Events & More

Take a look at all the latest events our organization has held throughout the City of Savannah, DeKalb, Rockdale, and Upson County!
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Children in yellow shirts stand around a table and listen to an adult speaker opens IMAGE file
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2021 Lifeskills Classes

We’ve started back summer 2021 with Lifeskills classes at Urban Hope and Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club in the City of Savannah!

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Inspiring Engineers summer camp flyer opens IMAGE file

Botvin Lifeskills Training

Beyond The Bell is proud to offer our Botvin Lifeskills Training this summer at the Inspiring Engineers Summer camp! There will be many fun and engaging activities for attendees – Sign your child up to attend!

White minimalist art of a wine glass, beer stein, and martini glass on a green background.

Safe Bar & Alcohol Service Campaign

We are pleased to introduce the Safe Bar & Alcohol Service (SBAS) campaign. The City of Savannah has partnered with Beyond the Bell and the Savannah Prevention Coalition to help educate people on the impact and effects of alcohol consumption in Savannah. SBAS is an awareness and prevention campaign that takes a proactive approach to promote responsible consumption among patrons, owners, managers, and service staff. Please contact us to get involved!

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Five paintings related to African American culture opens IMAGE file
Three people sit at tables and draw and paint on canvases. opens IMAGE file
Two children paint on canvases opens IMAGE file
Progress shot of a painting of a fist wearing a "Black Lives Matter" ribbon circling its wrist. opens IMAGE file
Progress shot of a painting of an African man playing a djembe drum. The outlines are done. opens IMAGE file
Seven children and adults showing their artwork related to African American culture opens IMAGE file
A painting of an African man playing a djembe drum. To other djembe drums are painted in the top left and bottom left corners. "Africa" is written down the right side. opens IMAGE file

Black History Month

To commemorate Black History Month, local young men from Rockdale County got together for an evening of Canvas and Conversations with Councilwoman Connie Alsobrook, Coach Sutton, and Beyond The Bell to discuss their favorite young African  Americans who are making a difference in their lives and the lives of our communities.  The conversations were fun and it was exciting to see our young men engage in conversations that touched on the needs in our communities, the importance of making good decisions, and the need to stay away from underage substance use.

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Four people, two of whom are wearing yellow vests, put trash from alongside a road into orange garbage bags. opens IMAGE file
Community Clean Upson. Volunteers needed. Saturday February 6th 8:30-12:00. opens IMAGE file
Six people cleaning up garbage along the roadside opens IMAGE file
Three people holding orange garbage bags. opens IMAGE file
Four people, two of whom are wearing yellow vests, put trash from alongside a road into orange garbage bags. opens IMAGE file
Four teenagers wearing yellow vests. Two of them are carrying empty orange garbage bags. opens IMAGE file
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Community Clean UPson

Beyond The Bell Youth Leadership Cabinet participated in the county-wide Community Clean Upson event in Thomaston, Ga. on Saturday, Feb. 6th, working hard to make our county more beautiful! Check out our photos

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Four people holding bags of food. opens IMAGE file
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A woman and a young girl walk next to a white bus with the Beyond The Bell logo on the side. opens IMAGE file

MLK DAY

Dr. King recognized the power of service. He famously said, “Everyone can be great because everybody can serve.” Observing the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday through service is a way to begin each year with a commitment to making your community a better place ( opens in a new windowwww.nationalservice.gov).

While Thomaston has seen a spike in Covid-19 cases, this didn’t stop Beyond The Bell Youth Leadership Cabinet from stepping up to the plate in an act of service and kindness to celebrate Martin Luther King Day 2021. After gathering donations of nonperishable food, paper goods, frozen bags of chicken, cases of waters and sanitizing products, the group packed more than a dozen environmentally safe reusable gift bags and boarded the Beyond The Bell bus, delivering 6 bags to a single father (who is quarantining but peered out the window and waved). A second family consisted of a young woman who has four children and one on the way; before the group could deliver, Beyond The Bell learned that the mom had gone to the hospital to have her fifth child and would not be home. The young lady’s father came by the office and picked up her bags so that when she comes home, she needn’t leave the house for necessities.

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A boy running along a paved path. opens IMAGE file
Groups of people standing around tables with food and running supplies. opens IMAGE file
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Three young adults standing with a police woman. opens IMAGE file

RACE FOR PEACE

On Monday January 18, 2021, the official Martin Luther King, Jr holiday saw Beyond The Bell participate in a call to service. The event was co-sponsored by Conyers City Councilmember Connie Alsobrook. As the agency does on each MLK holiday, a community service event was planned and executed. This year, youth participated in a “Race for Peace” event. The event took place at Spivey Park in Conyers, GA. Youth who participated lived in our region 3 catchment of Rockdale and DeKalb counties. The participants ran a relay race and stopped at a designated area and selected questions about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The questions were selected not only as a prize-winning element but also to teach and test the knowledge of our youth about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the sacrifices he made for a better America.

Several parents and community members volunteered as chaperones and served as organizers of the event such as timekeepers, asked the questions and helped serve the youth lunch.

After the race and questions and answers, youth gathered in the pavilion to further discuss the life and assassination of Dr. King while enjoying lunch and rest time. The 2021 King holiday was a success as the day was recognized as a day of service by Beyond The Bell.

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People gathered around a table with raffle tickets and flyers. opens IMAGE file
Eight people stand on a porch in winter clothes. opens IMAGE file
Six people in front of a Christmas tree. opens IMAGE file
A large group of people in Christmas clothes and accessories in front of a Christmas tree. opens IMAGE file
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CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY TO DEKALB AND ROCKDALE

Beyond The Bell, in collaboration with Conyers City Councilwoman Connie Alsobrook, sponsored a Festival of Trees and Evening of Christmas Caroling at the Augustus Lett Community Senior Center in Conyers, GA on December 12, 2020. The festivities included Christmas trees decorated by the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys and Girls Club, Phoenix Pass, The Conyers Police Department, Councilwoman Connie Alsobrook and Beyond The Bell. There was also a food and coat giveaway for the community. Olive Garden donated hot bowls of its delicious soup and famous breadsticks. The community was also able to enjoy the melodic voices of Christmas carolers and treats such as hot chocolate, apple cider, popcorn, and candy canes. Councilwoman Alsobrook and Executive Director Sandra Dean provided door prizes such as restaurant gift cards, gorgeously hand-crafted Christmas candied apples, and t- shirts.

Redeem Fellowship Christian International

Beyond The Bell is partnered with Redeem Fellowship Christian International in Savannah, GA.

A blue flyer with yellow and white writing saying STOP in for Spring Fun. More information coming soon in April.

STOP Spring Event

COME JOIN BEYOND THE BELL AND STOP IN FOR SPRING FUN – EVENT COMING SOON IN APRIL

Red and green text on a cream background. Conyers Caroling & Tree Celebration. Saturday, Dec 12 2020 join us for Christmas caroling, tree lighting, food, refreshments, and other holiday fun.

Holiday Celebration

On Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 4 PM, come join Beyond The Bell and City Councilwoman Connie Alsobrook in some holiday fun at the Augustus Lett Community Center. Bring your children and your holiday spirit for some Christmas caroling, tree lighting, holiday refreshments and other fun activities!

Please see the attached flyer and SHARE SHARE SHARE with your family and friends. Hope to see you all there!

Happy Holidays!

The Great American Smokeout

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke -free lives – not just for a day, but year round. The Great American Smokeout event challenges people to stop smoking and helps people learn about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit (American Cancer Society).

Red and white text on a black background. The Great American Smokeout. Make a plan now to participate. Plan on starting with one day and making it a lifetime decision!
Click here for the Tobacco Quitline
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Brown paper goodie bags that say "Eat. Be. Live. Well" opens IMAGE file
The Mayor addressing a group of seven children. opens IMAGE file
The mayor handing a goodie bag to a young kid. opens IMAGE file
A woman speaking to a group of teenagers outside. opens IMAGE file
A woman handing a goodie bag to a young boy. opens IMAGE file
A woman looking in a car window. The car is decorated with hand-drawn signs that say "Be happy" and "Be brave." opens IMAGE file
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City of Savannah Red Ribbon Week

Beyond The Bell in the City of Savannah celebrated an awesome Red Ribbon Week with Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. On 10/23 we hosted a “curbside” celebration at the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey where parents and staff signed pledges to support drug-free youth. We even had the Mayor join us to give out goodie bags. We closed out the celebration the following Friday at Godly Station and were able to hang out with in-person students. This collaboration also gave us an opportunity to send daily e-mail blasts to every parent within the school district, over 40,000 were sent!

The City of Savannah’s New Billboards

The City of Savannah has new billboards up with positive messages for our youth. The billboard is located on the corner of Abercorn and Eisenhower (31405) AND we have digital ones throughout the City of Savannah. Check them out and let us know if you saw our billboard. Also, take our intercept survey and let us know your thoughts!

Green and white text on a white and light green background. You have a bright future. Don't let alcohol and drugs dim your light. 9 out of 10 6th-12th grade students surveyed at Savannah Chatham County Public School System choose not to drink.

Upson County’s New Billboards

Upson County has two new billboards. Check them out on Hwy 36 and Mill Ave Thomaston AND US 19 North at Jeff Davis Road Thomaston, GA. Take our intercept survey and let us know your thoughts!

Black and white text on a red background. Think! Don't drink. Be like Upson. 93% of youth surveyed say no to alcohol, so should you. 12 African American children and teenagers wearing red shirts stand against a brick wall.
View of white pillars from on a bridge. Says "Edmud Pettus Bridge." opens IMAGE file
Group of children and teenagers in front of a river. opens IMAGE file
Stone arch bridge over a river. opens IMAGE file
A yellow stone arch bridge over a river. opens IMAGE file
Blue sign with white writing held up with brick pillars. Says "Welcome to historic Selma." opens IMAGE file
A poster of three men playing pool. Says "Freedom Challenge." opens IMAGE file
A group of children and adults standing outside with a bridge in the background. opens IMAGE file
Fading graffiti on a white brick wall. opens IMAGE file
Vaughan-Smitherman Museum. A three-story brick building with four white columns holding up two balconies and an overhanging roof in front. opens IMAGE file
A group of children in red shirts and one adult. opens IMAGE file
Dallas County Court House. A large white building with windows that stretch from the ground almost to the roof. opens IMAGE file
A bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on a stone stand engraved with his "I Have a Dream" speech. opens IMAGE file

Selma, Alabama

The amazing Youth of Beyond The Bell Upson County explored Selma, Alabama on October 17th through October 19th. They had the opportunity to learn about a monumental period in history when they walked the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

 

A Brief History

The Edmund Pettus Bridge, now a National Historic Landmark, was the site of the brutal Bloody Sunday beatings of civil rights marchers during the first march for voting rights. The televised attacks were seen all over the nation, prompting public support for the civil rights activists in Selma and for the voting rights campaign. After Bloody Sunday, protestors were granted the right to continue marching, and two more marches for voting rights followed.

To learn more, please visit https://civilrightstrail.com/destination/selma/ or https://www.selma-al.gov/.

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12 adults stand with a police officer. opens IMAGE file
Two police officers with a man in a green shirt. All three are wearing masks. opens IMAGE file
Two police officers speaking to a room of adults at tables. opens IMAGE file
A woman presenting to a room of adults at tables. opens IMAGE file
A woman presenting to a room of adults at tables. opens IMAGE file
Two women wearing masks in a banquet hall. opens IMAGE file
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Three adults discussing a hand-written poster. opens IMAGE file
Four adults holding a hand-written poster. opens IMAGE file
Five women holding a hand-written poster. opens IMAGE file
Hand-written SWOT Analysis poster. opens IMAGE file
Two adults drawing a poster. opens IMAGE file

Beyond The Bell’s Annual Coalition Retreat

Beyond The Bell coalition groups in all three communities have joined together to discuss Law Enforcement TODAY, Community Prevention Alliance Workgroups, the Importance of Data and Evaluation, Cultural Competency and Sustainability. We also conducted an agency wide SWOT analysis, which went very well and gave us a great amount of insight on our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as an organization. Amazing retreat with valuable information and fellowship!

STOP Act Billboard

Check out our new STOP Act billboard message located on Covington Highway and Memorial Drive in Decatur, Georgia.

Red and black text on a white and green background. Act fast to stop underage drinking. 9 out of 10 young people surveyed in DeKalb County choose not to drink alcohol.
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Four people standing and sitting around a table selling cups and tumblers. opens IMAGE file
Two woman sit at a table selling ties and t-shirts. opens IMAGE file
Two woman sit at a table with a red table cloth. They are selling cookies in plastic containers. opens IMAGE file
A man and a woman selling masks under a canopy. A sign hangs in the back with a blue butterfly and the text "Blue Butterfly by Carrie Marie." opens IMAGE file
Four people preparing cookout food under a canopy. opens IMAGE file

Last Days of Summer Community Event

Beyond The Bell celebrated the Last Days of Summer at the Augustus Lett Community Center on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Thank you to everyone that came out to enjoy some fun in the sun. Congratulations to our chili cook off winners!

Alcohol and Drugs Show No Love

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Posters on African hairstyles, slavery, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. opens IMAGE file
People in a parking lot with a basketball hoop and tables under canopies. opens IMAGE file
Three posters on the Underground Railroad, Thaddeus Stevens, and African hairstyles. opens IMAGE file

Juneteenth

Beyond The Bell partnered with Team 3 for a Juneteenth community event in Rockdale County. The event was amazing and the youth were able to broadcast their creativeness.

Representative Buddy Carter

Beyond The Bell was invited to meet Representative Buddy Carter in the City of Savannah. We train and encourage our youth to use their voices to express their concerns and solutions in the community. This was a wonderful opportunity to put that training into practice.

Have You Seen This Ad?

If you live in the City of Savannah and have seen this ad please take a moment to fill out a survey and let us know your thoughts.

A black and white five diverse young adults in front of a white brick wall. Black and green text. 92% of 6th-12th graders in Savannah-Chatham County choose not to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana.
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A group of children and teenagers stand with boxes of food. opens IMAGE file
Boxes of nonperishable food items. opens IMAGE file

Leadership Cabinet Food Drive – Upson County

Beyond The Bell’s Upson County Youth Leadership Cabinet kicked off the holiday season by holding a non-perishable food drive. Youth collected food items and provided boxes of food to five families in need. We are proud of our youth for their kindness and willingness to help others!

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People gathering in a field. opens IMAGE file
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Conyers police table under a canopy opens IMAGE file

Police Department – DeKalb/Rockdale County

Beyond The Bell in conjunction with the City of Conyers and the Conyers Police Department distribute substance abuse prevention information and have fun with the Huntington Creek Community.

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Two women dancing in red dresses. opens IMAGE file
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Police marching in school gym. opens IMAGE file

Town Hall – City of Savannah

Beyond The Bell in Savannah collaborated with our coalition and community partners to present “Ballers Don’t Take Shots They Make Goals,” a town hall to educate youth on the risks associated with underage alcohol and marijuana use and to empower youth with positive coping skills to resist! We had community key note speakers as well as special appearance from Larry “Gator” Rivers, former Harlem Globe Trotter Legend!

Three people in yellow shirts stand around a table with a red tablecloth. A woman in a white shirt sits at the table. opens IMAGE file
A girl poses with a sign saying "I made the pledge to be drug free! Red Ribbon Week 2019." opens IMAGE file
Two teenage girls pose with a sign saying "I made the pledge to be drug free! Red Ribbon Week 2019." opens IMAGE file
People standing around a table with a Beyond The Bell sign. opens IMAGE file

Communities Talk Festival – Upson County

Beyond The Bell hosted a Communities Talk Fall Festival at Saint Mary AME Church in Thomaston. At this event, youth participated in fun fall activities, games, and Red Ribbon Week Pledges. Then, youth, parents, and other community members came together for a panel discussion about youth alcohol and substance use. Panelist speakers included, Upson County Health Department,  Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services, Division of Child Support Services, and Pastors from our faith-based community.

beyond the bell logo

Beyond the Bell effectively provides prevention programs, interventions and/or resources when appropriate to reduce substance use in youth.

DeKalb County

1000 Iris Drive, Suite G1
Conyers, GA 30094

(404) 374-8624opens phone dialer

Upson County

310 N. Church Street, Suite B
Thomaston, GA 30286
(706) 938-1550opens phone dialer

Macon/Bibb County

3115 Vineville Ave
Macon, GA 31204
(478) 259-7566opens phone dialer

Beyond The Bell Elevator Speech

 

Beyond The Bell’s focus is on the health and safety of young people ages 9-20 and their parents.  Beyond The Bell provides LifeSkills training and other programs to ensure youth live happy and safe lives and use the tools we provide to enjoy activities that exclude alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs.   

We use evidence-based strategies to build skills and support the needs of young people and thus reduce barriers to their success.

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