THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK TO BRING UNITY AND IMPACT TO METRO ATLANTA
Hands On Atlanta Week presented by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will engage 5,000 people to support 50 nonprofits and schools with more than 200 unique and meaningful volunteer projects and events from Oct. 2-9, 2021. Participants can expect traditional in-person volunteer projects, engaging virtual projects and more during metro Atlanta’s largest week of service.
Metro Atlanta’s largest week of service will share over 200 volunteer projects and social good events from Oct. 2-9, 2021
Hands On Atlanta Week, presented by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, will engage 5,000 people to support 50 nonprofits and schools with more than 200 unique and meaningful volunteer projects and events from Oct. 2-9, 2021. Participants can expect traditional in-person volunteer projects, engaging virtual projects and more during metro Atlanta’s largest week of service.
Hands On Atlanta Week will focus on the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. With a series of safe, small group in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities, the top priorities will focus on fighting food insecurity and education. In addition, with more than a third of Americans experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout the pandemic, Hands On Atlanta will also focus on the benefits of volunteering as a proven way individuals can regain their feeling of self-worth, purpose and to find human and social connection.
“2021 has been another challenging year for everyone in Atlanta, but the overwhelming feedback from our volunteers has been how helping others has renewed their sense of purpose and connection to their community. Our hope is that Hands On Atlanta Week will give anyone and everyone a way to discover new, safe, and unifying ways to do something good,” said Jay Cranman, Hands On Atlanta President and CEO.
Hands On Atlanta Week will kick-off with 48in48’s global hack-a-thon for good, where skills based volunteers will build 48 websites for 48 nonprofits in 48 hours. Other marquee projects include a Learning in Color STEM mural for M. Agnes Jones Elementary School by volunteers from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a meal pack for students and families at Love T. Nolan Elementary School by volunteers from Coca-Cola USA, and a technology boost and beautification at Hollis Academy by volunteers from NCR.
“Hands on Atlanta has a long history of addressing the city’s most urgent needs, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is pleased to support their efforts to provide Atlantans with safe, meaningful opportunities to volunteer in our community. Many of our own associates will be volunteering, and we’re looking forward to gathering together and giving back,” said Fay Twersky, president, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
Hands On Atlanta Week will take place from Saturday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. To get your company or organization involved, or to serve with your family and friends, visit www.handsonatlanta.org/week
Georgia Serves Announces $4.5 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Georgia
In a recent press release, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Serves) announced that Georgia received $4,531,101 in AmeriCorps funding from AmeriCorps, a federal agency. Hands On Atlanta was awarded $1,062,668 to deploy and manage 60 AmeriCorps Members with our partner schools.
In a recent press release, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Serves) announced that Georgia received $4,531,101 in AmeriCorps funding from AmeriCorps, a federal agency. The grants will put 565 AmeriCorps Members on the ground to serve with 21 organizations across the state. AmeriCorps Members will tackle some of the toughest problems in Georgia including education, economic opportunities, healthy futures, homelessness, people living with disabilities, financial literacy, and environmental issues.
Hands On Atlanta was awarded $1,062,668 to deploy and manage 60 AmeriCorps Members with our partner schools.
“We are thrilled and honored to be an AmeriCorps grant recipient for the state of Georgia, realizing the impact we can have for students, families, and communities across metro Atlanta. Our members currently provide academic, social-emotional, and holistic support for K-8 students, and we would not be able to serve in that manner without funding from AmeriCorps and the dedication of community members,” said Dr. Chanika Perry, Director of Education Programs at Hands On Atlanta.
In addition, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will provide close to $3 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps Members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, full-time AmeriCorps Members may receive an award of approximately $6,345 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans.
The following organizations were awarded grants for 2021-2022 to implement AmeriCorps programs in Georgia.
Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps $1,062,668
AmeriCorps Covenant House Georgia $162,700
AmeriCorps Georgia Relay Teaching Residency $64,000
Breakthrough Collaborative AmeriCorps Program $180,494
Central Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America $137,733
Clayton State University AmeriCorps Program $97,878
Communities in Schools of Georgia – AmeriCorps Reading Tutorial Program $191,995
Extra Special People AmeriCorps Program $239,030
Georgia State University Research Foundation T.E.E.M.S. AmeriCorps $198,896
Girls Scouts of Historic Georgia-AmeriCorps Planning Grant $40,178
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers AmeriCorps Program $119,658
Greater Valdosta United Way AmeriCorps Planning Grant $63,377
Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter Planning Grant $26,422
Jekyll Island State Park Authority dba Georgia Sea Turtle Center AmeriCorps $358,433
New American Pathways – AmeriCorps Project RISE $274,830
One World Link AmeriCorps Project $259,940
Teach For America – Metro Atlanta $140,000
The Christian City AmeriCorps Planning Grant $75,000
The Scholarship Academy, Inc. – AmeriCorps Financial Aid Awareness Program $178,596
The University of Georgia – Georgia 4-H AmeriCorps Project $423,800
Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus AmeriCorps Program $235,473
Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through 21,000+ schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. These citizens have played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by disasters and helped thousands of first-generation college students access higher education. They also tutor and mentor young people, connect veterans to jobs, care for seniors, reduce crime and revive cities, fight the opioid epidemic, and meet other critical needs.
Hands On Atlanta is still actively recruiting AmeriCorps members as math and ELA tutors as well as social-emotional learning coaches for this school year. Join this incredible team, take advantage of all the benefits of serving and make this your chance to do something good!
Kids get healthy with C.H.O.I.C.E.S.
C.H.O.I.C.E.S (Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully) is a nonprofit resource center for children (and their parents) who are clinically diagnosed and/or at-risk children of obesity. Over the last 19 years, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. has delivered their message of health to more than 100,000 children and adults through cooking classes, workshops, summer camps, health expos and mobile food pantries.
C.H.O.I.C.E.S (Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully) is a nonprofit resource center for children (and their parents) who are clinically diagnosed and/or at-risk children of obesity. Over the last 19 years, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. has delivered their message of health to more than 100,000 children and adults through cooking classes, workshops, summer camps, health expos and mobile food pantries.
We recently caught up with C.H.O.I.C.E.S. to learn about their commitment to fighting childhood obesity and serving low-income families and families that live in food deserts in Atlanta.
What is the problem you are solving? Why do you feel like your service is important?
With our mobile food panties, including our “Food Box Thursdays,” we are doing our part to assist with the hunger crisis within the Atlanta community. We focus on distributing healthy food options to families and seniors that include fresh produce and groceries.
During the height of COVID in 2020, we were able to help over 16,000 people within the Atlanta community by providing food baskets to all families.
How has the pandemic affected your nonprofit? Have your services changed?
Because of the pandemic, we have had to close our Community Teaching Kitchen located in downtown Atlanta where we offer free healthy cooking classes for low-income families with children at risk for obesity. We had to pivot to a virtual platform for all our cooking programs while the kitchen is closed.
How has your partnership with Hands On Atlanta contributed to the success of your organization?
Our partnership with Hands On Atlanta has helped expand the outreach territory of our organization. The exposure to more families and volunteers has been extremely valuable.
Do you have any upcoming projects that potential volunteers can sign up for?
Currently, we are looking for volunteer chefs and children’s book authors for our snack & story timeseries.
How and where can people donate supplies?
Email: info@choicesforkids.org or call us at 678-819-3663 to find out what supplies we are in need of.
A life of service with Rev. Marvin Simmers
Rev. Simmers has served the Hillside Presbyterian Church community for more than 50 years, and at 87 years young, he still coordinates a community food pantry serving thousands around metro-Atlanta.
Rev. Simmers has served the Hillside Presbyterian Church community for more than 50 years, and at 87 years young, he still coordinates a community food pantry serving thousands around metro-Atlanta.
The Pantry at Hillside Presbyterian Church has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its service area--from 30032 to anyone who presents need, and Rev. Simmers has single handedly, used his small pick-up truck to make regular pick-ups of food from the Atlanta Community Food Bank and area businesses who donated food items.
He's witnessed the demographic transitions in the community and continued to focus on his mission--sharing the dignity in humanity no matter the current circumstances.
We spent a morning with Rev. Simmers to learn more about his commitment to the community and why he volunteers.
Inspired by Rev. Simmers’ story?
Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Rev. Simmers’, 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.
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.