WCGCAC, Inc. 2023 Inaugural Recognition & Awards Banquet Souvenir Journal

GCAA GCAA Board Board Chair Chair

Greetings Greetings

West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc.

Cynthia F. Brown, Chief Executive Officer

P.O. Box 185 - 4036 State Route 90 East - Vienna Rd - Montezuma, GA

Phone: 478.472.3607 - Toll Free: 855.473.9423 - Fax: 478.472.3609

Email: cfbrown2@windstream.net - Website: www.westcentral-gacac.org

Dear Friends,

It is my esteemed honor and to welcome you to the Inaugural Recognition & Fundraising Banquet for West Central Georgia Community Action Council! It is with great pleasure that I, along with my fellow board members, are able to host what will be one of many celebrations to come

Our organization was birthed out of the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act to fight poverty by empowering the poor as part of the War on Poverty We are still fighting that war, one that has been exacerbated and magnified by the global pandemic which has brought about a “new normal” over the past three years. Much like for every other organization whose mission is to serve people, the year 2023 has been been a year of changes and challenges for West Central But in “champion like fashion” we are learning to embrace the changes and meet the challenges necessary to forge our mission of eradicating poverty forward

“Kudos on a job well done!”, to the Resource Development Committee Chair, Commissioner Vesta Beal Shephard and to my fellow Committee Members, Ms. Evolia Solomon and Mr. Randall Almond. The hard work, long nights, countless meetings and extra miles, legwork and resourcefulness paid off!

None of the vital work West Central carries out could be done without our CEO, Cynthia Brown, and her dedicated and committed staff who are on the front lines daily, ensuring that the most deserving of our community members within our 11-county service area are met with compassion and professionalism

Many thanks to our guest speakers who are also elected officials, U S Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr (GA-2nd Congressional District), Georgia State Senator Carden Summers (GA SD 13), and Georgia State Representative Patty J. Bentley (GA HD 150). Your willingness to share your time with us and your strong support of our mission and goals exemplifies the leadership that makes our region and State as great as it is.

To all of the Community Action leaders, partners, and supporters who are with us tonight, “thank you”! Collaboration is one of the keys to the success of our mission driven work and we appreciate everything that you do with us and for our communities

The very fitting theme of this event is "Celebrating People Serving People" and that is precisely what we will be doing this evening To all of the deserving awardees, we could never thank you enough for all that you do, but we certainly hope that you feel special this evening We celebrate you!

to support West Central Please know that every improving the lives and future of our neighbors Thank ough our year of great change. A verse of one of my tion; none on earth unmoved can stand; build your hopes . ” We look forward to partnering with you to accomplish

ng the counties of: rion, Schley, Sumter, Taylor, Webster, art, Talbot (Weatherization Only) Opportunity Employer

Host City Host City

History of History of Community Community Action Action

Following the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, launching the Nation’s War on Poverty as a centerpiece of President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Georgia and across the Nation were created by local communities, designated by local government, approved by the Governor’s Office, and funded by the Federal Government. Funds were also provided by the Federal Government for the creation and operation of State Economic Opportunity Offices (SEOOs), responsible for oversight, training and technical assistance, and coordination and liaison with the Office of the Governor.

In Georgia the SEOO was originally located in the Governor’s Office. In subsequent years many organizational changes took place at both the Federal and the State levels. As the Nation’s attention and resources – and those of the President – were captured by another War (Vietnam), some programs which were originally part of the Economic Opportunity Act were “spun off” to other Federal agencies (for example, Legal Services, Family Planning, Employment and Training, and Head Start). The original funding agency, the U. S. Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), was renamed the Community Services Administration under President Richard Nixon and finally was eliminated under President Ronald Reagan as part of his New Federalism concept. However, the funding stream to CAAs continued via the Community Services Block Grant and other such block grants as that for the Home Weatherization Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; most CAAs continued to receive direct Federal grants as well (i.e., Head Start).

The purposes of these programs, addressing the causes and conditions of poverty and the promotion of self-sufficiency among low-income families, have not changed. At the State level, the SEOO was moved from the Governor’s Office to DHR, reporting to the Commissioner, as part of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1972. The Georgia SEOO subsequently was abolished when the U. S. Community Services Administration was abolished in 1981 (although some states kept that office’s identity), with its responsibilities being folded into the Office of Community and Intergovernmental Affairs in DHR, also reporting to the Commissioner. Finally, in 1991, downsizing of state government resulted in the termination of the Office of Community Intergovernmental Affairs. The responsibilities of that Office pertaining to community action agencies were considerably diminished and moved down to become part of a section (the Community Services Section) in the Division of Family and Children Services in DHR, where those functions remain today.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

WCGCAC, INC. WCGCAC, INC.

Board of Board of Directors Directors

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” Herman Melville

Jill Harrison Chair Executive Committee Chair Macon County

Valery Davis Vice Chair Macon County

Melvin Crimes Treasurer Finance Committee Chair Webster County

Lula Neal Secretary Programming Committee Chair Taylor County

Cleveland Lemmons Chair Emeritus Crisp County

Clifton Aldridge, Sr. Sumter County

Randall R. Almond Dooly County

Kevin Brown Marion County Shea Daniels Dooly County

Charles Ivey By-Laws Committee Chair Macon County

Vesta B. Shephard Resource Development Committee Chair Crisp County

Wayne Gosa Sumter County

Tommie Ford, Jr. Crisp County

Hudson Murray Marion County

Evolia R. Solomon Crisp County

Signifies Resource Development/ Banquet Committee Member

WCGCAC, INC. WCGCAC, INC.

Board of Board of Directors Directors

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers con fellow men.” Herman Melville

State Senator Carden H. Summers SD-13 (GA)

State Representative Patty J. Bentley HD-150 (GA)

U.S. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. GA - 2nd District

Angela H. Redding City Manager City of Cordele, GA

Dr. Ruby Jackson Associate Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church Cordele, GA

Ernest Dennard Guest Musician

Esteemed Esteemed Honorees Honorees

SHINING STAR AWARD

“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”

Marianne Williamson

William Holt Board Chair

The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI)

Elnora Felton Fiscal Operations Coordinator

West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc.

NORTH STAR AWARD

Recipient of the

Recipient of the

Carnegie

A.J. Rivers Board Member Emeritus West Central Georgia Community Action Council,

The Late Rufus Green Board Member West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc. (Awarded Posthumously)

Raines Member a Community cil, Inc.

Earnest Calvin Mansfield Former Board Member West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc.

2023

Recognition Recognition

Inaugural Inaugural Banquet Banquet

FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING

THEME: "Celebrating People Serving People" "Celebrating People Serving People"

Mistress of Ceremonies - Jill Harrison, Board Chair

Welcome ............................................................. Cleveland Lemmons Chair Emeritus, WCGCAC, Inc.

Invocation ..................................................................... Dr. Ruby Jackson Associate Pastor Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, Cordele, GA

Black National Anthem ...... ......... led by Brother Ernest Dennard

Please Stand

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson

Lift every voice and sing, ’Til earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on ’til victory is won

National Anthem .......... ........... led by Brother Ernest Dennard

Please Stand

"The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

O! say can you see by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? And the Rockets' red glare, the Bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there; O! say does that star-spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the Land of the free and the home of the brave?

Dinner is Served

Vocal selections by Brother Ernest Dennard

Greetings from the City of Cordele............................. Angela H. Redding City Manager

Occasion................................................................................ Valery Davis

Vice Chair, WCGCAC, Inc.

Introduction of the WCGCAC, Inc. Staff................ Vesta Beal Shephard Board Member, WCGCAC, Inc.; Commissioner, City of Cordele, GA, Banquet Chair

Introduction of the WCGCAC, Inc. Board of Directors.......... Jill Harrison Board Chair, WCGCAC, Inc.; Councilwoman, City of Oglethorpe, GA

Introduction of Keynote Speakers......................................... Jill Harrison

Keynote Addresses.................................. The Honorable Patty J. Bentley

Georgia State Representative - HD 150

The Honorable Carden H. Summers

Georgia State Senator - SD 13

AWARD PRESENTATIONS

Pioneer Award Presentations .................................. Vesta Beal Shephard Valery Davis

Recognized for Outstanding Service & Dedication

Honorees:

Cleveland Lemmons Earnest Calvin Mansfield Bennie Raines Chair Emeritus Former Board Member Former Board Members

Legacy Award Presentations .................................. Vesta Beal Shephard

Lula Neal

Board Secretary, WCGCAC, Inc

Recognized for Leadership, Influence, & Impact

Honorees:

The Late Rufus Green Board Member Emeritus Board Member (Awarded Posthumously)

A.J. Rivers

Chairman’s Awards .............................................................. Jill Harrison

Leaders Recognized for Embodying the Purpose, Vision & Mission of the Organization

THE SHINING STAR AWARD THE NORTH STAR AWARD

Elnora Felton William Holt Fiscal Operations Coordinator Board Chair West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc

Special Remarks ................................... The Honorable Sanford J. Bishop U.S. Congressman, GA - 2nd Congressional District

Presentations, Remarks & Announcements............ Vesta Beal Shephard

nowledgements & Closing Remarks ................................ Jill Harrison

i P ayer .................................................................... Melvin Crimes Treasurer, WCGCAC, Inc

FELLOWSHIP, NETWORK & TAKE PICTURES

In Support of Your Fundraising Gal West Central

Georgia CAC, Inc. & Cordele City Commissioner Vesta Beal Shephard

A dedicated Servant, an Advocate for her Ward and for the City of Cordele, and a collaborative working with various agencies and organizations to secure needed resources for her constituents.

Vote for Vesta to continue working to secure sidewalks, better roads, the removal of abandoned mills and dilapidated houses in your ward and representing Cordele in her regional and state educational and leadership classes and conferences.

A Proud and Supportive Sister, Ruby Beal

Syracuse, New York

As the Mayor of the City of Buena Vista, I want to thank the Staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers of West Central Georgia Community Action Council for the service and assistance that is provided to the residents of the City of Buena Vista.

Mayor Kevin T. Brown

Samuel & Fairella Cook

Great Aunt & Uncle

Fortheneedyshallnotalways beforgotten,andthehopeof thepoorshallnotperish forever.

Psalm9:18

Congratulations! Congratulations!

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&WestCentralGeorgiaCommunity &WestCentralGeorgiaCommunity ActionCouncilonyourInaugural ActionCouncilonyourInaugural Recognition&AwardsBanquet! Recognition&AwardsBanquet!

Two Generations of Community Action Service

We'reSoProudofYou! We'reSoProudofYou!

“Ifamongyou,oneofyourbrothersshouldbecomepoor,inanyofyour townswithinyourlandthattheLordyourGodisgivingyou,youshallnot hardenyourheartorshutyourhandagainstyourpoorbrother.”

Deuteronomy15:7

Daddy&Mommy Daddy&Mommy

Mr.LloydCunningham,Jr.&Rev.SandieCunningham Mr.LloydCunningham,Jr.&Rev.SandieCunningham

To enhance the professional and business conditions of NAREB® Realtist® members by strengthening the consumer capacity of Black, minority, and emerging target market segments that Realtists® serve.

To bring together professionals in the real estate industry to promote the meaningful exchange of ideas about our business and how best to serve our clientele.

To secure the right to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color.

Jill Harrison Jill Harrison

on being elected chair on being elected chair & to The West Central Georgia & to The West Central Georgia Community Action Council Community Action Council fforhostingasuccessfulevent! orhostingasuccessfulevent! We'reproudofyouniece! We'reproudofyouniece!

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him.”

Psalms 41:1

West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc.!!

ABOUT FRFS

The Flint River Farm School Preservation Society, Inc. was formed during the summer of 2004. The founding board members include Bob Melvin, Cleveland Whitehead, Curtis McDonald, and Ricky Waters. With the help of the community, local churches, and local businesses this group has achieved phenomenal success in recognizing and acknowledging the achievements of local residents who stepped out on their faith to pursue a dream of independence, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance by participating in the Flint River Farms Resettlement Project.

CONGRATULATIONSCHAIRWOMANJILLHARRISON

RAMON TOOKES

THE REAL ESTATE RESOURCE

PATRONS PATRONS

Mr. & Mrs. EJ Askew

Cordele, GA

Mr. Harmond Beal

Cordele, GA

Veteran Jimmy Beal

Fairburn, GA

Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Beal

Warner Robins, GA

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Daniels

Cordele, GA

Mr. Vontor Herring

Cordele, GA

Mrs. Cassandra Reid Woods

Fairburn, GA

Roberson Barber Shop

306 16th Ave W | Cordele, GA 31015

Ms. Easter Sanders

Cordele, GA

Ms. Lydia Smith

Memphis, TN

Deacon & Mrs. John Stubbs

Greater Morris Tabernacle Baptist

Warner Robins, GA

Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Walker

Cordele, GA

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King, Jr.