First, neither LAMP nor the Greater Valdosta United Way is responsible for Fresh Start.  The Fresh Start program is a joint venture between the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta (UWMA).  All policies, guides, and provisions are set and mandated by DHS and UWMA.  Second, LAMP is not an approving authority and therefore will not determine eligibility or deny anyone service.  The role of LAMP and the Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) is voluntary and is purely to facilitate application submission.

The process occurs as follows:

1.      Client obtains application from LAMP, GVUW, www.lampinc.org, or www.unitedwayvaldosta.org.  If collected in person, the client will be queried for basic compliance prior to receiving the application.  Basic compliance includes points such as: US citizen, resident of Georgia, and the presence of a dependent, juvenile child in the household.  Clients not meeting these basic guidelines will not be provided an application.

2.      Client departs from the LAMP campus or the Greater Valdosta United Way and completes all application requirements by obtaining all necessary documentation, vital records, lease agreements, delinquency letters, etc.  A checklist is attached to the application.

3.      Client returns to LAMP for a pre-screening.  Volunteers and staff members pre-screen applicants with a presumed completed package on a first-come, first-served basis.  Applicants without the requisite documentation will not be scheduled and will be asked to return when the package is complete.

4.      After completing the pre-screening, the client will be given an appointment for application submission.  At this appointment, the application package is submitted digitally via email to UWMA and all pertinent demographic data is submitted via a secure database management tool.  In efforts to see as many clients as possible, strict time constraints surrounding the appointments will be imposed, therefore it is imperative that pre-screening occur prior to application submission to ensure the success of the request.

5.      The UWMA determines eligibility, assistance amounts, and time of delivery.  Neither LAMP nor GVUW has any role in approving applications or determining eligibility.  Our role is strictly assistive in nature and without authority.

6.      At no time, will LAMP or the GVUW be able to comment on the status of any application.  The applicant will be notified directly by UWMA.

Finally, LAMP and the GVUW are excited about the opportunity to provide this service to the Lowndes County community.  It is with humbleness and deference that we commit ourselves to service.