Connecting Henry: The Hub Where Help Meets Hope

Game Changers
Oct 1
4 min read

Featuring Mrs. Barbara Coleman, Director of Connecting Henry Voices of the Village—where change starts with conversation

Written By Chilton Stewart

When Mrs. Barbara Coleman walks into a room, she brings clarity to the question on many minds in Henry County: Where do families turn when life turns upside down? For nearly 30 years, Connecting Henry has been one of those first calls—linking neighbors to real help, real fast. On Voices of the Village, Mrs. Coleman sat down with us to talk about the organization’s evolving mission, urgent needs in our community, and why collaboration—not competition—is their superpower.

“We are that go-to organization in Henry County, helping families stay housed and get back on their feet.” — Barbara Coleman

A Safety Net That Adapts

Many first learned about Connecting Henry through SWAG—Students Working to Achieve Greatness, a GED program for 16–24 year-olds that also placed youth in paid work experiences. That initiative ended in 2021 as pandemic-era funding faded, but the organization didn’t miss a beat.

Today, Connecting Henry focuses on keeping families stably housed—helping with rent, mortgage, and utilities when funding is available—and, when possible, rehousing families by covering security deposits and first month’s rent. They also run soft-skills job readiness workshops for adults: showing up on time, interviewing well, professional presentation—right down to the “small” things (like overpowering perfume) that can cost a candidate an opportunity.

“Let’s not just help you get the job—let’s help you keep the job.”

Health Frontlines: From Maternal Mortality to Low Birth Weight

Beyond housing, Connecting Henry is tackling urgent health realities:

Black maternal mortality: raising awareness and connecting families to resources.
Low Birth Weight Initiative: Henry County’s rates exceed state and regional averages, so the team is mobilizing support and education.
Community Health Events: From a recent health fair at Shiloh Baptist Church to the upcoming Ultimate Baby Shower (a resource fair for expecting and new moms), health equity is a throughline in their work.

Monthly Collaborative Meetings bring together nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, faith leaders, local government, and businesses to align efforts and avoid duplication. “Bigger is better when we work together,” Mrs. Coleman notes.

Collaboration Is the Culture

Ask who Connecting Henry partners with and you’ll hear a joyful problem: It’s a long list. Piedmont Hospital, DFCS, Henry County Schools, Young Dreamers International, numerous health organizations, churches, and more. The philosophy is simple: stop reinventing the wheel and start rolling in the same direction.

A recent partnership with Soles4Souls delivered 750 pairs of new, name-brand shoes to students and families—timely support in a county that ended last school year with nearly 2,000 students experiencing homelessness.

A New Address—and a Wider Welcome

Connecting Henry’s move to 162 Keys Ferry Street—next door to McDonough City Hall—has boosted walk-ins and visibility.

“We’re in the heart of McDonough now,” Mrs. Coleman says. “The city’s support helps us keep our doors open and aligned with a shared vision: a healthier McDonough.”

The organization also serves as Henry County’s Georgia Family Connection partner, linking arms with a statewide network (157 of Georgia’s 159 counties) committed to child and family well-being. A digital Resource Guide—think “mini Yellow Pages” for help—launches soon, searchable by topic and organization.

The Crisis We Can’t Ignore

The calls don’t stop—around 2,000 a month—and the stories are heavy. Families doubled and tripled up. Seniors squeezed by rents that have doubled and $500–$600 electric bills. Wages that haven’t kept pace. Section 8 lists closed. Housing authority at capacity.

“Homelessness isn’t just a man on a street corner. It’s entire families living in cars. It could be any of us after one life event.”

Connecting Henry must also vet both clients and would-be partners—scams are real, and the team protects donor dollars carefully (even weathering check-washing attempts). Support is offered when criteria and funding allow, including a requirement of six months’ Henry County residency.

Save the Date: The Bell Bottoms Ball — October 18

Connecting Henry’s signature fundraiser returns on October 18 at Eagles Landing Country Club—a 70s-themed night of networking, entertainment, and giving. Expect a red carpet (Game Changers on the step-and-repeat), great food, a DJ mixing today’s hits with a sprinkle of classics, and a Best Dressed contest.

A special highlight: acclaimed local artist Tamara Gammon will create a live painting inspired by the room—then auction it on the spot.

Sponsorships are available, and every ticket helps keep families stably housed and connected to care.

“Proceeds go straight to keeping programs running—staffing, rehousing, hotel stays in emergencies, even beds and cleaning supplies for families starting over.”

How You Can Help—Right Now

Donate funds or items: toiletries, socks, baby needs, household essentials all make a difference.
Volunteer: lend skills at events or help connect neighbors to resources.
Join the Board: up to 15 members, with a priority on diversity (including Spanish-speaking and Asian community voices) to reflect the county they serve.
Shop for Good: purchase $25 signature candles created with Hampton’s Maker on Main—Connected to Home, Peaceful Moments, and Coming Out Kicking—with proceeds supporting operations.

Connect with Connecting Henry

Address: 162 Keys Ferry Street, McDonough (two-story brick building right of City Hall, between City Hall and Hardee’s; use Street, not Road)Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMWeb: connectinghenry.org (donation links via PayPal; event info & sponsorships)Cash App: $ConnectHenryFacebook: Connecting Henry (puzzle-piece logo)

Item Drop-Offs & Mail: Accepted at the Keys Ferry Street location. Checks payable to Connecting Henry.

In a fast-growing county facing fast-growing needs, Connecting Henry is proof that compassion plus coordination changes lives. As Mrs. Coleman reminds us, the distance between stability and crisis can be one event—and the bridge is all of us.

See you on October 18—afros, platforms, and all.

Barbara Coleman of Connecting Henry Appears on Voices of The Village Podcast