Our most pressing need
is nothing less than you!
By Ellen Gerstein
Gwinnett Health and Human Services Coalition
for gwinnettforum.com

April 18, 2001-- What is our most pressing social problem in Gwinnett? Most people in Gwinnett County, Georgia would respond that we don’t have any pressing social problems. Gwinnett is affluent and vibrant. Citizens are moving to Gwinnett in record numbers to join our county of the “American Dream.”

There is some truth to Gwinnett being in Utopia. However, ignoring the changing demographics, the hidden pockets of poverty, and major social decay among our families and communities that are all very present in Gwinnett, will only lead to disaster.

The first step in all self-help programs is to admit your problem.
Gwinnett seems to be content to deny that any problems exist in our
community by regaling in the prosperity that our economic boom has
created. Gwinnett can stay ahead of these issues only if it can admit to having problems.

Not every citizen enjoys Gwinnett’s prosperity. Record numbers of our neighbors are being abused by their own family members. Your neighbors are homeless and hungry. Gwiunett children are engaging in risky behaviors, like substance abuse, sexual activity, violence and gang involvement, all in every cluster in Gwinnett. Many labeled “working poor” make low wages that do not cover life’s basic needs.

There are many wonderful agencies in Gwinnett that try and address
these and other primary needs of the area. However, with growth comes a tremendous strain on resources. Gwinnett County Schools are bursting at the seams. A record number of non-English speaking children create many access and communication barriers. Gwinnett hospitals lose millions of dollars taking care of indigent, who have no health insurance, through its emergency room.

Our legal system is overcrowded. Many people can’t afford attorneys, and therefore get little relief. Other government agencies have high turnover and huge caseloads. There are huge waiting lists for affordable childcare and housing.

You’re saying to yourself, “I can’t believe we have these problems in Gwinnett. I’ve never seen a homeless person. My children are doing great, are not on drugs nor having sex. Our neighbors are responsible, hard working, well paid citizens. You must be making all of these problems up in your head.”

DENIAL, DENIAL, DENIAL!

Wake up Gwinnett! The facts are real. We have data to back up these numbers and issues. How long will our children, parents, community members, and our neighbors have to go before we pay attention and ACT?

Gwinnett, if we get involved now, we can prevent our community from the usual flight and decay that we see in every major urban area in America. But first, we must face the facts and stop denying that there is a problem. We must get our “heads out of the sand” and GET INVOLVED! Don’t let our community denial and apathy lead to social destruction.

How can one person make a difference? There are so many ways.

* Talk to your children, volunteer at their school.
* Be a mentor.
* Donate to charity.
* Volunteer at a non-profit.
* Clean up your neighborhood.
* Have a block party.
* Get to know your neighbors.
* Deliver meals to the elderly.
* Be a role model.
* And I bet you can think of other ways.

Over 300 citizens, businesses, and agencies are working together
through the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services to address our problems and improve conditions in our community. We welcome your involvement and participation.

TAKE A STAND, TAKE HEART, GET INVOLVED!

Check out our website at www.gwinnettcoalition.org for more
information.

-30-