Kat Reynolds: Champion of Collaboration and Volunteerism

Kat Reynolds is a champion for solving local issues in her community and beyond by leveraging unique collaborations between corporations and nonprofits. She has devoted her work to uplifting children’s educations and future careers, providing resources to those suffering from food insecurity and general hardship, gathering funds and supplies to donate to communities experiencing natural disasters, tending to environmental and sustainability efforts, and empowering women in their careers, under harsh conditions or battling unforeseen circumstances.

Her passion for volunteerism shines through in her work with various organizations, including the Junior League of Atlanta, Corporate Volunteer Council, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Girl Scouts of Greater ATL, and Trees Atlanta. As Reynolds explains, "There is an opportunity for every person to give something of themselves - I hope (if you haven't already) that you find your light bulb moment!"

Teaming up with these groups, she turns community sponsorships into meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. Reynolds says, "With Trees Atlanta, I can see my impact, and get a great workout at the same time! With Junior League, I have access to inspiring professional mentors and can learn about many nonprofits in the Atlanta community."

“Getting in the weeds, getting your hands dirty, being a servant leader is the BEST way to learn what your city/community needs to enhance your neighbors’ lives...” ”

— Kat Reynolds

Through thought leadership around skill-based volunteerism, Reynolds enabled Veritiv to work with the Girl Scouts to design the Cookie Rally box design to help launch their latest cookie, thinking "outside the box" to spearhead nonprofit capacity building.

Reynolds' dedication to social impact and community engagement is not new. Before her role at Veritiv, she served as Mercedes-Benz USA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. She implemented the Give Back employee program and doubled the company’s volunteer time through hours given, Matching Gifts donated, and Executive Management skills-based community engagement. One of her notable projects was the Girls Have No Limits campaign, which intended to break down gender stereotypes through female mentorship. Her efforts earned Atlanta Public Schools 2021 Corporate Partner of the Year for Mercedes-Benz.

When asked about the impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta that she cares about most, Reynolds shares, "Access to healthcare for women. Women need to not only have affordable access to healthcare, but the flexibility from workplaces to access appointments, and then also respect and empathy from the healthcare system for our unique needs."

“Atlanta didn’t birth me, but it raised me... I love the diversity of people, food, entertainment, neighborhoods, music, and advocacy work. Atlanta truly does influence everything.””

— Kat Reynolds

For Reynolds, volunteering has impacted her personal and professional life in profound ways. "I have built friendships and relationships I otherwise never would have started," she says. "Getting in the weeds, getting your hands dirty, being a servant leader is the BEST way to learn what your city/community needs to enhance your neighbors' lives. Professionally, I have mentors from interns to Csuite that I can call upon for advice, share kudos, and bounce ideas off of. It's a tremendous gift to serve with like-minded people and have them on your 'Personal Board' as a result."

Reynolds' advice for those interested in getting involved with volunteering is simple: "First, think of a topic you are passionate about. Research your local volunteer organizations that support that issue. Attend a volunteer fair or "speed dating" for volunteers. Volunteer on a one-time basis and see what comes of it. Finally, don't forget to thank those who supported you along the way!"

In the end, Reynolds' love for Atlanta shines through. "Atlanta didn't birth me, but it raised me," she says. "I love the diversity of people, food, entertainment, neighborhoods, music, and advocacy work. Atlanta truly does influence everything. I want to be a part of it!"

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Feeling inspired by Kat's amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Andre Person on the Powers of Volunteering

When it comes to giving back to the community, Atlanta resident Andre Person, is a leader and an inspiration. Andre is a member of the 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program and the president of Georgia Power’s local volunteer organization, Citizens of Georgia Power. He likes focusing on issues that are close to his heart, such as food insecurity and beautification projects. In this Volunteer Spotlight, he shares his thoughts on volunteering, leadership, and the joy of making a difference.

"I care deeply about food insecurity," Andre says. "I want to be sure our youth and their families are able to eat. Having a full stomach impacts many areas of life. Motivation in school, energy to be outside, helps battle disease among other things." He is also passionate about beautification projects, as he believes they inspire people to improve their surroundings in small ways and create a sense of community pride.

One of the organizations that Andre volunteers with, Citizens of Metro East, holds a special place in his heart. "This organization has allowed me to serve my community in so many different ways," he says. "We have impacted so many lives and has brought our group so much joy."

“Impacting people’s lives has helped me grow and taught me the importance of valuing the people around me and showing them how helping others can fill you in ways you could not imagine.””

— Andre Person

Through his volunteer work, Andre has experienced personal and professional growth. "It has truly brought fulfillment to my life," he shares. "Impacting people’s lives has helped me grow and taught me the importance of valuing the people around me and showing them how helping others can fill you in ways you could not imagine." He has honed his leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, which have been invaluable in both his personal and professional life.

One of the most rewarding experiences for Andre is working with the K-5 students through the Hands On Atlanta Discovery program. "As most kids are not happy to be at school learning on a Saturday, the best feeling in the world is when they leave with a huge smile and showing off all their projects. When they give me a hug or a high five, it makes me feel great."

When asked what advice he would give to someone who wants to volunteer, Andre says, "Think about what you love to do and you will find a way to volunteer in that area. If you love cooking, go to a soup kitchen. Love art, put on a free art class. Love gardening, start a free community garden. And just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. It will take time for your vision to grow. Just keep building!"

“If you love cooking, go to a soup kitchen. Love art, put on a free art class. Love gardening, start a free community garden. And just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. It will take time for your vision to grow. Just keep building!””

— Andre Person

As for his favorite things about Atlanta, Andre loves the city's vibrant culture and diversity. "One of my favorite places is Ponce City Market, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Krog St. Market, Little 5, and so many other places," he shares.

If you're interested in volunteering with Andre, he'll be working with Trees Atlanta planting trees along the Beltline and with Friends of Refugees in Clarkston, GA, at their hospitality house. And his parting words of wisdom for anyone who wants to make a difference? "Always remember to impact someone’s life every day. Your kindness and generosity will change a life and may motivate them to change another life."

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Feeling inspired by Andre's amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like him continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Pajamas, Books, and Sleep Equity: Volunteers Creating Healthy Habits with Pajama Program

Standing in the Pajama Program space feels like being at sleepover at a Barnes and Noble – a true haven for a child’s imagination. Here, program staff and volunteers help children and families establish their nighttime routines, including bedtime stories; the (proven) theory being that how a child performs in the classroom is actually determined the night before, in how well they sleep.

Hands On Atlanta too has a special focus on ensuring all students get the most out of their education, and is proud to partner with Pajama Program in this work. A conversation with Douna Hunter, Director of Programs at Pajama Program, reveals how their organization is improving educational outcomes for kids in Atlanta, and how you can help them as a volunteer.

TL;DR – Sign up here to volunteer as a reader.

Claire, Hands On Atlanta: Many of us think the Pajama Program is about books and jammies, but it’s really about a much larger concept – sleep equity. Can you talk to us about the importance of a good nighttime routine and what that can mean for a child?

Douna, Pajama Program: Our mission is to promote equitable access to sleep, so all children can thrive. Sleep is up there with exercise and nutrition when it comes to health, but for some reason it just doesn’t get talked about much. Without that foundation of sleep, it’s so much more difficult for students to learn and to turn short term memories into long term memories. It’s easy to think: ‘sleep, everybody does it, what’s the big deal?’ but we’re notoriously sleep deprived in this country. We hear all the time, kids are coming to school sleepy – even the Pre-K kids. Science tells us that parents just don’t know how many hours their kids really need. Healthy sleep starts with a good nighttime routine. We have a triangle of support: programming for students when they visit the center, resources and workshops for parents, and professional development for early educators.

“It’s easy to think: ‘sleep, everybody does it, what’s the big deal?’ but we’re notoriously sleep deprived in this country. ”

Claire: Well, that’s how you truly tackle a problem, head on… by providing support at every level. When the kids visit, they must just love being in this space. It feels like being at a sleepover.

Douna: Our space is magical, it’s full of bright colors and lovely books that are representative of the children that we serve in this community. It’s also a space for volunteers to share those stories with the children that visit that center. A focus of ours is on creating ‘caring connections’. And so that’s how we use our space and our volunteers, in promoting that access – giving our caregivers and community partners resources, like information, pajamas and books.

Claire: I love that concept – because the value of reading is so much more than learning what’s written in the book, it’s about a shared experience. So how do volunteers help with that?

Douna: Volunteers come in and read stories with the kids. Those ‘caring connections’, and the impact of sharing, is what we’re going for. So, for us, it’s not about teaching grammar. We have classrooms come in with 25 kids, and it’s difficult for their one teacher to connect with each one of those children, full time. So here, we can create those connections, and we can teach them about healthy routine. Sharing stories at night is a very important to that routine. It creates space for those connections and preparing the brain for dreams and creativity to happen, and healthy sleep to take place. We want to ensure they’re turning off those devices! Volunteers demonstrate that here. And, caring connections with those outside of their family and caregivers, promotes healthy relationship building with others.

“ Those ‘caring connections’, and the impact of sharing, is what we’re going for. ”

Claire: Pajama Program focuses on kids K-2, and that’s a critical age for learning. They’re absorbing everything around them. Tell us more about the kiddos!

Douna: Pajama Program is a partner of Atlanta Public Schools as well as several county school districts, and kids get to our center on field trips. We see around 3000 kids per year. When we first opened in Atlanta, nearly 6 years ago!, we started getting in touch with local districts. Through mostly word of mouth, people began to realize this is a wonderful, free field trip for students that makes a big difference for the kids. We know a lot of students are going to school very tired, and Pajama Program hopes to change that.

Claire: I heard that there was a student who said this was a better field trip than the Aquarium (!) so the kids must really love coming here, huh? It’s easy to see why!

Douna: YES! He said ‘This is the best day of my life!’ You know, kids who are 6 and 7 can be a little extra and we love it. I think it feels more personal when the kids come in and see the bright colors and the bean bags and the tents and they think, ‘Wow, what is this place? What’s going to happen?’ and they feel the energy and the love here.

Claire: I’ve had a lot of interest from volunteers to support you all. What can we do?

Douna: First – give your time! Come to the center and read, or help fold pajamas. There’s always work! Nonprofits are famous for having a lot of needs, especially smaller organizations like us. The second is donations – we see around 3000 children a year, and each child leaves with a new set of pajamas and a book. Volunteers can donate these or host a drive – we particularly need sizes 6-12 in pajamas. And lastly, let’s talk more about sleep! Parents, find resources on our website, and ask your kid’s schools how they’re talking about sleep.

Kim Harrison is Making a Difference in Her Community, One Pantry at a Time

As a member of the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA Board for over 8 years, Kim Harrison has played an integral role in setting up the school pantry at Brumby Elementary, serving over 300 families a week. Kim is a true community hero, and her enthusiasm for volunteering is contagious.

When asked her about her work, she spoke passionately about the impact areas facing Atlanta, especially food insecurity. "Food is essential to life. To know that many people go to bed hungry in this country is hard to swallow," she said.

Kim's dedication to the YMCA is evident in the way she talks about the organization. "They strive to form partnerships to help make a difference. They are the backbone of our community. We truly saw how strong the YMCA was in how they came through during the pandemic. They were there making sure our community had food," she said.

As for how volunteering has impacted her personal and professional life, Kim shared, "It has given me purpose. I look for ways we can continue to make an impact in our community."

“Food is essential to life. To know that many people go to bed hungry in this country is hard to swallow.””

— Kim Harrison

Kim is a natural leader who excels at bringing people together. "I truly love working with volunteers in our community and helping them find ways they can make an impact. Matching their skills where they're needed most is important to me," she said.

When asked Kim to share a memorable moment from her volunteering experience, she told us about the relationships she's built with the families at the pantry. "How we look forward to seeing each other and checking in. These relationships are important to me and they truly mean something."

Kim's love for Atlanta and the community is infectious. "We are a community. So many come together to make Marietta better. I love the school system and working with those in the school. This includes the schools in both Marietta City and Cobb County. I love our sports teams and how they work to make an impact in our community," she said.

If you're interested in getting involved with volunteering, Kim has some advice for you. "Decide what area you're interested in. Is it food insecurity? Is it reading development? From there, look for organizations you've heard are active in your community. There are many YMCA's around Atlanta. That's a great place to start."

“I’m so impressed by the volunteers I work with and their passion to serve. I continually learn from them and how best to serve.””

— Kim Harrison

And if you're interested in volunteering in April, Kim has some exciting news. "We're starting a new food pantry in Marietta at Sawyer Road Elementary. This is a partnership with McCleskey YMCA, Sawyer Road/Marietta City Schools, The Atlanta Food Bank, Porch Marietta, Faith Lutheran, Mt. Paran North, and Mt. Zion UMC. We'd love to have our community help by either aiding us with food collections or volunteering on pantry day."

In closing, Kim wants everyone to know that she's just one of many volunteers in the community. "I'm so impressed by the volunteers I work with and their passion to serve. I continually learn from them and how best to serve."

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and volunteer! As Kim says, "Let's all make an impact in our community together."

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Feeling inspired by Kim's amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

SETTING THE SERVICE PACE WITH DYLAN PACE

Dylan Pace, an eight-year-old with a heart of gold, is making a big impact in her community by volunteering her time and energy to various nonprofit organizations. She's a true "helper" wherever she goes, whether she's serving at food pantries, caring for animals, or organizing donation drives.

"I love the people I get to serve with and thinking about the people we are able to help!" Dylan said when asked about what she loves most about volunteering with organizations like The Place of Forsyth, Meals by Grace, The TRE, Solidarity Sandy Springs, The Sandwich Project, and Old Rucker Farm.

Through her volunteer work, Dylan has honed her organizational, communication, and teamwork skills. "I have learned new tasks and been able to have small jobs and feel helpful," she said.

“If we all do a small part, we can make a huge impact!””

— Dylan Pace

When asked about a memorable highlight or moment that might motivate others to volunteer, Dylan said, "Making a connection with the leaders is something I really enjoy. They become teachers of the activities and of life."

Dylan's commitment to volunteering has earned her the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award for recording over 100 hours of volunteer work each year in 2021 and 2022. And as a homeschooler, she and her family have the opportunity to incorporate service work into their weekly life, which means they're always looking for new ways to give back and make a positive impact.

If you're interested in volunteering but don't know where to start, Dylan has some great advice. "Try a new place and see if you enjoy the activities and people! If not, try a new place. Keep searching for a home for you to give back," she said.

In April, you can find Dylan volunteering at The Place of Forsyth, Meals by Grace, Old Rucker Farm, and Solidarity Sandy Springs. And she'd love to have some company, so if you're in the Atlanta area and looking to do some good, come join her! Because as Dylan says, "If we all do a small part, we can make a huge impact!"

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Feeling inspired by Dylan's amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Surya Green

We’d like to take this time to focus on this month’s AmeriCorps Member Spotlight, Surya Green. Surya relocated from Temple, Texas and serves as a Social Emotional Learning Coach at Young Middle School. Surya has stepped in and established herself as a trustworthy and knowledgeable resource to students and the team at Young. Surya thrives under pressure and constantly goes the extra mile for her students each chance that she gets.

In addition to serving as a Social Emotional Learning Coach, Surya is also pursuing her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Mental Health & Human Services at Houston Baptist University. During her time with Hands On Atlanta, Surya has shown the initiative to get the job done plus more. Thank you for your dedication and commitment towards making a difference in the communities we serve.

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

Honestly, I was a stressed teacher who didn't want to lose my passion for what I was doing. I saw that there was an opening for a SEL position which was an area I was familiar with and wanted to transition into within the next year. Being familiar with AmeriCorps, I enjoyed my previous service terms and decided to apply. 

What do you like most about working with your students?

Every day is a surprise. I never know what my day will be like but I know that it will be filled with excitement. My students are raw and genuine, unknowingly expressing their needs. Even on the hardest days, they give me the needed motivation and reminder as to why I chose this profession.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

Mentorship and a network that can support me when I begin my journey back into the education system. I have been granted the opportunity to work closely with administrators and see a number of different leadership styles. I only hope to take what I've experienced thus far and use that to navigate my next position with confidence.  

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I will be Dr. Green and operate as a district behavior specialist or interventionist. I hope to finish my ABA coursework, so that I may sit for the BACB Exam and become a BCBA. Most importantly, I want to begin working on establishing a non profit that puts a focus on mental health and integrating CMH (community mental health) centers/programs into school districts. 

When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?

I like to go to the movies and spend time with my son. We are always looking for a random activity to experience.  

What do you love about Atlanta?

Family, food and the culture. 

Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and to start your application for the 2023-24 term.

9 Ways You Can Support Students Today!

It’s a true comment on Atlanta that we have so many schools, organizations, companies and individuals offering up creative solutions to help students be the best they can be. With over a million students in the metro Atlanta area (oh hey Gwinnett – we see you over there with the largest student body in the state!), and 64% of those families in Atlanta Public Schools being economically disadvantaged, these solutions are huge assets to our community. These programs allow our students to thrive, and grow, and succeed – and you can be a part of their success.

Want to make a difference for the next generation of leaders, but don’t know where to start? Read on to find the perfect way for you to serve.

1. Become a tutor.

Studies have shown that talking through assignments with a tutor helps students process and retain information better – so the couple hours you spend giving one-on-one attention, goes a long way. Our partners Star-C, LaAmistad, Agape Youth & Family Center, and Divine Reach Education & Counsel all need volunteers daily across the city to work directly with students & ensure they are keeping up with what’s going on in the classroom. Want to serve virtually? Mind Bubble has you covered.

2. Show off your STEAM skills.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math have come to the forefront to teach students how to think creatively & critically, and to prepare kids for high-growth career areas. We’re seeing more and more local schools adopt STEAM curriculums or even get STEM certified, and our nonprofit partners are keeping up by offering enrichment opportunities. During the school year, you could join us for Discovery on Saturdays and introduce local students to reptiles. Host a demonstration table at the Atlanta Science Fair or become a judge with the International Science & Engineering Fair, both hosted by ScienceATL. Or, head over to Johnson STEM Activity Center – founded by Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker – to support students in their state-of-the-art robotics + E-sports arenas.

3. Go all in for the schools.

Did you know that Hands On Atlanta has the largest AmeriCorps program in the state? Yep, last year our members supported 11 schools and managed a gang of impactful programs on top of that! Spend a half or a full year as an AmeriCorps member, working inside our local schools to support students academic and social emotional learning. This is a great way to make deep, lasting impact on the trajectory of a child.

4. Elevate the programs supporting students, behind the scenes.

Magnify your impact by building the capacity of organizations supporting students, so they can offer more of what they do best. Multiple times a year, 48in48 hosts a website building weekend marathon to help organizations increase the impact of their digital presence. You can code, create content, or design sites. Applications are open for Hands On Atlanta’s Civic Leadership Program too – apply to be matched with a local nonprofit, so you can support their staff & volunteers for a 10-month term.

5. Increase access to quality higher education.

Access and admission to college can be a barrier – but it doesn’t have to be. Help students break down those barriers by using your well-earned experience and wisdom to guide them to success. Breakthrough Atlanta needs regular volunteers on Saturdays during the school year & for summer school to mentor students along their path to college. Become a mentor with College AIM, helping students with their applications. Annually, our partner The Posse Foundation needs interviewers to help select their leadership & scholarship students.

6. Get Artsy!

Paint Love is looking for resident artists bring your unique workshops + programing to kids. ARTportunity Knocks hosts an annual showcase, and uses volunteer music & drama instructors. Get your friends or coworkers out to install a mural in a local school lead by Learning in Color. Oh, and don’t forget about our local arts institutions like Woodstock Arts, who use volunteers to make their concert series a smash hit.

7. Support the whole student.

Equally as important as academics, is social emotional learning (SEL). This type of programming exists to encourage students to develop strong relationships, and build skills like responsibility and self-confidence. Role models are needed always! Help kids grow as teammates and leaders as a coach for Soccer in the Streets. Dedicate your positive and uplifting energy to supporting grieving children as a regular buddy or Good Mourning Camp counselor with Kate’s Club. Develop healthy nighttime routines, and encourage literacy, with the Pajama Program, who’s mission is to ensure kids are well-rested and energized once they arrive to the classroom. Welcome new refugee families to the states by helping to set up Co-op housing or creating welcome baskets of basic necessities and comforts with New American Pathways.

8. Transform young women into leaders.

Throughout the year but especially in the summers, we’re looking for women to support younger women by taking on the uniquely important role of informal mentorship. You’re needed to tell your story, share your lessons learned and advice, and offer up encouragement to the next generation of girls. Black Girls Smile has year-round programming, supporting SEL and mental health. Girls of Excellence works directly in schools supporting at-risk girls during the school day, and can always use leadership speakers. Annually, join the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Teen Leadership Summit, in partnership with Communities in Schools, to offer workshops on topics like entrepreneurship and netiquette to 100 elementary and junior high school girls. Girl Talk hosts a summer camp as well, with an emphasis on leadership skills & connecting girls to meaningful role models. If academics are more your style, you could spend the summer as a counselor at STEM Camp with Girls Inc, doing experiments and demonstrations with elementary & junior high school girls – they also use volunteer year-round.

9. Support local educational attractions.

Help our major educational & cultural institutions to be able to offer quality programming for local students and families. Whether you work as a greeter, a docent, with special programming or engaging with exhibits, there is plenty to be done. You can keep the people & animal operations running smoothly at Zoo Atlanta, or hang out with the dinosaurs at Fernbank. Harness the legacy of Atlanta’s history & shape the future for our students by supporting the Center for Civil & Human Rights, or work virtually helping out the Out of Hand Theater so they can continue to offer their Creative Kids programming.

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Learn how we’re mobilizing the Atlanta community to build educational equity, and find more ways to support students at https://www.handsonatlanta.org/education.

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Touren Thurston

This month’s AmeriCorps Member Spotlight, Touren Thurston comes to you all the way from Miami, Florida! Touren would eventually relocate to Georgia in the name of service, he serves as a Social Emotional Learning Coach at Brookview Elementary. Touren thrives not only in SEL but also as a true mentor and ally to the students at Brookview. Touren leads by example and takes the initiative to truly get to know the people he interacts with. During his time with Hands On Atlanta, Touren has made a great impact, and has been willing to step in whenever needed. Thank you for your dedication and commitment towards making a difference in the communities we serve.

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined AmeriCorps to give a part of me - and that’s compassion.

What do you like most about working with your students?

I like that the fact that they still like to play around and not trying to be older than they are.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain and understand that I am going to leave an impact on scholars in more ways than just one. I hope to encourage students to keep going and don’t give up.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in the neighborhoods giving back and continuing to encourage others, while fighting for those that can’t fight for themselves.

When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not tutoring or mentoring. I like to reflect on life (good or bad) and watch movies.

What do you love about Atlanta?

Hands On Atlanta is what I love about Atlanta! The knowledge I’ve gained from being a true volunteer has allowed me to flourish. I wouldn’t be flourishing without the opportunity to serve with mind, heart, body, and spirit.

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Help us thank Touren for her dedication and commitment towards making a difference in the communities we serve by commenting below or sharing her spotlight!