Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County is helping families access food and essential hygiene products through collaborations with civil organizations, partner groups, and dedicated volunteers. Residents in need of food can find a food pantry near home by using the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s interactive Food Pantry Map. Gwinnett’s community navigators are also available 24/7 to help connect residents to local resources. Call 770.822.8850. Mobile Food Distribution Gwinnett also offers convenient and flexible mobile food distribution twice a month at select park locations throughout the year. Additionally, each distribution site is a contactless drive-thru, and we do not require identification. Through these efforts,…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is organizing a continuum of care to ensure housing and food security as lingering uncertainty over SNAP and future HUD Section 8 fundings continues. Cochran-Johnson is joining metro leaders in urging immediate federal action to prevent a suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding that could disrupt food access for more than 54,000* DeKalb County households, representing approximately 127,000 residents. According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, federal funding for SNAP is scheduled to end on November 1, 2025, unless Congress acts to extend it. Under Georgia’s SNAP issuance schedule, benefit interruptions…

CONYERS, GA—It’s been slow going for the City of Conyers’ elections. The city ended the early voting period on Halloween night with just 1,074ballots cast, according to Rockdale County’s Elections Supervisor Cynthia Willingham.  The polling precinct closed at 7 p.m. As of Oct. 6, 2025, there were 10,382 active voters registered within the Conyers city limits, meaning fewer than 11 percent participated in the early voting period, which was held Oct. 14-31. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, only residents who live within the city limits of Conyers will elect their new mayor and a City Council member to represent District 2, Post  2.…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office is collecting food items to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank this holiday season. Customers visiting any DeKalb tax office location Nov. 3 — Dec. 5 may participate in the food drive by donating canned or non-perishable food items during office hours. “Each year, the DeKalb Tax Commissioner’s Office hosts a holiday food drive to collect food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and local pantries in DeKalb County. This year, particularly, these donations are greatly needed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown impacting families in Georgia,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter’s Youth Affiliates recently turned their compassion into action by supporting breast cancer patients and warriors during this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed in October.   The chapter’s Pearlettes, ages 4-9, and the Amicettes, ages 10-13, came together to assemble a beautifully-arranged gift basket filled with crocheted hats for patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at Georgia Cancer Specialists-Gwinnett. The handmade hats were donated by Linda Johnson, who wanted to bring warmth and comfort to those affected by cancer.     The young advocates also packed  healthy snacks including a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–In light of the recent reduction in SNAP benefits and  other pending federal government shutdowns on Nov. 1, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is teaming up with community partners to collect canned goods and distribute them to those in need. Many schools already operate food pantries and are working to ensure that families know what resources are available. Families experiencing food insecurity due to the government shutdown or changes to SNAP benefits can apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals for their children. Applications are easy to fill out and typically processed within a few days. GCPS counselors and social workers are…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will host Female Entrepreneurship Day on Friday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at the South Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. “As a legislator, businesswoman and advocate for women in leadership, I’m honored to host this important milestone at our state Capitol,” said Carter. “Women-owned businesses are the heart of our communities. They represent innovation, resilience and the courage to create change. When we celebrate female entrepreneurs, we not only recognize their achievements, but we also affirm their essential role in shaping Georgia’s economic future.” During the event, Media Girls Network…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County invites the community to honor and celebrate the nation’s veterans at the Rockdale County Veterans Parade on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. The annual parade will begin at Rockdale County High School, travel along Pine Log Road, and conclude at Conyers First Methodist Church in Olde Town Conyers. The family-friendly event welcomes residents of all ages to come together in showing appreciation for the brave men and women who have served this country. Veterans are especially encouraged to participate in this special tribute, whether marching in the parade or attending as honored guests. “This…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The former mayor of the City of Stonecrest has been indicted on state charges related to his attempt to register to vote and qualify to run for city council while still under federal supervision for a felony conviction.  On Tuesday, Oct. 28, a DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Jason Wallace Lary, Sr., 63, of Stonecrest, on charges of: ·       False Registration; Unlawful Disclosure of Voter Registration Information ·       False Swearing (two counts) ·       Making False Statements in Connection with Filing Notice of Candidacy or Qualifying as a Candidate Following Lary’s indictment, the DA’s Office secured a Grand Jury warrant for…