Households may apply for services during regular office hours. To ensure more timely and coordinated service delivery appointments are required. All appointments ar scheuled by phone.  Eligibility for services is based on househhold circumstances and income.  There are no fees. Regular office hours in our are:

Monday, Wednesday. Thursday, and Friday         8:30 - 2:30

Tuesdays - 12:00 - 6:00

Appointments may be scheduled at other times based on need and household circumstances such as work hours of the applicants.

When calling for an appointment (706.769.3981), households will be given guidance on the specific guidelines and required information to receive services.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED IN OCONEE COUNTY

Crisis Intervention/Emergency Assistance: As funds are available provide direct cash assistance to prevent evictions and or foreclosures, crisis counseling, energy advocacy and housing advocacy to move individuals and families from crisis to an  improved level of stability.

Low-Income Energy Assistance: As funds are available, provide assistance with winter heating and summer cooling bills. The goal is to off set the high cost of heating/cooling bills for eligible households. Typically, the heating component opens in November for seniors (65+) households and in December for the general public. The opening date of the cooling progam, if funds are available is announced by the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

Case Management Services: Provided in conjunction with crisis intervention and prevention services to assist individuals and families to move from crisis and/or vulnerable situation toward becoming thriving and self-sufficient.

 Senior Grocery Bag Program: Provides monthly nutritional food boxes to vulnerable seniors. Seniors receive case management services with links to other agency and community services. 

Summer Vegetable Gardening:  Provides vouchers for seeds and fertilizer. Focus is on senior households and those households with young childen. 

Nutrition Education:  Provided in conjunction with the Senior Grocery Bag, the Summer Gardening Program, and Commodity Distributions, provides nutrition education seminars and/or one-on-counseling that will improve the nutrition education knowledge base of vulnerable populations especially seniors. Sessions are hold in coordination and collaboration with Cooperative Extension and Senior Center. 

Commodity Distribution: Typically distributions are held during the third week of March and June. Dates are  subject to change. Distributions are held at the Community Services office in the Bishop Community Center. Income guidelines apply and distribution is based  on first come first serve.

Energy Conservation: Provided in conjunction with the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Programs.

Budget Counseling: Provided as a part of case management and crisis intervention and prevention services.

Weatherization Intake/General housing Counseling: Completes the intake for weatherization and provides general information related to various housing programs.

Youth Enrichment: Provides a limited number of scholarships (primarily summer camps) for youth to attend educational and recreational activities.

Employment Couseling and Referral: Services include providing general employment information and referral, assistance in developing resume and copies, and access local job listings.

Community Linkages and Access to Services: Provides information and referrals to local resources based on assessed needs.

Community Partnerships: Developing and maintaining local resouces to expand agency's capacity to empower individuals and families to reach their highest potential and become thriving members of their community.

Internship Opportunties are available by request and approval by University or College attending.

Volunteer Opportunites are available to all areas.