THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
hands on hunger 2021 |apply now
Are you an Atlanta Community Food Bank partner agency looking to get time back to focus on running your agency, create more 1:1 time for those you serve and connect to a community of other agencies?
Are you an Atlanta Community Food Bank partner agency looking to get time back to focus on running your agency, create more 1:1 time for those you serve and connect to a community of other agencies?
We know that volunteers are the backbone of your organization and as the local volunteer management experts we want to help your volunteer program grow so you can get more food to people who need it! Through our partnership with Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hands On Atlanta partners with 20 nonprofit partners each year to support volunteer engagement.
What You’ll Get
Technology
Free access to our volunteer management software
Access to software for onsite volunteer check-in
automated emails to volunteers prior to projects
Promoted
Projects promoted on social media as needed
Features in our hot project list in occasional newsletters
Access to a food pantry volunteer recruitment marketing toolkit
Training
Customized Training on Volunteer Management & Software
1:1 Consultation from volunteer management experts
Quarterly Workshops
Annual networking calls with other pantries
Measurements
Data Tracking on volunteers
Customized Reports
What You’ll Do
This is a 10 month partnership to support your organization with volunteer recruitment, engagement, management, and retention. We are looking for organizations who are able to commit to the following criteria:
Communication:
Be accessible via phone and email- respond within 5 business days
Provide two (2) primary contacts who are easily accessible to HOA and volunteers
Update Hands On Atlanta staff on any organizational, contact, and staff changes
Volunteer Management:
Abide by HOA nondiscrimination policy
Never ask volunteers to fundraise
Keep to project that’s listed on the website
Training and Hands On Connect:
Attend two two hour virtual trainings
Complete and organizational profile and submit a project within one week of trainings
Use the HOA volunteer management software at least once per month
Submit volunteer opportunities at least two (2) weeks in advance of project date
Report attendance and submit attendance sheets within 5 business days of volunteer event
START YOUR APPLICATION:
If this sounds like a good fit for you, please fill complete this readiness assessment by July 15, 2021.
Learn more:
To learn more about this partnership, please join one of our upcoming interest sessions:
Andrew Botchwey changes batteries and lives
Spending most of the early portion of the pandemic playing video games and tinkering with electronics, Andrew was looking for a way to get out of the house and do something good. He started volunteering with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) about a year ago, spending 2-3 hours a week cleaning and repairing wheelchairs, replacing batteries and testing them before they moved down to the thrift store showroom for sale.
Spending most of the early portion of the pandemic playing video games and tinkering with electronics, Andrew was looking for a way to get out of the house and do something good. He started volunteering with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) about a year ago, spending 2-3 hours a week cleaning and repairing wheelchairs, replacing batteries and testing them before they moved down to the thrift store showroom for sale.
Andrew has made such a big impact in a short amount of time, that he’s developed great relationships with the staff and has even been featured in their newsletter.
Learn more about Andrew’s volunteer experience and why he serves.
Inspired by Andrew’s story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Andrew’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.
Andrew Botchwey changes batteries and lives
Spending most of the early portion of the pandemic playing video games and tinkering with electronics, Andrew was looking for a way to get out of the house and do something good. He started volunteering with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) about a year ago, spending 2-3 hours a week cleaning and repairing wheelchairs, replacing batteries and testing them before they moved down to the thrift store showroom for sale.
Spending most of the early portion of the pandemic playing video games and tinkering with electronics, Andrew was looking for a way to get out of the house and do something good. He started volunteering with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) about a year ago, spending 2-3 hours a week cleaning and repairing wheelchairs, replacing batteries and testing them before they moved down to the thrift store showroom for sale.
Andrew has made such a big impact in a short amount of time, that he’s developed great relationships with the staff and has even been featured in their newsletter.
Learn more about Andrew’s volunteer experience and why he serves.
Inspired by Andrew’s story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Andrew’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.
Cece Webster GIVEs HER ALL TO THE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER
Cece Webster and her husband have been volunteering at the Community Assistance Center (CAC) for over 10 years. A retiree from the Coca-Cola Company with great business experiences, skills and financial well-being to give back, Cece has dedicated her time, talent and treasure to supporting this organization who optimizes her values, are good stewards of their resources, have effective/efficient processes and is future thinking and goal oriented.
Cece Webster and her husband have been volunteering at the Community Assistance Center (CAC) for over 10 years. A retiree from the Coca-Cola Company with great business experiences, skills and financial well-being to give back, Cece has dedicated her time, talent and treasure to supporting this organization who optimizes her values, are good stewards of their resources, have effective/efficient processes and is future thinking and goal oriented.
Cece spent a few minutes sharing about the things she’s passionate about, CAC, and why you should get engage and volunteer!
Tell us a little about what you’re passionate about and the problem you’re trying to solve through volunteering with Community Assistance Center?
I’m passionate about people. There are always people in our community who need help providing the basics for themselves and their families, who need a helping hand to build a sustainable living and future for their families.
While it might seem like a cliché - I honestly believe I get more out of working with our clients than I could ever give them. I loved my career at The Coca-Cola Company, I got a lot of satisfaction from people I got to work with, learned so much, but these 10+ years being part of CAC is the icing on the cake, the reward of being able to share the many blessings in my life with others is beyond measure!
Can you share a moment or story that defines why you give back?
Very early in the pandemic I responded to a call from a single mom of three, who had just relocated to Atlanta for a job as a graphics designer for an event organizer. On the way, her car broke down and she'd had to use most of her cash to rent a car to get her family to Atlanta. COVID literally shut down the events industry nationwide and she was stuck in an Extended Stay America hotel - no car, no job. On top of that, she is deaf!
Through CAC, we were able to help pay room fees for a period of time, connect her with other agencies who also helped, connected her to Lyft/Uber free ride programs and set her up with weekly food deliveries by volunteers from our food pantry. She has gradually built up her on-line graphics business and as of mid-summer was able to move into an apartment in time to enroll all her children in school. She and her kids went from being homeless and hopeless to asking how she can volunteer at CAC, so thankful for a little help during a hard time.
Ok, you’ve sold us on the impact CAC makes for the community. How can people get involved?
Anyone age 15 or older can join me and volunteer at CAC to help our neighbors in their time of need, in April and all year long! There are volunteer opportunities in the food pantry, thrift shop, donation center, and we even have remote volunteer opportunities for those who prefer to stay home.
I challenge and encourage everyone to find a way that works for them to give back to their community in whatever way that works for you, at whatever season of life you are in! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!
Inspired by Cece’s story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Cece’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.
Solomon Seaborn Steps up to Fight Food Insecurity and Improve Education
Hands On Atlanta Civic Leader, Solomon Seaborn is passionate about addressing food insecurity and education inequity here in Atlanta. He’s dedicated time to support several nonprofits and has been a model volunteer leader and ambassador for the essential work being done throughout the pandemic.
Hands On Atlanta Civic Leader, Solomon Seaborn is passionate about addressing food insecurity and education inequity here in Atlanta. He’s dedicated time to support several nonprofits and has been a model volunteer leader and ambassador for the essential work being done throughout the pandemic.
We recently caught up with Solomon to learn more about where he sees the biggest needs in our community how why it’s so important for people to engage in the work.
Tell us a little about the nonprofit(s) you volunteer with and the impact areas you see the most need in addressing.
I’m passionate about nutrition insecurities and education equality. These issues deprive our youth from an equal start to building a productive life. Neglecting these two issues, will continue to support unfair and systemically flawed institutions.
I volunteer with the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) because they address both the issues I can most about. They provide a place where people can learn more about our environment and urban greenspaces on the Westside, and they provide education on Atlanta history and urban gardening.
“Every time a group of volunteers get in the thick of handing out food, I look up and see cars and people in line, warped around the building. It’s hurtful to see, but it’s inspiring to see others running, lifting and smiling to help our fellow man/woman.”
Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?
COVID has increased my participation in meal distributions. It hurts my heart to see droves of people in line for a week of food. As first world country, we have to do better. While the pandemic might be coming to an end, it's effect on many things are just beginning. I'm most worried about it's effect on education mostly and I encourage everyone to go to an underserved school and see where you can help.
“Solomon is the epitome of a Civic Leader. Every time I ask for his help whether it’s in the middle of the work week (he has a full time job by the way) at an outdoor project that requires a lot of heavy lifting and getting his clothes dirty to leading corporate volunteers in a meal pack, Solomon jumps in and gets the job done! He’s kind, thoughtful and fun person to be around. We are so grateful to have him in the HOA family!”
When will you be volunteering next?
Every second Saturday at Outdoor Activity Center or the many location providing food to different neighborhoods around the city.
Inspired by Solomon’s story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Solomon’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.
Taking Care of Trees with Tom Deal
Tom Deal has been volunteering with the Grant Park Conservancy for over 5 years. A self described “tree nerd,” Tom’s knowledge of trees and plants has been invaluable to the conservancy as they tackle the removal of years of invasive plant growth, and replant trees to replace ones they’ve lost.
Tom Deal has been volunteering with the Grant Park Conservancy for over 5 years. A self described “tree nerd,” Tom’s knowledge of trees and plants has been invaluable to the conservancy as they tackle the removal of years of invasive plant growth, and replant trees to replace ones they’ve lost.
Tom regularly hosts volunteer groups of up to 50 people and has singlehandedly tagged and entered tree data for almost the entire park’s tree canopy (over 90+ acres).
It was great to spend some time with Tom in the wild, at the park to see him in action and to learn about value volunteering brings to his life.
Inspired by TOM’s story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Tom’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.
Mentoring entrepreneurs with Roxann S. Smithers, Esq.
Roxann S. Smithers, Esq. is a founding Attorney at Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC. When she’s not practicing law, she supporting and mentoring entrepreneurs through Emory’s Start:ME Accelerator. From helping with their business plans, financials and projects to connecting these small business owners to other resources and opportunities, Roxann enjoys watching entrepreneurs grow and find success.
Roxann S. Smithers, Esq. is a founding Attorney at Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC. When she’s not practicing law, she supporting and mentoring entrepreneurs through Emory’s Start:ME Accelerator. From helping with their business plans, financials and projects to connecting these small business owners to other resources and opportunities, Roxann enjoys watching entrepreneurs grow and find success.
We spent a few minutes with Roxann to get a better understanding of why she volunteers her time with the Start:ME Accelerator.
Nonprofit Organization(s) You Volunteer With
Emory Start:ME Accelerator
What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?
Educating entrepreneurs and small business owners to develop a strong legal foundation for their ventures.
What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?
Start:ME does an amazing job developing and equipping business owners in underserved populations to raise commerce and economic development from the ground up.
Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.
You can join me as a mentor or support these small business owners through the Start:ME businesses shop.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?
The program organizers deftly switched to virtual sessions when lockdown started during the middle of last year's program. They upped the quality of the virtual experience with this year's program.
Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?
The best moment is to see an entrepreneur go from not knowing their numbers or not being comfortable pitching their business to having a fully fleshed out business plan, with detailed financials, and a confident pitch story.
Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!
Please be sure to visit out Legal Education page and YouTube channel at https://stulawgroup.com/legal-education/. We post engaging and informative articles, videos, and webinar invites with valuable information for the business owners.
Inspired by Roxann’s story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Roxann’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.
Silas Howerton Rallies students to Fights Food Insecurity
Many may assume that college is solely a time for attending classes, making memories with friends, and finding a job after graduation. But for Silas Howerton, a sophomore at Georgia Tech, that’s far from the case. Silas, a pre-health studies major on the pre-med track, is a point of light for many organizations and budding service leader in Atlanta.
Many may assume that college is solely a time for attending classes, making memories with friends, and finding a job after graduation. But for Silas Howerton, a sophomore at Georgia Tech, that’s far from the case. Silas, a pre-health studies major on the pre-med track, is a point of light for many organizations and budding service leader in Atlanta.
Silas is an avid and consistent volunteer with Grady Fresh Food Cart, a local Grady Clinic program that partners with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Common Market to distribute food to Grady patients. In his time serving with the Grady Fresh Food Cart, Silas has helped to distribute over 100,000 pounds of healthy food to the Atlanta community. In a time where many are struggling to provide basic food and nutrition for their families, Silas is committed to helping to eradicate food insecurity in the metro Atlanta area.
Additionally, SIlas works as an Associate Director of Campus Ambassadors for the HEAL Clinical Education Network, where he manages over 100 ambassadors around the nation to prepare and educate students about open-access clinical education. His influence has expanded to both Georgia State University and Emory University, recruiting almost 500 students to join into the critical work of empowering nutrition education and gaining experience in clinical education.
To date, Silas and his team has helped over 20,000 students to explore higher-level clinical education. Silas’ deep passion for serving folks is seen in his selfless and dedicated service to expand learning and students.
Inspired by Silas’ story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Silas’, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.