Children’s Policy Council hears from agency partners
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
The Coosa County Children’s Policy heard from several of its agency partners during last week’s meeting, providing updates on available services and upcoming events.
While there were 27 in attendance for the meeting, no elected officials attended. However, law enforcement was well represented with Chief Deputy Scott Hammond, Lt. Bradgel Moon, School Resource Officer Trenton Davenport, and Don Hodge with the Sheriff’s Office and Goodwater Police Chief Matthew Cook in attendance.
The guest speaker for the meeting was Autumn White, director for Coosa County’s Department of Human Resources.
White reviewed the variety of available programs through DHR, including financial, child abuse and neglect investigation and assessment, adult abuse and neglect investigation and assessment, and more. She said they also offer training for those interested in being mandated reporters.
White said they need more resources and that they are always looking for foster homes, adding that they need foster homes for youth and adults alike. She said there is a shortage of adult fosters statewide, and there are none in Coosa County.
DHR is also hosting an event to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month with this year’s theme being “Pinwheels of Possibility.” The event will be held at 8:30 a.m. on April 10 at DHR, located at 141 Jackson Street in Rockford.
Doughnuts will be served, and guests are encouraged to wear blue that day to support Child Abuse Prevention Month.
For more information on fostering or other services available through DHR, contact the Coosa County office at 256-377-9009.
The CPC also heard from representatives with different agencies regarding upcoming outreach events and services available.
Sav-a-Life will have a mobile unit parked at the Rockford Baptist Church parking lot at 9575 U.S. Highway 231 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on April 14, May 12 and May 26. The organization will be offering free and confidential pregnancy testing, and those attending are asked to bring a photo ID.
Additional services offered include the Earn While you Learn program, parenting classes and abortion recovery Bible study, all free and confidential, with ultrasounds also coming soon.
For an appointment or more information, call Sav-a-Life of Alexander City at 256-329-2273.
Auburn University’s Early Head Start is recruiting now for children under 3 years old. The agency provides assistance to families and offers free services.
Parents or guardians are not required to pay for any childcare costs or fees or supplies, including diapers, wipes and more. The Auburn University Early Head Start-Family Child Care Partnership serves eligible children enrolled in licensed accredited family childcare settings in the area and statewide.
Participating families are “provided with access to a superior early child development program at no cost.” Enrolled children receive a “high-quality learning program experience” that is focused on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers through “safe and developmentally enriching caregiving.”
Additionally, children and families have access to prevention and promotion programs that address atypical development at the earliest stage possible.
For more information or to enroll a child for the 2026-2027 school year, call 334-703-9969 or email vdk0003@auburn.edu.
The CPC also heard from a representative with Upward Sports Coosa County, encouraging any youth who want to participate, even if they do not live in Coosa County, to sign up or contact Upward for more information.
It was stated that the program helps build character and life skills while giving area youth the opportunity to play in various sports. For more information, see the “UpWard Coosa Sports” Facebook group.
Dr. Shannon Davis, Coosa County Extension coordinator, shared information on health and wellness days being held in Rockford and Goodwater.
Rockford’s will be held Thursday, March 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rockford Event Center and community park. It will feature the Extension 36-foot interactive mobile nutrition lab, vendor tables and giveaways and a food truck.
Goodwater’s senior citizen day and wellness event will be held March 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Goodwater Youth Development and Parks Recreational Center, located at 166 Harris Street. There will be games, food, vendors, entertainment, and more.
Contact Davis at 256-377-4713 for details or to RSVP a free table for a business or agency. For the Goodwater event, contact Sharonna Hayes at 256-743-1252 for details.
Davis also provided information regarding a State Farm supply grant for first responders, including law enforcement and fire. She said applications are due April 7, and there is an extensive list of supplies that are eligible for the grant.
She asked that first responders get their lists of wanted supplies to her, and she will write the grant and apply for the funds. For more information, departments can contact Davis at 256-377-4713 for details.
A representative with the Alabama Department of Public Health also spoke on the ALL Kids and ALL Babies health insurance programs that are available for youth and for pregnant women. She explained the latter is for women from pregnancy until two months after delivery.
ALL Babies is low-cost comprehensive healthcare coverage provided through the ALL Kids program. It is for eligible pregnant women and their unborn child or children who reside in Alabama.
Like ALL Kids, ALL Babies benefits are administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to provide medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, mental health, and substance abuse services.
For more information or to apply, call 1-888-373-5437 or visit www.alabamapublichealth.gov/allbabies.
The next monthly meeting of the Children’s Policy Council will be held Tuesday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the E-911 building in Rockford. Lunch will be provided.
