• The Sawnee Counseling Department wishes everyone a safe and happy summer!

    Father and children jumping in sprinkler Father and children jumping in sprinkler in the backyard garden. summer fun stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

    It has been a great school year!!!! 

    We have learned so much and worked so hard.  As summer approaches, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to spend time together when possible, making lifelong memories. 

    The Forsyth County Public Library has tons of fun summer activity ideas and events - click here for more information:   https://www.forsythpl.org/kids\

    As summer approaches, we know many kids may spend more time on devices.  These devices can be a great way for kids to continue learning and connect with others.  However, it is important for parents to consider safety risks as well.  Here is an article from KidsHealth.org with valuable information and safety tips.  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/screentime-bigkids.html

    Some of the tips from the article include:

    • Encourage kids to be involved in a variety of free-time activities, like spending time with friends, creating art projects, or reading. Make sure your child is physically active every day and gets enough sleep.
    • Turn off devices during meals and at least 1 hour before bedtime. Keep devices out of your child's bedroom. Also, turn off entertainment media when kids are doing homework.
    • Research video and computer games before getting them for your child. Look at the ratings, which can run from E (for "everyone") to AO (meaning "adults only"). Younger kids in grade school should probably be limited to games rated E (for "everyone"). E10+ (meaning "everyone 10 and older") may be appropriate for older kids. Preview games and even play them with your child to see what they're like before you let your child play alone. The game's rating may not match what you feel is OK for your child.
    • Spend time together with your child watching TV, playing games, or going online. Use this time as a chance to talk and learn together.
    • Keep the computer in a common area where you can watch what's going on. Teach your child about safe Internet and social media use. Make sure they know the dangers of sharing private information online, cyberbullying and other internet dangers.
    • Set a good example. Turn off TVs and other devices when not in use. Turn off or mute your phone when you’re not using it and during family times, like meals.

     

    As we continue to recover from the very challenging past couple of years, we know many of our families and friends continue to need a little extra support.  Please find a list of some available community resources below.

    Additional Community Resources:

    Food Resource:

    Additional Food Resources:

    Resource

    Phone #

    Abba’s House “Windows of Heaven” Food Pantry

    678-208-2000

    City on a Hill Church

    770-889-6919

    Creekside United Methodist Church

    770-888-8449

    Cumming Baptist Church

    770-205-6699

    Cumming First United Methodist Church

    770-887-2900

    Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit

    404-226-0935

    Food Stamps (DFCS)

    770-781-6700

    Freedom Tabernacle--“There’s Hope” Program

    770-887-4679

    Greater Heights Baptist Church- Food Pantry

    “There’s Hope” Program with Free Groceries 2nd Monday of the month for those in need

    3790 Post Road, Cumming Georgia 30040

    770-887-4802

    Helping Hands

    678-341-8075

    Hightower Baptist Association Food and Clothing Bank

    770-205-2464

    Meals By Grace Pantry

    404-426-4055

    MSG Foundation

    770-889-2859

    North Lanier Baptist Church

    770-781-5433

    The Place of Forsyth County

    770-887-1098

    St. Brendan’s Church-St. Joseph’s Food Pantry

    770-205-7969

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    770-781-6781

     

    Housing/Shelters

    Resource

    Phone #

    Cumming Home Ministries

    678-456-5544

    Cumming Housing Authority

    770-887-5331

    Family Haven (Women and Children)

    770-844-0842

    Family Promise

    678-476-4657

    Habitat for Humanity

    770-886-4939

    Lanier Fuller Center for Housing (home repair)

    678-845-9582

    Receiving Homes (Mothers and Children)

    770-889-7950

     

    We hope everyone has a terrific break filled with rest, relaxation, and great memories. 

    We will see you in the Fall!!!

     

    Happy young mother giving laughing daughter piggyback ride at beach Smiling black mother and beautiful daughter wearing sunglasses having fun on the beach. Portrait of happy african american woman giving a piggyback ride to her cute little girl wearing shades while looking at camera. Kid embracing her bigger sister during summer vacation with copy space. summer fun stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images