THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Meet Shah O. Martin: The Friendly, Helpful, and Awesome Volunteer Making a Difference in Atlanta!
Shah O. Martin has been Hands On Atlanta’s leading volunteer for FY23, volunteering 56 times for 220 hours! Shah is a shining example of how one person's kindness and dedication can make a positive impact in their community. His friendly, helpful, and awesome nature truly embodies the spirit of volunteering, and Atlanta is lucky to have him. In this volunteer spotlight, get to know what drives Shah to make service a lifestyle.
Shah O. Martin has been Hands On Atlanta’s leading volunteer for FY23, volunteering 56 times for 220 hours! Shah is a shining example of how one person's kindness and dedication can make a positive impact in their community. His friendly, helpful, and awesome nature truly embodies the spirit of volunteering, and Atlanta is lucky to have him. In this volunteer spotlight, get to know what drives Shah to make service a lifestyle.
Shah's passion lies in taking care of homeless family veterans, and he volunteers regularly at Good Samaritan Pantry, which provides essential resources to those in need. When asked about what he loves most about the organization, Shah said, "The people I volunteer with are very friendly. They love helping people like I do." It's clear that Shah has found his tribe at Good Samaritan Pantry, and his dedication to their cause is unwavering.
Volunteering has had a profound impact on Shah's personal and professional life. "It's made me a better person overall and makes me want to help even more," he shared. Through his volunteer work, Shah has honed his skills in processing people through the pantry's system, gaining valuable experience that has enriched his life in many ways.
One of Shah's most memorable moments as a volunteer was "prying with others." He explains, "Working alongside fellow volunteers, seeing the impact we're making together, it's the best feeling. It motivates me to do my best in everything I do." Shah's enthusiasm and positivity are contagious, and it's evident that he truly loves what he does.
When asked why Atlanta holds a special place in his heart, Shah shared, "I was raised in Atlanta, the people are great, and there are plenty of things to do." He is proud to call Atlanta home and is grateful for the opportunities the city has given him to give back to his community.
“Do what you love doing, and you will feel better doing it.” ”
For those interested in volunteering, Shah's advice is simple yet profound: "Do what you love doing, and you will feel better doing it." He encourages others to follow their passions and find volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and values.
As for Shah's upcoming volunteering plans, he's excited to continue his work with Good Samaritan Pantry in April. He'll be using Hands On Atlanta to connect with others and make a difference in his community. He invites anyone interested to join him and be a part of the movement to Do Something Good!
Feeling inspired by Shah’s amazing volunteer work?
You can help others like his 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.
Growing Healthier Communities with Food Well Alliance
Supporting over 300 local urban farms, community gardens and orchards, Food Well Alliance is a major player in our local food systems. With a focus on eating local, and eating healthy, Food Well Alliance is making a big impact for food insecure families and we’re proud to support their work.
Supporting over 300 local urban farms, community gardens and orchards, Food Well Alliance is a major player in our local food systems. With a focus on eating local, and eating healthy, Food Well Alliance is making a big impact for food insecure families and we’re proud to support their work. A chat with Flannery Pearson-Clarke, Food Well Alliance’s Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, tells us more about how they do this good work + how we can help local food-producing spaces thrive.
TL;DR – Sign up here to volunteer + support the nearest garden, orchard or farm to you.
Claire: So Flannery – today, we’re here at Norris Lake Community Garden, which I understand to be the only community garden on an island in Atlanta… that we know of, anyway! This place is cool – please tell us about it.
Flannery: Yeah! Norris Lake is one of about 150 community gardens that we work with around Metro Atlanta. This one was started about 5 years ago – community members cleared it out and built a garden. Food Well Alliance has been with them since the beginning. We’ve had volunteers help with the installation and awarded a grant that the garden has put towards other projects. Now, in addition to volunteer workdays, we’re doing a donation orchard planting with them. We’re adding about 20 fruit trees and bushes today. It’s a cool spot – there are some unique things that come with being on an island… There's not a lot of foot traffic, and it comes with the added bonus of navigating how to get materials to and from the garden, which makes volunteers all the more valuable here.
Claire: Food Well Alliance has been on the scene in Atlanta since 2015, and you’ve been there from the beginning. Talk to us about how this organization got off the ground.
Flannery: Yeah! Bill Bolling, from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and Jim Kennedy from the Cox Foundation, were very instrumental in beginning. When we started, there was a vision of supporting food producing spaces in Atlanta. The Food Bank had an existing community garden program dating back to the 1990s, that supported people in gardens growing food, and Food Well Alliance helped to expand that. The original push was helping to fund spaces, farmers and gardens, and now we’ve moved into funding orchards too. And as we’ve developed, we’ve gotten a lot of feedback that funding is a great way to help, but programming and other resources are needed too. So that means hands-on support, and also technical guidance like workshops and programming.
Claire: So let me get this straight – Food Well Alliance supports community gardens and urban farms. And orchards! Where are these spaces?
Food Well Alliance: We are really lucky – we get to work around the 5 county metro area, there are so many incredible community gardens, farms and orchards. They are run by incredible people, and they have a lot of community support. If you’re interested in getting involved, OR in finding out if your school or community space might be a good fit for an orchard… we can help! Email gardens@foodwellalliance.org to get connected with spaces – there’s usually something near you, even if you don’t know it yet, and we can help you find out where it is.
And, we also have a City Ag planning program. We’re working with the cities of East Point, Alpharetta and Jonesboro. That’s a way for city officials to get engaged in the planning process + help create spaces in cities for agriculture, in different ways that could mean supporting farmer’s markets or even creating new spaces.
Claire: Can you tell us about the impact of the gardens + farms on the Atlanta area? Where does the food go, and how does distribution work?
Food Well Alliance: In the community garden, people often grow for themselves. Many gardens also participate in the Plant-A-Row program, so food grown goes to local pantries who then distribute it to their clients. We collect data on how much is being donated, and it actually averages to be about 100,000 pounds per year. In 2022, it was over 200,000 pounds! It’s very impactful, and stays super local – it’s usually going down the street. Sometimes, the garden exists because it’s known that a nearby food pantry needs extra support, and other times it’s just a happy collaboration. Some gardens even do direct distribution from their space. Food Well Alliance’s role with this is to encourage gardens to participate in this program, and provide tools, resources and education, like free seedlings and seeds. We’re big on supporting this program. And, to clarify – you don’t have to be a member of a community garden to participate in this! The home gardener can grow + donate food, too!
Urban farms are typically selling food, at a farmer’s market for example. Our partner farms are often bringing fresh food into spaces that didn’t have access to produce before, so they’re an important part of the local food system too.
“The food system should be accessible to everyone.”
Claire: In addition to the support going directly to the gardens + farms, you all have a lot of programming for general community members, right? Like resources for the non-farmer, who just wants to grow at home?
Food Well Alliance: Absolutely. It’s actually in our mission statement that the food system be accessible to everyone, and that everyone has a role to play in that. Not everyone is going to become a farmer. There’s not space in Atlanta for everyone to be! But there’s a role for everyone to play in a home garden, a community garden, learning more and supporting farmers – even just coming out to a farmer’s market. We’ve got our workshop series, Plant. Eat. Repeat, which is in partnership with Atlanta Botanical Gardens. And that’s really fun, we just did a workshop on how to grow herbs for teas. These actually take place at different community gardens, so it’s a great way to get out and learn. We do an annual free tree sale in February, and have a ton of online resources available on our website, like plant care guides and local seedling sale lists and local food-related events lists. We’re also doing a free compost giveaway for Earth Day that’s open to everyone!
Claire: Next month, Food Well Alliance is hosting the 8th annual Soil Fest. I have heard this event is amazing, and it’s for anyone remotely interested in plants and gardening. What can we expect from this event?
Food Well Alliance: Soil Festival - on May 6, 2023! - is our annual fundraiser to support our work providing resources + programming to farms, gardens and orchards around Atlanta. It’s a celebration of Atlanta’s agriculture and the healthy soil that makes it possible. This year we’re again partnering with WABE. We’ll have everything from workshops to a kids corner, a growers panel where some local farmers and gardeners will be talking about the importance of healthy soil for growing healthy food. There’ll be food trucks, a beer garden, and local juices. Tickets are online – but we also need volunteers to help us pull the event off! Volunteers get free admission and a t-shirt.
Claire: What’s next after Soil Fest? Spring kicks off the growing season, I’m sure there’s TONS to do in the farms and gardens…
Food Well Alliance: The beautiful thing about Atlanta is that you can grow year round, so there’s always something to get involved with. As you can imagine, spring and summer are really big times for a lot of local growers, there’s a lot happening. We have ongoing volunteer workdays at gardens around the city. In the summer, we’ll be offering our next round of Plant. Eat. Repeat. gardening workshops.
Claire: Last question… what are you doing for Earth Day?!
Food Well Alliance: Working in gardens, we get to celebrate this every day! For Earth Day, we’re doing a free Earth Day Compost Giveaway that Friday and Saturday, out of our warehouse at 970 Jefferson St, and that’s for anyone, not just farmers and professional gardeners! Earth Day also falls during Volunteer Appreciation Week, so we’re now calling it ‘Best Volunteers on Earth Day’.
Gabrielle Rogers is Making a Lasting Impact On her Community and herself
Advocate, resilient, and passionate - these are the three words that best describe Gabrielle Rogers, a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. In this volunteer spotlight, Gabrielle shares how her passion for service has created an impact on the community and herself.
Advocate, resilient, and passionate - these are the three words that best describe Gabrielle Rogers, a dedicated volunteer and Hands On Atlanta Civic Leader. From supporting small business owners to promoting STEAM education for kids, Gabrielle has been actively involved in various nonprofit organizations, including Hands on Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Council of Negro Women, Junior League, and Eco Addendum. In this volunteer spotlight, Gabrielle shares how her passion for service has created an impact on the community and herself.
When asked about her passion for volunteering, Gabrielle explains, "I absolutely LOVE volunteering with the DeKalb Section National Council of Negro Women. My passion for service stems from the ability to make a lasting impact. And this is definitely what our Section is all about." In fact, Gabrielle's efforts were rewarded with a $40,000 grant in 2020 to provide program services and kits to facilitate STEAM education for kids as part of the Kids Against COVID taskforce.
“I have dedicated my life to service for the betterment of my community. It is a part of who I am and I take it with me everywhere I go,” ”
For Gabrielle, volunteering is not just about giving back to the community, but it has also had a profound impact on her personal and professional life. "I have dedicated my life to service for the betterment of my community. It is a part of who I am and I take it with me everywhere I go," says Gabrielle, who also serves as the Volunteer Advisor for her organization, ensuring a strong commitment to service and social responsibility.
Through her volunteering experience, Gabrielle has honed her communication and leadership skills, which she believes are essential for any volunteer project or strategy. "Both are necessary qualities in any volunteer project and there’s strategy in knowing the outcome and making sure the team knows the who, what, where, and why? With these skills, you will definitely make the lives of any organization easier," shares Gabrielle.
Gabrielle's most memorable highlight as a volunteer was during the MLK Day of Service with Hands On Atlanta, where she led a team of over 400 volunteers at the Truly Living Well Urban Farm in Atlanta. "Team BLUE went over and beyond at the farm, whose mission is to feed people right where they live, emulating nature in the production of food, educating and helping to build equitable and sustainable local food communities. The center serves as an agricultural hub for the West Atlanta community," recalls Gabrielle with pride.
As a native of Atlanta, Gabrielle is deeply connected to the city and its progress. "I LOVE how far we have come. We haven't even scratched the surface of our influence in the arts, entertainment, business, and economic development. I am so proud, and the best is yet to come!" says Gabrielle enthusiastically.
“Find an issue that you’re most passionate about and find an organization that supports that issue and make it happen!””
When asked about advice for someone interested in volunteering, Gabrielle's message is clear: "Just do it. There is no greater feeling in knowing that you have made a lasting impact in your community. Find an issue that you're most passionate about and find an organization that supports that issue and make it happen!"
With her unwavering passion, resilience, and dedication to service, Gabrielle Rogers continues to be an inspiring advocate for her community in Atlanta, making a lasting impact through her volunteering efforts.
Feeling inspired by Gabrielle’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.
Sara Keith on Creativeness and Compassion to Make a Difference
As the President of Illuminate Atlanta and Owner of Atlanta School of Photography, Sara Keith is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond her professional endeavors, she is also deeply involved in various nonprofit organizations in Atlanta. In this volunteer spotlight, get to know Sara and how she’s using her creative skills to give back.
As the President of Illuminate Atlanta and Owner of Atlanta School of Photography, Sara Keith is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond her professional endeavors, she is also deeply involved in various nonprofit organizations in Atlanta, including Hillside Inc, Cool Girls Inc, CHRIS180, AWARE, and Little Creek Horse Farm, where she volunteers her time and expertise to make a positive impact in the community. In this volunteer spotlight, get to know Sara and how she’s using her creative skills to give back.
When asked about her passion for volunteering, Sara says, "I'm hoping more will be done to provide equity in our communities for children's futures. Providing safe, healthy, and creative educational spaces for all Atlanta kids and teens is something I care deeply about."
“Providing safe, healthy, and creative educational spaces for all Atlanta kids and teens is something I care deeply about.””
One of the organizations she volunteers with, Illuminate Atlanta, holds a special place in her heart. "Illuminate Atlanta meets organizations where they're at and what their needs are. We fold photography into whatever their goals are and create comprehensive lesson plans for each individual," Sara explains. She has honed her skills in meeting kids where they're at and letting them experience learning in their own way, which has been a valuable lesson for her.
Sara shares a touching moment that motivates her to continue volunteering. "After a series of lessons was over, one young man wrote me a thank you letter saying how photography changed his life. He suffers from severe depression and he said, 'Thank you for inspiring me to live on.' I keep this letter pinned up next to my office," she says, highlighting the profound impact volunteering can have on someone's life.
Apart from her volunteer work, Sara is also passionate about Atlanta itself. "I always say this city is the closest to a Star Trek future I want to see. The amount of green space, diversity, culture, etc. is just unsurpassed. I love exploring different parks and conservatories across the city," she shares with a smile.
“You never know whose life you’re going to change, but you’re guaranteed to make a change for good. Not a lot of other things in life can do that!””
When asked for advice to those interested in volunteering, Sara's response is simple: "Do it! You never know whose life you're going to change, but you're guaranteed to make a change for good. Not a lot of other things in life can do that!"
Sara and Illuminate Atlanta are also taking their efforts online by creating photography lessons for teachers and parents through social media platforms. "These lessons tie in with existing lesson plans for a wide range of ages. We hope to take these lesson plans and transform it into a comprehensive teaching artist program with Atlanta Public Schools in 2024!" Sara enthusiastically shares her future plans.
So, if you're looking to make a positive impact in Atlanta, join Sara and Illuminate Atlanta as they continue to do something good for the community. You never know, you might just inspire someone to live on!
Feeling inspired by Sara’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.
Meet Asim Gazi: PhD Candidate and STEM Enthusiast
Asim Gazi, a PhD Candidate at Georgia Tech set to graduate this summer, is not your typical student. With a passion for volunteering and a love for Atlanta's food scene, Asim is making a difference in the community while pursuing his academic dreams. In this volunteer spotlight, Asim shares his thoughts on volunteering, educational inequality, and his favorite moments from his experiences.
Asim Gazi, a PhD Candidate at Georgia Tech set to graduate this summer, is not your typical student. With a passion for volunteering and a love for Atlanta's food scene, Asim is making a difference in the community while pursuing his academic dreams. In this volunteer spotlight, Asim shares his thoughts on volunteering, educational inequality, and his favorite moments from his experiences.
When asked about the impact areas he cares about the most, Asim's face lights up. "Educational inequality is an issue that I care deeply about," he says. "As Malcolm X once said, 'Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.' Many community members don't have equal access to this passport, and it results in lifelong hardships. I believe I have the skill set to help address this issue."
Asim's enthusiasm for volunteering is evident when he talks about the organizations he volunteers with, including Hands On Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Science ATL. "The people that make up an organization are what I love the most! Knowing that a cohesive team will be working together to make an impact plays an important role when I choose organizations to volunteer with. On my own, I can only do so much, but through collaboration, we accomplish so much more."
Volunteering has had a significant impact on Asim's personal and professional life. "Over the past few years, I have volunteered with some amazing people who have become friends," he shares. "Having had a baby two months ago, it meant a lot when my volunteer friends checked on me and shared how much the Discovery students have been missing me. Those relationships with students and fellow volunteers bring me quite a bit of joy."
“My experience as a volunteer has certainly honed my creativity in coming up with solutions, explanations, etc. on the fly...””
Asim has also honed his creativity and adaptability through his volunteer experiences. "The ability to improvise and adapt to unforeseen challenges is especially needed when working with young students. My experience as a volunteer has certainly honed my creativity in coming up with solutions, explanations, etc. on the fly," he says with a smile.
When asked about a memorable highlight or moment that might motivate others to volunteer, Asim shares a heartwarming story. "During the final few weeks of my wife's pregnancy, I had to skip volunteering with Discovery. It turns out that the Brookview students missed me enough to draw funny-looking depictions of me, and seeing pictures of those drawings absolutely made my day. Not to mention, I also have a picture saved of one of their testimonials: 'DISCOVERY IS LIT!!!'"
Asim's love for Atlanta is evident as he talks about the city's food scene and top-notch universities. "My wife and I are big foodies, so Atlanta's food scene has treated us very well. The universities in town are also top notch. My wife graduated last year from Mercer University with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I will be defending my PhD in electrical engineering this year at Georgia Tech," he proudly shares.
“Find what you’re passionate about and look for opportunities that maximize your impact for the time you have available.””
When asked for advice on getting involved with volunteering, Asim suggests checking out Hands On Atlanta's website. "It's a great place to get started if you're interested in getting involved! Find what you're passionate about and look for opportunities that maximize your impact for the time you have available," he advises.
Asim's upcoming volunteer event is Discovery's end-of-year celebration on April 15th, and he's excited to reunite with the students and his fellow volunteers. "I'm looking forward to celebrating another successful year with them soon," he says with anticipation.
Those interested in joining Asim can sign up here.
Feeling inspired by Asim’s s amazing volunteer work?
You can help others like his 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.
Stewarding Neighborhood Greenspaces with the Wylde Center
Today, we caught up with our friends at the Wylde Center – one of Hands On Atlanta’s long-standing nonprofit partners doing incredible work in the environmental space for nearly 25 years. We got the inside scoop from Matty Garrett, Wylde Center Greenspace Director, who fills us in on what it takes to operate five greenspaces in four different local neighborhoods, and to keep them open year-round for the community’s benefit.
We caught up with our friends at the Wylde Center – one of Hands On Atlanta’s long-standing nonprofit partners doing incredible work in the environmental space for nearly 25 years. We got the inside scoop from Matty Garrett, Wylde Center Greenspace Director, who fills us in on what it takes to operate five greenspaces in four different local neighborhoods, and to keep them open year-round for the community’s benefit. These natural spaces are crucial to the Atlanta landscape, offering a safe haven for natural species and a place for families to convene and to learn… and they rely on Hands On Atlanta volunteers daily.
Sign up here to volunteer + support the nearest greenspace or nature center to you.
Claire, Hands On Atlanta: What’s the story on the Wylde Center? When did you all become established, and why? What was the first greenspace, and how did you get to five?
Matty, Wylde Center: Back in the late 90’s, some Oakhurst residents had a veggie garden that was often trampled unintentionally by the neighborhood kids playing. So, they decided to teach the kids about gardening – and how not to trample plants, as well – and the idea just grew and grew. Today, it is a full blown nursery. Next, the Edgewood Community Learning Garden was established with the support of some local pediatricians. Hawk Hollow was the third addition, a greenspace that preserves native plants along the streambed, and the Sugar Creek greenspace followed. Lastly, Mulberry Fields was created – which is another greenspace embedded in a residential neighborhood between homes, with chickens, goats and garden beds. Now we also partner with Atlanta Public Schools’ rotator building for schools under repairs, next door to the Edgewood greenspace – there’s a teaching garden there, where classrooms of students learn. All spaces arose very naturally, based on interest and need.
Claire: Greenspaces like this, take hundreds of people – volunteers, mostly, right? – to maintain, on a regular basis. So, what do the volunteers actually do to support the greenspaces? Does it shift throughout the year?
Matty: Yes. We tend to see an uptick in needs and volunteerism in spring and fall, for our plant sales. And the summer is always busy too, but with kids being out of school, we usually have some extra help. Younger kids need a chaperone to serve, but teenagers can serve on their own. We love it, we want them to learn about plants and growing food and preserving natural spaces – that’s how the next generation gets to enjoy our natural environment. It’s fun work, and you learn while you’re there. Kids may not love pulling weeds, but it’s worth it when they later get to feed the chickens, so there’s a balance.
“You can’t put a price on volunteer service... Well, you can, but you don’t have the budget for it.”
Claire: What’s the impact of having so many volunteers? What happens if you don’t have enough? What kind of differences do volunteers make in the greenspaces?
Wylde Center: You can’t put a price on volunteer service… Well, you can, but you don’t have the budget for it. Especially when you’re committed to using sustainable agricultural methods to work with nature, which are way better for the environment but are far more labor intensive. Maintaining the greenspaces, and having them serve as place for families and kids to learn, takes a lot of energy. Trying to keep up with the weeding and mulching in the summer is a lot. We need your help! We’re not after your wallet, but your hands, your back and your knees.
Claire: Many of the Wylde Center greenspaces produce food and plants that community members can buy and then grow for themselves, right?
Matty: Yes! In Mid-April, we have our plant sale and fesitval! We’ll have summer veggies and fruit trees for sale. And we always need volunteers to support regular plant sales and work in the nursery – right now, we’ve got spring veggies and perennials and herbs, and volunteers are the ones who help us get them out to community members. The plant sales are year-round at Oakhurst, there’s always plants or seeds available. We start all of our seeds, they’re uppotted three times before being sold and we’re constantly stocked. It’s a lot to keep up with. Many of our spaces also support their local communities by sharing the harvest with neighbors in need.
Claire: And outside of working in the nursery and supporting the plant sales, how can volunteers help out in the 5 greenspaces?
Matty: Mulberry Fields uses regular volunteers – this is a fun space, with the goats and the chickens. Volunteers are also needed regularly at the Oakhurst Community Garden, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and Hawk Hollow Garden.
LP Garcia on Using Passion and Skills to Do Something Good
"Volunteering gives my life purpose," says Louise "LP" Garcia, Vice-Chairwoman of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA and a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. Known for her grateful, optimistic, and caring spirit, LP is making a lasting impact in the community through her involvement with various nonprofit organizations, including the Community Teen Coalition, Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way, Hosea Feeds, and Free Foundation.
"Volunteering gives my life purpose," says Louise "LP" Garcia, Vice-Chairwoman of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA and a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. Known for her grateful, optimistic, and caring spirit, LP is making a lasting impact in the community through her involvement with various nonprofit organizations, including the Community Teen Coalition, Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way, Hosea Feeds, and Free Foundation.
For LP, volunteering is a way of coming home to family. "The Y feels like home," she shares. "It's like a neighborhood I grew up in, and the community of people are in situations that I grew up around. I know that the people who were able to surpass certain obstacles were because someone cared, someone intervened, someone gave some of their own time and treasure and made a difference." LP believes that it's not just the big donations that create change, but also the small, daily efforts of many individuals that have a lasting impact on communities and the lives of others.
“It’s so easy to become self-involved in our own day-to-day, and volunteering helps me keep my priorities in order.””
Volunteering has also had a profound impact on LP's personal and professional life. "It's so easy to become self-involved in our own day-to-day, and volunteering helps me keep my priorities in order," she says. "It reminds me to be grateful, encourages me to seek out opportunities for my family and company to engage in the community, informs the legislative initiatives I support, and shows me how the word of God comes to life." LP believes that volunteering is a way to get closer to God by doing good works, and it gives her life purpose.
Through her volunteering experiences, LP has honed various skills, both tangible and intangible. "Every volunteer opportunity allows you to learn something," she says. "Sometimes it's tangible skills, like organizing a food distribution warehouse to improve efficiency, and sometimes it's intangible skills, like listening better to the needs of the community and taking action." LP believes that volunteering is not only about giving back, but also about learning and growing as an individual.
One of LP's most memorable moments as a volunteer was when she was able to help a mother in need. "I saw a mother at a kids' event who looked worried and concerned," she recalls. "After chatting with her, I was able to connect her with a job opportunity that provided a paycheck, health benefits for her and her family, and college tuition reimbursement. Just one question led to a long-lasting impact." It's moments like these that motivate LP to continue volunteering and making a difference in people's lives.
“The people of Atlanta are passionate, involved, and engaged in what is happening in the city. Atlanta’s rich history of advancing the Civil Rights Movement is like no other, and the city’s motto ‘Atlanta Influences Everything’ is a way of life on a global scale.” ”
As a transplant to Atlanta from Miami, LP has fallen in love with the city and its people. "The people of Atlanta feel different," she says. "They are passionate, involved, and engaged in what is happening in the city. Atlanta's rich history of advancing the Civil Rights Movement is like no other, and the city's motto 'Atlanta Influences Everything' is a way of life on a global scale." LP enjoys exploring the city's bookstores and thrift stores with her daughter, trying out new restaurants, and spending time in Atlanta's green spaces.
For those interested in getting involved with volunteering, LP has some advice: "Just start... you don't have to make a grand gesture, just show up." She suggests that there are plenty of amazing nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers, and there are various ways to contribute, even by leveraging your own talents. "Nonprofits will likely never turn down administrative help or guidance on how to spruce up their websites or social media pages," she says. "Offer up your services based on your skills and interests. Any help that can lower operational costs is always welcomed."
Feeling inspired by LP’s 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.
Shawnell Johnson is Doing the Work for a Better Atlanta
As the Director of PAACT (Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive) at GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students), Shawnell Johnson is on a mission to support nonprofit organizations that are working to mitigate generational poverty. But that's not all, Shawnell also volunteers with The Junior League of Atlanta and Atlanta Mission, making a direct impact in the lives of those facing homelessness.
As the Director of PAACT (Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive) at GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students), Shawnell Johnson is on a mission to support nonprofit organizations that are working to mitigate generational poverty. But that's not all, Shawnell also volunteers with The Junior League of Atlanta and Atlanta Mission, making a direct impact in the lives of those facing homelessness.
When asked about her passion for volunteerism, Shawnell exclaims, "I believe that volunteerism can make a direct impact to a community partner’s mission. I am committed to supporting non-profit organizations who are working to mitigate generational poverty. I care about this issue most because there is a distinct equity issue in the city." She goes on to highlight the challenges faced by Atlanta workers supporting families and living in the city, such as rising costs for housing, healthcare, and childcare, which present barriers to participation in the workforce and the city's economy.
Shawnell doesn't stop at just talking about the issues - she takes action. As a volunteer at Atlanta Mission, the city's largest and longest-running provider of services to homeless men, women, and children, Shawnell is dedicated to transforming lives. She shares, "I love that I get to partner with the Atlanta Mission and empower and coach people toward excellence. I enjoy coming alongside others and encouraging them to reach their dreams." Through her work with Atlanta Mission, Shawnell has honed her skills in organizing groups of volunteers, strengthening her communication skills, and learning the importance of partnership.
Shawnell's dedication to volunteering has not only impacted her personal and professional life, but also the lives of others. She shares a memorable highlight where she was able to use her professional knowledge and experience to provide support to Atlanta Mission in an area of her expertise. She says, "Many of the women at the Atlanta Mission are also mothers, and I have coordinated with the Mission to provide information and resources on child care assistance. My professional knowledge and experiences intersected with my volunteerism. I was excited to provide support to the Atlanta Mission in a content area that is my expertise."
“I love that Atlanta residents are hands-on and committed to giving back to the community!””
When asked why Atlanta, Shawnell's eyes light up. "I love that Atlanta residents are hands-on and committed to giving back to the community!" She sees volunteering as a great way to network and meet like-minded people, and she encourages others who are interested in getting involved to find an organization that aligns with their passions and offers their talents, skills, and resources.
As for what's next, Shawnell is always looking for new opportunities to make a difference. She shares, "The Atlanta Mission is always looking for volunteers. Opportunities can be found on their website. She also emphasizes her commitment to early childhood education and family health and wellbeing, with a vision that all children in Atlanta enter school ready for success and reach their full potential.
Shawnell Johnson is a compassionate, servant leader, and advocate who is making waves in Atlanta and beyond. Through her volunteer work and professional endeavors, she is truly doing something good and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Atlanta is lucky to have her!
Feeling inspired by Shawnell’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.