Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and servicing the needs of everyone, celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a reception for the community this past week and the entire community was thanked.

"We wanted to invite the community to dinner and honor special people who have really helped to support us throughout the years, those who continue to support us and new friends," Ellen Gerstein, executive director of the coalition said. "The whole event was really great."

At the dinner, everyone was highlighted for the years of help.

"There were not really any winners as such -- we did recognize some people, but everyone who came was celebrated for their service over the last 20 years," Helpline director Suzy Bus said. "We called everyone our community 'rock stars.'"

There were 30 to 40 people who received certificates of gratitude during the dinner, plus hundreds of others to be mailed out.

What's the coalition focusing on now?

"Starting on (year) 21," Gerstein said with a laugh. "We're very excited to be working on our next strategic plans. We are planning Town Hall meetings to research the needs in Gwinnett County, and then develop and address those needs. We are also teaming up with the (Gwinnett Medical Center) to create community report cards."

Plus, the nonprofit is continuing its ongoing incentives, such as Great Days of Service and working to renew grants in 2012. The Coalition has a long to-do list, but the employees never lose sight of what they are working for: helping others.

"It's a very difficult economic time for people," Gerstein said. "It's important to remember that gifts will help the needy and your neighbors."

For more information about the Gwinnett Coalition, visit gwinnettcoalition.org.

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