ConnectHER Conference Slated for Nov. 16

Women throughout the area will gather at the Vidalia Community Center on November 16 to enjoy the ConnectHER Women’s Gathering sponsored by the Greater Vidalia Chamber.

The event will feature a chance to shop with local businesses through a bazaar booth set-up, music from the Wardlaw Brothers, drawings and prizes, a gourmet plated dinner, and a message from guest speaker, the Reverend Sande Bailey-Gwinn. Bailey-Gwinn is a Georgia native — born and raised in Jefferson— most known for her work through the nonprofit organization she started with her sister, Foundations for Living. Through her work in this organization, Bailey-Gwinn seeks to “[provide] transformation to students, families and communities through inspiration and education.” The organization accomplishes this by consulting the public, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, private sectors, and school systems on human empowerment and professional enrichment with a Biblical twist added to its curriculum.

This program has been widely successful, as it has been received by Brand Bank, Gwinnett County Community-Based Mentoring, Gwinnett County Recreation Department, Winder Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, AIDS Athens, Positive Living (Fort Walton Beach, Florida), Fulton County Health Department, Jackson County Correctional Institute, The University of Georgia TRIO Program, and several others.

Bailey-Gwinn bases her instruction on a singular motto: “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”

Several degrees, certifications, and experiences arm Bailey-Gwinn with unique perspectives in the many areas she covers. She received an associate degree in criminal justice from Lanier Technical College, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Theology from North Carolina Theological Seminary. She also earned a certification in behavioral health for mental health first aid and she has experience in several seminars, classroom interactions, and one-on-one coaching settings.

To hear Bailey-Gwinn speak and to take part in the other events ConnectHER has to offer, call the Greater Vidalia Chamber at 912-537-4466, or register by email: amber0@ greatervidaliachamber. com. Tickets are $45 each, and the event will last from 4-7 p.m.