Decatur County Family Connection Director Ronnie Burke talked about the many services his organization offers during a Wednesday address to the Bainbridge Lions Club.

“We serve as the local decision making body that brings community partners together to develop, implement and evaluate plans that address the various challenges facing Decatur County’s children and families,” Burke said in opening his comments. We write applications for a lot of grants.”

Burke said Decatur County Family Connection also has after-school programs that holds as many as 200 local kids. They also refer people to churches and other caring groups that can help them.

“We also have a backpack program for elementary students,” Burke said. “It is designed to   meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available, like weekends and vacations.”

They are recommended by elementary school counselors.  The backpacks are filled with nutritious, child-friendly foods. Burke said that they also provide mentoring programs for students.

Burke, whose office is at Bainbridge State College, said the goal of Decatur County Family Connection is to team with other local organizations to provide students and adults with the tools they need to prevent poverty.