MOULTRIE, Ga. — Most people are familiar with the United Way and YMCA as organizations, but may not be familiar with those who work hard behind the scenes to put your donation dollars back into the community. Recently, the Moultrie YMCA received a large grant from Healthcare Georgia Foundation that will mean potential health and quality of life improvements for many of Colquitt County’s residents.

This funding is possible thanks to the time and dedication of United Way of Colquitt County. United Way grant writer Amanda Beaty and YMCA Community Outreach Director Sarah Adams co-wrote the Healthcare Georgia Foundation grant.

This is just one of many significant examples of partnership and teamwork that make Colquitt County a great place to live, the Y said in a press release. Georgia South Family Medicine Residency’s Dr. Melissa Cardwell and Jessica Rivenbark and Internal Medicine of Moultrie’s Dr. James Huffman have partnered with the initiative to promote the program to potential participants.  

Uniting the community is just one benefit of United Way’s return on investment. The past two years, United Way has invested $10,660 to provide a grant writer here. This investment has multiplied, resulting in a total of $118,200 for Colquitt County programs and services coming from grant sources outside our community, the press release said.

The foundation grant will continue the implementation of Better Choices, Better Health workshops for those living with ongoing health issues. Adams is currently looking for lay leaders for these workshops who are interested in giving back to their community.  Leaders will facilitate topics in a group setting that encourage self-management skills in many areas including: stress management, better sleep, nutrition, physical activity, communication with health providers, and many others.

You do not have to be an expert to participate. There will be a 4-day training soon on Feb. 22 and 23, March 1 and 2. The training is free of charge to trainees thanks to grant funding. Lunch is provided each day.

If you are interested, please contact Sarah Adams at 229-985-1154 or sadams@moultrieymca.org.