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Social Services

@Decatur Public Library

ChildAbusePrevention

Combating child abuse is everyone's responsibility. In 2021, 3.9 million reports were made to child protective services. Take time to educate yourself on the signs of abuse and neglect. Learn to listen with empathy and acknowledge feelings. Avoid expressing anger, asking too many questions, and making promises you can't keep.

Some risk factors, such as substance misuse and poverty, increase the likelihood of abuse, but it can happen at any socio-economic level. So, acknowledge how you can be part of the solution. This can include volunteering your time and offering concrete support amid hardship. It can also look like donating to agencies that support children and families. You can also become a child advocate, sign up for Safe Families, and spread the word on social media or with families and friends. Don't be afraid to have difficult and educational conversations because it is critical to awareness and prevention.

If you want to learn more, visit the library to check out our display and resources!

Upcoming events:

  • Tuesday, April 2 @ 12 pm— To kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month with wreath lighting on the Macon County Courthouse lawn.
  • Friday, April 5, at 1:30 p.m., Wear Blue Day coalition agencies will meet at Central Park Transfer House for photos.
  • Thursday, April - Decatur Public Schools service fair at MacArthur H.S.
  • Sunday, April 14 - Rolling Back in Time- Roller-skating in Fairview Park
  • April 15- 21: Chalk the Walk Week
  • Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. - Prevention Resource Giveaway and Service Fair, Decatur Public Library 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 28—Blue Sunday—Day of Prayer for Abused Children and those who give their time and hearts to help them.

For more information, visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/

Local Volunteer Opportunities arrow_forward

Looking for a way to contribute your time and talents to our community? Find a list of local agencies here.

Meet with our Community Resource Coordinator

Looking for a dependable source of information about and assistance with healthcare, housing, food and more? Set up a confidential appointment with the library Social Worker today! All assistance is free and available to the public.

Assistance and referrals for the following:

  • Food
  • Housing
  • Legal Assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare Rx Assistance
  • SNAP (Food Stamps)
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Vision/Dental Needs

Make an appointment


Laundry and Shower Facilities arrow_forward

OASIS Day Center currently provides laundry and shower facilities by appointment only. Call 422-3940 Mon-Sun 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Decatur Warming Centers arrow_forward

A list of local Institutions in Macon County that act as warming centers.

Local Resources

Employment Resources

Find out all you need to know to find a job, including improving your computer skills.

Financial Resources

Find information about rent and utilities assistance as well as programs to help families get out of debt and poverty.

Food Resources

Find out when and where Decatur food pantries and soup kitchens are available.

Healthcare Resources

Medical resources in Decatur for hospitals, doctors, dental/vision, family health needs and department of health.

Housing

Housing Resources in Decatur for men, women, children and those needing transitional housing, emergency shelter or housing assitance.

Legal and Government Resources

Resources regarding legal services for low-income clients, legal assistance hotline, and local government information.

LGBTQIA+

Local resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, all other sexual and gender minorities, their families and friends.

Mental Health Resources

Decatur has many resources and counseling services for those struggling with, or are family members of those battling substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Transportation

Information on public transportation throughout Decatur as well as ADA accessible rides and medical transportation providers.

Seniors Resources

Local information for senior citizens looking for housing possibilities and other daily resources.

Edits to Local Agency Information

Please refer to the link below year round so that your organization can update us on changes to service offerings at any time. Find it here:

Submit Agency Changes