Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation signed in three counties

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Proclamation

This week marks a shared proclamation from three neighboring counties, Fannin, Pickens, and Gilmer, as they recognize, in partnership with the Appalchian Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney’s (DA) Office, it as Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee, left, and Commission Chairman of Fannin County Stan Helton, right, sign the proclamation for Crime Victims' Rights Week in April 2020.

District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee, left, and Commission Chairman of Fannin County Stan Helton, right, sign the proclamation for Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April 2020.

An awareness program and a reinvigoration for efforts put forth to protect and provide for victims and witnesses of crimes, these proclamations show each county’s support for such efforts and their dedication to continuing them throughout the year. The Proclamation signings are being done in conjunction with the National Crime Victims’ Rights week and in coordination with the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program.

This year’s national and local theme is “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope” which celebrates the progress made by those before who have worked so hard as they look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.

District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee, right, and Commission Chairman of Pickens County Rob Jones, left, sign the proclamation for Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April 2020.

The Proclamations signed by the Chairmen of the Boards of Commissioners, Rob Jones in Pickens, Charlie Paris in Gilmer, and Stan Helton in Fannin, recognizes all of those ideals as well as acknowledging that due to the continued transmission of COVID-19, now, and over the past several weeks, our area, our state and our nation, have been facing unprecedented times.

The DA’s Office has many community partners that provide invaluable services in our area, like our local food banks and Family Connection and the Appalachian Children’s Center. Due to the financial hardship that COVID-19 has caused, many families are in need of these resources. Unfortunately, due to the constraints of the shelter-in-place orders, even though these organizations have an increase in demand, their ability to fund-raise has been extremely limited.

Commission Chairman of Gilmer County Charlie Paris signs the proclamation for Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April 2020.

The DA’s Office said, “In conjunction with Crime Victims’ Rights Week, signs bearing the message of “In God We Trust” are being placed throughout Gilmer county in hopes that some will take encouragement from our nation’s motto of “In God We Trust.”

The Victim Advocacy Program of the District Attorney’s office continues to assist victims in obtaining restitution, refer victims to appropriate public and non-profit partners for services, and help victims who qualify for crime victim compensation.

 

Thousands donated to local food programs amid crisis

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food bank donation

Donations are an easy way to in this time to provide versatile help for community programs who seek to support and provide for our fellow people in our areas. Programs like food banks always need donations of every kind. But when financial donations come in, sometimes it may not feel like a donation the same way providing cans do.

But financial donations are how programs fill in the gaps for needs and variety. If one bank has a lot of one food, but is lacking in another, the versatility of financial donations allows that gap to be closed.

Donations like this are exactly what happened on the Highway 515 corridor including Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin Counties. The District Attorney’s office of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit has made such provisions for these programs.

Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee

On April 10, 2020, the District Attorney’s Office presented the Fannin County Family Connection, which operates a local food bank, with a $5000 donation from the crime victim assistance fund.

On April 10, 2020, the District Attorney’s Office presented the Pickens CARES, a local food bank, with a $5,000 donation from the crime victim assistance fund. Sheriff Donnie Craig also presented Pickens CARES with $5,000 from the Sheriff’s Foundation.

On April 14, 2020, the District Attorney’s Office presented the Gilmer Community Food Pantry with a $5000 donation from the crime victim assistance fund. Pictured B. Alison Sosebee, District Attorney, and Allen Triebel, Gilmer Community Food Pantry.

Over the last week we have been working hard placing signs throughout Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties that simply say “In God We Trust”. Not only is the hope to spread a positive message during this difficult time, but to help draw attention to our community partners and resources that are available in our area.

Sosebee’s office issued a statement saying, “Now, and over the past several weeks, our area, our state and our nation, have been facing unprecedented times. The continued transmission of COVID-19 is scary….for a lot of reasons….not the least of which is the financial impact on the families, children and community service organizations.”

IN OUR COMMUNITY WE ARE BLESSED. There are many resources available to those in need in our area. AND IF YOU DO NOT NEED THESE RESOURCES, THEY NEED YOU! Many food pantries in our area have had an increase in distribution to those in need; however, due to shelter-in-place and social distancing, normal fundraising events for these non-profit organizations have been cancelled or indefinitely postponed. They are still smiling, working and serving; HOWEVER, to keep up, they need your help if you can!

Resources available in Pickens County include:

Family Connection:
Tel: 706-253-2319
Web: pickens.gafcp.org

Pickens CARES:
Address: 89 Cares Drive, Jasper, GA 30143
Tel: (706)253-4777
Web: pickenscares.org
Food Distribution Schedule: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 12:00.

Boys and Girl Club: 101 Freedom Way, Jasper, GA 30143
Tel: (706) 253-2582
Web: bgcng.org

Additional contact information for assistance include:

District Attorney: (706) 253-3511
Pickens Sheriff’s Office: (706) 253-8901
For those who are unable to travel to obtain food and/or prescription medication you may contact PCSO Capt. Kris Stancil at (706) 253-8869 to inquire if you are eligible for delivery by PCSO.

Pickens School Food Distribution:
Tel: (706) 253-1700
Web: pickenscountyschools.org
Drive-through lunch pick-up spots are available Monday-Friday on scheduled school days from 11:30 – 12:30. Stop by
Harmony Elementary, Hill City Elementary, Tate Elementary, Jasper Middle School, Mountainside Manor (behind the hospital), Foothills IGA in Marble Hill, and Hinton Milling out Hwy 53 West in the Hinton Community and four bus routes. These are breakfast and lunch.

Also, the Victim Advocacy Program of the District Attorney’s office continues to assist victims in obtaining restitution, refer victims to appropriate public and non-profit partners for services, and help victims who qualify for crime victim compensation.

Sosebee said, “In times like these, the greatness of a community can be seen by the compassion of the community….and as always IN GOD WE TRUST!”

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