Meet Jeff Cantin: Nonprofit Legacy Awardee

We’re thrilled to introduce you all to Jeff Cantin. Jeff is a Major at the Atlanta Police Department, as well as a dedicated volunteer, and member of our Civic Leadership Program. After graduating from high school, he started working in public service, doing various events. This summer will make 30 years of his commitment to public service! This year we were honored to celebrate Jeff with our Nonprofit Legacy Award for making a huge impact with our partners.

Read more about Jeff, and his impact in Atlanta below!

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

Police Athletic League and Hands on Atlanta

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Atlanta has many pressing needs, from homeless to working with youths and seniors. It's hard to focus on just one.

“Hands-on Atlanta gives you many different organizations to work with on various issues. I like trying different organizations and groups.”

— Jeff Cantin

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Seeing the impact or the results of your work is empowering. I still drive by the Habitat for Humanity houses that I helped to build for a family.

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

Communicating with different groups with different views but wanting to work towards the same goal.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

Returning to the Habitat for Humanity building, it was motivating to meet the family and work side by side with them as they moved into the house. The family's appreciation is motivating, especially after learning about their struggle to get to this point.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.

The Atlanta metro area offers everything from walking the Beltline to climbing Stone Mountain. I love the outdoor activities in the area.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

Try different activities until you find something you like. Hands-on Atlanta does give you a wide range of activities to try.

Volunteering in May? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

Now is the time to learn about gardening and working in community greenspaces. The Wylde Center has many openings across the metro.

Nastassja Cockrell: Following her purpose through giving back

Meet Nastassja Cockrell, a fellow in our Civic Leadership Program whose passion has always been protecting the most vulnerable populations. She actively volunteers with Grl Give, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. In addition to volunteering she serves as the Vice President of the Sugarloaf Chapter of Grls ATL.

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

I care the most about food insecurity. I have been a social worker for almost 20 years. Children not having enough food is something that we can easily tackle. It is really hard to focus on school or any other task if you are hungry. Food insecurity is something we can and must solve for our children and communities.

“I’m committed to doing this work and together we can continue doing good!!! If I can be of assistance of help out please let me know! Separate we can do somethings but together we can do ALL things!!”

— Nastassja Cockrell

What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

I love volunteering with Grls Give. It’s the outreach component of my social club Grls ATL. We love getting together and serving the people. I volunteer with them because we share the same passion and heart to help others.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has truly given my life purpose. I live by the motto blessed to be a blessing. If God has helped me then it’s my duty to bless someone else.

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

I have learned project management skills and also communication skills.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

This year at Parklane, I organized a spaghetti lunch. The kids were so grateful and there was no leftovers. The next week one of the kids asked if I could bring some fried chicken. I thought it was so funny.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.

I absolutely love Atlanta. There is no place like Atlanta. I love the festivals, the culture, and the food. My favorite thing to do is go to brunch. There is nothing like a good brunch.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

My advice would be to be consistent and start where you can. Most people think that they don’t have enough time to volunteer but even just once a month can be impactful.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

I’ll be at Parklane and also Atlanta Unbound Academy on April 27 for their Stomp the Yard event. Definitely go to GrlsGive.org to check is out and our April/May events.