Access Flagler First Provides Goods, Services, And Community

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Flagler County, FL– October’s Access Flagler First distributed nearly four tons of food, provided services by more than 20 agencies, and held “meaningful conversations” with residents who had a variety of needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

 “As our Flagler families recover from Hurricane Irma, I think this event provided additional hope and encouragement that many of our families need at this time,” Janet Nickels, Flagler County Human Services Program Manager, wrote in a memo to contributing agencies. “Certainly this event is not about numbers however I wanted to share with you how much your collective presence meant for the 205 families that came.”

 Outreach across a broad spectrum of programs and services was available to all Flagler County residents with unmet needs.

 Ten residents met with the Division of Blind Services about its Talking Books program. Flagler Technical Institute gave 38 haircuts during the three-hour event. Grace Tabernacle Food Pantry, with the help of the TRAILS transition team, transported, bagged, and distributed nearly 8,000 pounds of food. Halifax Hospice held “five meaningful conversations.”

 “Whatever the need is, we try to meet it,” said Joe Mayer, Flagler County Human Services Director. “FEMA provided 27 status updates, responded to 13 inquiries and made 11 referrals alongside Flagler Technical Institute’s Health Sciences program tested blood pressure for nine and blood sugars for another 17.”

 Additional, the following agencies participated: SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), Flagler County Social Services, Kiwanis, Flagler County Veterans Services, Daytona Beach Veteran Center, Lions Club, Flagler Volunteer Services, Flagler County Human Services, Volusia Flagler Coalition for the Homeless, Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Flagler County Health Department, United Way, Azalea Health, Family Life Center, Flagler Schools, Easter Seals/Early Steps, Loads of Smiles, Children’s Home Society, Sally’s Safe Haven, Fresh Start, Daytona State College, Sheltering Tree, Department of Children and Families, SNAP (formerly the Food Stamp Program), People Helping People, and Assurance Wireless.

 Access Flagler First is held from noon to 3 p.m. at Cattlemen’s Hall at the Flagler County Fairgrounds. The next will be held on December 1.

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