After the devastating effect of the tornado that ripped through Gordon County, Mrs. Deborah Schmell, Executive Director of Tallatoona Community Action Partnership, decided to make a visit to the area to see the devastation and seek ways to step in and make a contribution to the residents.

The first stop to the Red Cross at the Sonoraville Recreation Center proved that they were just the beginning of the tour. During a conversation she learned that Gordon County as a community has really stepped up to help in the recovery process. She was relieved knowing that Gordon County is such a great caring community that helps its wounded. As the tour was taken through the Dews Pond Community that was affected, she knew that there had to be some way to assist those individuals in the greatest of need.

The second stop, Ms. Vicky Spence, Executive Director of the United Way, took time away from her very busy schedule to allow an impromptu interview with Ms. Schmell. This meeting proved an excellent opportunity for a partnership with the local agency to assist the families. The directors discussed the greatest needs and how Tallatoona CAP could assist in partnering with local agencies to assist.

The third and final visit was to the Voluntary Action Center, where again the director, Ms. Stacy Long, allowed the opportunity to explore the partnership of Tallatoona with their agency for victims of the storm. A very special thanks to Ms. Long, as her agency was beginning renovation and her office was ‘packed-away’ during the interview.

It was obvious that the mission for Tallatoona, “Assist low-income individuals to acquire useful skills and knowledge, to gain new opportunities and to achieve self sufficiency”, could be maximized in the crisis that faced so many of the individuals of the storm who may not have any other assistance or have specific needs that are outside of the “norms”.

Joining Ms. Schmell for the tour was Ms. Robin Welch, Executive Assistant and Mr. Tony Waters, Tallatoona Board Member. Local Agency Service Coordinator, Shelia Callaway was not able to attend the tour, due to ‘mass-intake’ for energy assistance in another county during the time. Please feel free to contact Tallatoona at 706-629-2333 or contact the local United Way and/or V.A.C. for referral.