Educational Talent Search (ETS) is an outreach and early intervention program that serves 1,050 participants in middle and high schools in the Waycross and Reidsville areas.  The purpose of the program is to motivate and encourage low-income, first generation students to pursue post-secondary education.  The program also helps individuals who have dropped out of high school to receive assistance in enrolling in GED courses.

ETS is a Trio program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and is locally sponsored by Concerted Services, Inc.  There is no fee charged to individual students or their families.

Students that attend school in Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Pierce or Ware County should contact Juan Johnson or Patti White, ETS counselors at 912-285-6083 for more information.

Our team showed the representatives from Governor Perdue’s office a final blower test that reduced infiltration in the home by 45%, and they were not even done with all the measures.

Sid Johnson and his team seemed to be impressed with the professionalism and depth of training and knowledge of each of our team members. This is apparent in the following excerpt taken from a letter to Weatherization Director, C. Serge Strickland, from Sid Johnson. “Your passion and dedication to serving your fellow Georgians were clearly exhibited in our discussions. Similarly your commitment to accountability and transparency was evident, despite the burden. I know you are proud of your crews and their efforts to meet quality and surpass quotas while serving the needs of the community.”

The honor and privilege was ours to have a guest from the Governor’s office. Serge Strickland, Weatherization Director, is proud of our Weatherization Team in both the Altamaha and Waycross areas for helping CSI become Southeast Georgia’s leader in helping people achieve self-sufficiency

Alumni participating were Robin Blackard, Deborah Bowen, Carol Clarke, Letta Cox, Larry Gattis, Nicole Harrell, Connie Oliver, Gail Seifert, Alice Taylor, Pam Taylor, Dr. Rhonda Williams and Bobbie Walthour. “The children really enjoyed the visit,” noted Ethel Blair, Center Coordinator. “All the children asked their volunteers to stay and read a second book. We invited them to visit the center again soon!”

If you or your civic club is interested in participating in a read aloud project in any of our Head Start centers, please contact Carol Clarke, Literacy Coordinator at 912/285-6083 for more information.

“The Cat In The Hat,” better known as Carol Clarke, Literacy Coordinator for CSI Child Development Services, read the book “The Cat In The Hat” and “Fox In Socks.” After the read aloud children helped to decorate a giant birthday card honoring the famed author. Family Advocate staff from the Ware County Head Start Center and members from the Friends of the Library were on hand and provided face painting for the children. Children were able to complete other literacy projects and everyone received a certificate honoring their participation in Read Across America.

“We were thrilled to collaborate with the Okefenokee Regional Library System,” reports Letta Cox, CSI Resource Specialist. “We want to thank members of the Friends of the Library who assisted with the event, Harvey’s Supermarket for the donation of the paper used to make the giant birthday card, and the children and parents who helped celebrate this great event!”

Pictured left to right are Cameron Pierre, Tatyana Saccociao, Shaleya Coleman and Jasmine Butler from Classroom 2. Their teachers are Belinda Moore and Marietta Duncan. For more information on the Early Head Start program or enrollment opportunities please contact the family advocate at (912) 285-0500.

The children at the Charlton County Head Start Center celebrate the third and final RIF book distribution of the program year. “It’s been exciting to see the how the children’s print awareness has improved since school began,” reports, Letta Cox, Resource Specialist. “These activities and concepts will help them become better readers and succeed in the public school system.”

Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start has been operating the Reading is Fundamental Program for the past 17 years. The program is funded in part by the United Way of South Georgia. The program has distributed over 115 free pre-school children books in Charlton County this program year.

The center is currently taking application for the 2009-2019 program year. Application information is available by contacting 912/496-4563 or you can visit the center at 1350 Bethune School Road, Folkston.

“It’s been exciting to see the how the children’s print awareness has improved since school began,” reports, Letta Cox, Resource Specialist. “These activities and concepts will help them become better readers and succeed in the public school system.” Special thanks to parent volunteers: Toshanda Davis, Elaina Carter, Cathy Bohanon and grandmother Glenda Farris who were on hand to assist with the activities.

Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start has been operating the Reading is Fundamental Program for the past 17 years. The program is funded in part by the United Way of South Georgia and has distributed over 115 free pre-school children books in Brantley County this program year.

The center is currently taking application for the 2009-2019 program year. Application information is available by contacting 912/462-6552 or you can visit the center at 470 Bryan Street, Nahunta.

Pictured is staff member: LaShundra Flanagan with Willie Butler, Syirra Smith, Demetrius Baldwin, Mea Cox, Caden Fleming, Carleyonna Owens and Destiny Thomas. For more information on the Early Head Start program or enrollment opportunities please contact the family advocate at (912) 285-0500.

Concerted Services, Inc. Child Development Services has been awarded a three year grant from the Office of Head Start to provide services for grandparents raising Head Start grandchildren. This partnership project will focus services in three areas: