New Freedom is a program provided by Bay Transit. This is a transportation service
designed to help people with disabilities enjoy everything from important social and recreational events, and retail shopping, to medical appointments and work. There are eligibility requirements for the program, which runs within the 12 counties served by Bay Transit.

For more information on the New Freedom program, as well as the Bay Transit MedCarry program, click on the links (link to flyers/brochures) below!

New Freedom Program

MedCarry Program

If you or someone you know is interested in using this program, call 804-693-6977 to speak to the New Freedom coordinators!

The Amazing Raise begins in less than a month!

What is the Amazing Raise?

On September 16-17, the community will have the opportunity to “Be Vocal, Give Local” during The Amazing Raise. For 36 hours (6am September 16 through 6pm September 17) you are challenged to go online to www.TheAmazingRaise.org and “Be Vocal, Give Local” to organizations in Gloucester.  Pick your favorites or donate to new ones. Then challenge your friends, co-workers, and family members to do the same.  Keep the challenges going during the 36-hour giving event. Your gift, coupled with the gifts of hundreds of others, provides the support Gloucester nonprofits need to make a difference in this community!

To learn more, and see the list of non-profits participating in Gloucester, click on the link below!

2015 GCF Amazing Raise Information Sheet

Learn more at www.theamazingraise.org!

From the Gloucester Lions Club:

“Do you have an unused pair of glasses lying around? If so, by dropping them off at a Lions Club eyeglass recycling location or collection box, you can help to improve the life of someone struggling with vision impairment! The donated glasses are cleaned, sorted, and redistributed to those in need – some going to those in greatest need in developing counties, many staying in your locality for those unable to afford eye care.

Information on an important program!

“The Women’s Trauma Support Group, a ten week free counseling program, began July 7th, at the Gloucester library. The group meets Tuesdays at noon and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. So long as funds remain, a small lunch is provided free as well. Additionally, Bay Transit tickets are available free for those who need them in order to attend. This is a ten week “closed” group, meaning once a new group starts new referrals must wait for the next group. Thus far we are operating at around 50% capacity and hope to see additional referrals for new groups beginning early this fall. The group is co-facilitated by counselors from District 5 Probation and Parole and Chesapeake Counseling Center. Referrals are screened by Chesapeake Counseling Center, but women do not need to be active clients of either program. Women who attend may choose to opt out at any time.”

Gloucester County Public Schools are looking for items to help welcome teachers that are new to the area, and/or just beginning their career as an educator. If you are interested in donating promotional items or information on your organization, please contact Patricia Hade at 804-693-5300 for more information. The materials will need to get to her by August 13th!

Does your organization receive donations or payments via credit card? If so, it’s important to realize that every organization of every size and in every industry – from Main Street to Wall Street – is vulnerable to a cyber attack. It’s a sad fact that this is no longer a matter of IF, it’s WHEN! Register now for “Keeping Small Business Cyber Secure” presented by Cyber Security Firm Sera-Brynn on Thursday, August 13th at Lulu Birds Kitchen. http://buff.ly/1MCoKbv Let’s help keep each other safe and on the cutting edge!

An 8 year old Elementary School Child from West Point/New Kent area tragically drowned in the Pamunkey River recently, and the tale has left many completely gutted. This young boy was completely well loved and cared for by parents who thought the world of him.

In his memory, current Head Start and Parent Child Development Corporation staff have started a children’s life jacket drive for families who need them. Head Start serves 8 counties, including Gloucester and Mathews. For some, it may be easy to pop into West Marine, ask a boat owning friend for hand-me-downs, or order one online when needed. As we well know, for many families, this is an impossibility (cost, access, or lack of water safety education). Anyone with used (but fair condition) child life jackets (they will all be inspected before being dispersed, so don’t worry, just bring it!) or those who want to purchase new ones for the event, would be greatly appreciated. Any size, any type.