Our Work
This year has been quite productive as we continue to work with local city and county partners on projects that include: the new Butler Park, providing education support to parents and students and nurturing a strong youth initiative through our Bright Youth United for the Future program and Community Rec Program.
We continue to work on increasing citizen participation in community life, focusing on health care disparities and serving as a resource center for individuals and families, partnering with local law enforcement to improve community relations, strengthening small business development, and building bridges through new and diverse relationships for a better tomorrow.
01
Environmental Justice Reform
​The Newtown Florist Club was established in the wake of the devastating 1936 tornado in 1950, and later emerged as a beacon of hope for the Newtown Community in Gainesville, GA. Built atop an old landfill and later surrounded by various industries, the community faced significant health challenges, including increased rates of cancer and lupus. In the 1980s the club expanded its focus to address environmental justice issues, advocating for the rights and health of residents affected by industrial pollution. Today, the Newtown Florist Club continues to empower the community and raise awareness about environmental and injustices.
The Newtown Story One Community's Fight for Environmental Justice was published by the Newtown Florist Club; Center for Democratic Renewal is available for purchase. Please click on the pdf icon below to access an order form or contact our main office for support. All sale proceeds go to supporting our ongoing work for the community.
02
Community and Economic Development Program
The Newtown Florist Club Community and Economic Development Program. strives to bring awareness and reform social and economic injustices as well as improve and maintain our local community through Community Advocacy Programs including Community Projects and the Economics Development Project.
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03
Voter Engagment Program
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NFC is committed to educating community members and organizations about a wide range of issues including voter suppression, candidate education, outreach, and advocacy to encourage greater citizen participation in community life. This Program also serves to increase community involvement in elections through voter education, awareness and participation through trainings, community collaboration, research, analysis, and community organizing.
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04
Youth Leadership Development Program
Youth Development has always been a central focus of our mission. Throughout the history of the NFC youth programs have included (past and present) the Mozetta Whelchel Girls Leadership Project, the Summer Youth Leadership Program, the Summer Enrichment Program, 100% Kids, Bright Youth United for the Future and the Neighborhood Rec Program. Additional youth development opportunities are made available to youth through all of our projects and annual events in the form of creative writings, performing arts, sports activity, voter engagement, youth issue discussions and more.
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05
The Education Support Project NFC partners with community-based organizations and individuals to support the educational needs of students and parents to support academic excellence and to improve student accomplishment in all areas of life.
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Educational Support Project
06
Criminal Justice Reform / Public Policy
Newtown's Criminal Justice Reform Project primarily focuses on justice issues related to the pipeline, to prison, mass incarceration, and improving law enforcement community relations through education, awareness and public policy engagement. As part of the Criminal Justice Reform Project the Newtown Florist Club created the Criminal Justice Roundtable to address and advocate important issues, not only directly affecting the Newtown Community, but also fighting in other high-profile cases including organizing and promoting the George Floyd Initiative. The Public Policy Committee works to proactively encourage and increase community engagement with local law enforcement with the mission to build an educated community where all people have access to equal justice in Gainesville-Hall County, Georgia. ​
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