 123 Mahantongo St., Pottsville
Contact person: Beth Fligge at 943-2597

The Interfaith Health Network of Schuylkill County
The Interfaith Health Network continues to help with the devlopment of the new Schuylkill County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs). The next meeting will be on August 26 at 6:30 at the Pottsville Salvation Army.  VOADs support county emergency services through the entire disaster cycle including preparation, response and recovery.  Faith groups are major supporters of these efforts nation-wide. Congregations are always a critical resource for identifying and providing needed services to the underserved in our communities. This is particularly important in times of disaster. A DVD on the importance of this project is available for congregations. Please call Kay at 622-6097 for more information.
A new project inviting congregations to plant community gardens for food banks will be planned for next year.
If your congregation is interested in information on healthy programs in Schuylkill County call Marie Beauchamp at 366-1164.
Next meeting: Thursday, September 2 at 8 am at the VISION office at 123 Mahantongo St, Pottsville
Contact person: Marie Beauchamp at 366-1164

Schuylkill on the Move
Schuylkill on the Move is planning ways to implement the national call for children to move more and eat better.  Please consider some of the Schuylkill on the Move walks this summer.  These walks can be enjoyed by families as well as individuals.  Here is the list:  2010 list of Schuylkill County Walks You can still become part of the new Appalachian Trail Hiking Club by calling Beth at 366-2620. 
SOM will be hosting a “Walk Schuylkill” Day on June 4, 2011 in conjunction with National Trails Day. There will be a number of walks held throughout the county with different themes. It should be great fun!
Next meeting: Awards presentation October 20 at 2 pm at Providence Place, Pottsville. Next meeting Thursday, November 18 at 1:30 at the VISION office, 123 Mahantongo St., Pottsville 
Contact person: Teddi Cunningham at 624-3012

Suicide Prevention Task Force
The Suicide Prevention Task Force’s new “Posters and Coasters” initiative continues throughout the summer. This initiative will blanket Schuylkill County with beverage coasters and small posters with information on the warning signs of suicide and provide a toll free number to call for help or to get help (1-877-993-4357).
The Suicide Survivors Support Group, HALOS (Hope After Loved Ones Suicide) continues to welcome new members. The Survivors of Suicide group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Trinity Episcopal Church, Centre Street, Pottsville at 7 pm.  
The QPR (Question, Persuade and Review) suicide prevention training program is now available to interested groups.  Please call the number below for more information. 
The Speaker’s Bureau can bring a presentation on suicide prevention to any interested group. Please call the number below for information and to schedule a presentation.
The Task Force continues to facilitate the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Grant for youth suicide prevention through intervention at the primary care level.
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 14 at 9:30 am at the South VoTech building at Marlin
Contact person: Debbie Heim at 621-2894