Nonprofit Spotlight: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

We’re thrilled to celebrate our incredible nonprofit partner, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Callanwolde is more than just a place to take an art class, it’s a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and history.

Callanwolde believes that art should be for everyone. That’s why they’re breaking down barriers to access, making sure that world-class programs in dance, music, painting, pottery, and more are within reach for low-income families, veterans, people experiencing housing insecurity, and individuals with disabilities. Their mission isn’t just about teaching art, it’s about building equity, opening doors, and creating a more connected, expressive Atlanta.

Learn more about Callenwolde Fine Arts Center!

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Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?

Our mission is to provide the Atlanta community with premier, accessible arts education, especially to the underserved, while promoting enjoyment of the arts at the historic and inspiring Callanwolde estate. Callanwolde is dedicated to addressing the gap in access to high-quality arts education, ensuring that it is available to all members of the community, regardless of financial means or socio-economic background. Our focus is on making a diverse range of arts education opportunities accessible, particularly to underserved groups such as low-income families, veterans, individuals facing housing insecurity, and people with disabilities.

Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization?

Our Art Scholars program, which began in 2022, served over 300 3rd-5th graders from six different Title I schools in south DeKalb County during 2024. Students attended 20 days of free arts programming throughout the year during teacher workdays and school breaks. In 2024, we launched a new program called Young Artists League. This 12-week art after-school program was introduced at Kelley Lake Elementary. Callanwolde provides students with art materials for the classroom and home, high-quality instruction, and transportation at no cost to families. In addition to Kelley Lake Elementary, Dance Progressions added Oak View Elementary to the program. 29 students who qualify for Title I assistance participated in 24 weeks of free after-school dance programming and performed at the Callanwolde Spring Recital. Our final community concert of 2024, the 25th season of Jazz on the Lawn, featured Joe Gransden’s Big Band with special guest vocalists Karla Harris, Ruby Velle, and Robin Latimore. The concert sold over 550 tickets, breaking the previous record set by Grammy award-winning artist Samara Joy.

What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?

Callanwolde is the historic estate of the family of Charles Howard Candler from 1920 until 1959. Howard Candler was the oldest son of Asa Griggs Candler, the Atlanta pharmacist who purchased the rights to the formula for Coca-Cola. In the 1970s, the Callanwolde Foundation was established to save the abandoned historic estate from development. The facility was eventually purchased by DeKalb County and established as a community arts center, providing top-tier arts education opportunities for decades. In recent years, Callanwolde has expanded its mission to include a particular focus on reaching underserved communities. We aim to make our diverse range of arts education opportunities accessible, particularly to underserved groups such as low-income families, veterans, individuals facing housing insecurity, and people with disabilities. By investing in these communities, we are enriching Atlanta's cultural fabric and fostering a legacy of creativity and expression for future generations.

What kind of programming do you offer to the community?

ARTS EDUCATION: Classes for adults and children in pottery, painting, drawing, jewelry-making, blacksmithing, weaving, photography, and dance. We also host six weeks of art camp each summer for children and teens. Financial aid is available for all of our classes based on merit and need.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS (offered tuition-free to qualifying participants): Art classes for adults with disabilities, veterans, Title I & Title III students, and previously unhoused individuals and families.

COMMUNITY ART PROGRAMMING: Callanwolde provides opportunities for community engagement year-round through our Spring Concert Series, Jazz on the Lawn Concerts, and Winter House: a seasonal celebration and opportunity for themed workshops, performances, and decor enjoyment. Concerts provide an accessible opportunity for performing artist to showcase their artistry to the local community. Our outdoor amphitheater holds up to 550 guests.

ART GALLERY: Callanwolde continues to expand its presence within Atlanta’s vibrant arts ecosystem, strengthening its role as a platform for emerging, mid-career, and established artists. Our gallery not only showcases dynamic and thought-provoking exhibitions, but also remains dedicated to supporting arts education initiatives and other organizations that share our mission of fostering creative expression.

What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?

Callanwolde is dedicated to addressing the gap in access to high-quality arts education, ensuring that it is available to all members of the community, regardless of financial means or socio-economic background. Our focus is on making a diverse range of arts education opportunities accessible, particularly to underserved groups such as low-income families, veterans, individuals facing housing insecurity, and people with disabilities. By investing in these communities, we are enriching Atlanta's cultural fabric and fostering a legacy of creativity and expression for future generations. Another key aspect of our mission is the preservation and enjoyment of the historic Callanwolde estate. Established in the 1970s to save this important piece of Atlanta's history, our foundation maintains the estate’s scenic grounds for the public to enjoy. Callanwolde plays host to concerts, weddings, and community events, offering a space for connection, reflection, and artistic celebration.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?

Volunteers support our mission by enabling us to host large community-focused events despite our small staff. Volunteers are particularly helpful in staffing our Winter House holiday event in December and our spring and fall concerts. Not only do these events help create a space for connection, reflection, and artistic celebration, but they also earn revenue that we are then able to utilize in growing our underserved community engagement programming and financial aid. Volunteers are also key in helping us host Art Scholars camps, which invite up to 70 Title I 3rd - 5th graders to Callanwolde for week-long art camps. With only two full-time camp staff, volunteers are essential in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment during Art Scholars weeks.

What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?

Our biggest success has been the rapid expansion of our community engagement programming for Title I students. Thanks to the support from community funders and volunteers, we continue to be able to add additional Art Scholars camp days to the schedule, serving even more children who need somewhere safe to go during school breaks. We are also constantly exploring ways to expand our after-school art and dance programs into more schools. In 2024, we added an additional school to our Dance Progressions program, and launched a new visual arts program called Young Artists League.

How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?

Our volunteers needs vary greatly month to month since we are very event-based. In the spring and fall we typically need 10-15 volunteers per month to assist with concerts and Art Scholars camps. We also have a well-attended week of Art Scholars camp a the end of the summer, which can take up to 10 volunteers. In December, our Winter House event utilizes up to 30 volunteers over the course of three weekends. Volunteers typically assist with things like check in, greeting and way finding, assisting children with art projects, craft clean up, and general supervision of kids during camp. We encourage our volunteers to be as dynamic as our events are... one day you may be organizing a check in roster or giving directions around the campus, the next you may be putting up holiday decor or cutting out paper shapes for an art project!

What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.

Art Scholars Camp Assistants: Great for folks who like working with young kids and don't mind a little controlled chaos! Volunteers are needed to provide general supervision, as well as assist instructors in leading art projects throughout the day.

Concert Helpers: Perfect for more outgoing volunteers who enjoy making folks feel welcome. Volunteers are needed to help with guest check in, greeting and way finding, and breakdown. You also get to enjoy the music for free!

Winter House Helpers: Great for anyone who likes to spread some holiday cheer. Volunteers are needed to help with guest check in, greeting and way finding, light clean up, and decor prep.

Who is your volunteer manager, and what’s their favorite thing about working for your organization?

Our volunteer manager is Becca Gross. She enjoys being a part of the wide variety of events, classes, and other offerings that are always going on around Callanwolde, and the freedom to be creative in her role.

What do volunteers love about working with your organization?

Our volunteers love getting to give back to the community while enjoying such a unique and beautiful space.

What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?

We are really excited about some of the new community engagement classes we are planning to launch this year for veterans and folks looking for more therapy-informed art classes.

Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!

1. Join our volunteer email list at https://callanwolde.org/volunteer/. Our organization is constantly evolving and you never know when we may announce a new volunteer opportunity!

2. Our biggest volunteer need is with Art Scholars. If you are someone who loves working with children, please be on the lookout for the listing for our summer Art Scholars camp taking place in late July. It should be posted to Hands On Atlanta in the next few weeks.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc.

As one of our amazing nonprofit partners and a current agency in our Hands On Hunger program, Another Chance of Atlanta Inc. is working every day to meet people where they are and offer the resources they need to thrive. What started as a mission to support women in Atlanta has evolved to not only helping women, but now assisting men, families, veterans and ultimately anyone who may be in need. From providing food and housing in Fulton County to offering permanent supportive housing for veterans in Gwinnett and Clayton counties, their impact runs deep.

It’s not just about food or shelter—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and the belief that everyone deserves another chance.

We’re excited to partner with organizations like Another Chance of Atlanta who are building stronger, more equitable communities—one meal, one home, and one neighbor at a time.

Learn more about Another Chance of Atlanta below!

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Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?

Another Chance of Atlanta’s mission is to empower the community by providing a structural living environment, life enhancement skills and food to individuals and families seeking support. We empower individuals and families by helping them to navigate through life’s obstacles while at the same time addressing needs, removing barriers, providing resources and ultimately being a road map by guiding them towards independence and sustainability. This means a healthier and more productive community! This also means that those who are living with no income or even low-income can have access to resources that will help them live a better quality of life.

Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization?

Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc. provides housing and housing assistance to over 100 people each year. We also make it easy for over 300 people from our community to access food weekly.

What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?

Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc. started back in 2000 initially just being a supportive service provider for just women. Over the years we have evolved to not only helping women, but now we assist men, families, veterans and ultimately anyone who may be in need. We started because our executive director Rozell Green has a great passion for our community and helping those in need. Rozell knows first-hand what it is like to be homeless after being homeless with her 2 children. She identifies with the struggle and knows how difficult it was getting assistance. There weren't many for women and children and so this is what led her to starting Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc.

What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?

Our agency isn’t trying to solve one specific issue however, our core issues are helping to address and solve homelessness and food insecurity in metro Atlanta. There are many families and individuals who are homeless and hungry throughout metro Atlanta. We are an agency who is known for bringing resources and assistance directly to those affected. We understand that there are many barriers people face when trying to access resources. Our goal is to remove the red tape and all barriers so more people can get the assistance that they need.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?

Volunteers may support our mission by allowing us to utilize their expertise! Rather it be helping us to paint units for our homeless veterans or helping to distribute food; volunteers are a big component of our operations and they help us to be more efficient. As we host many events throughout the year we love to see volunteers get involved. The impact that volunteers have on our work is substantial. We can’t do the work without them. Volunteers help us to be able to assist on a much larger scale.

What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?

Our biggest highlight last year was us hitting our first year mark of our food pantry being open. We had a huge Back to School event outside of our food pantry during that same month that brought hundreds of people out. We were able to assist with food, back to school supplies and resources all in one spot! We had a lot of agencies and organizations out at our food pantry who partnered.

How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?

We utilize and need about 100 volunteers per month. We are known for bringing fun and positive energy. Volunteers assist us with getting food ready to be distributed and helping us to distribute the food each week. In addition, we also utilize volunteers to help us provide assistance to low-income families who may come into our office and we utilize volunteers to help with our housing programs; such as helping us to paint apartments for our low-income families and veterans. A day in the life as a volunteer with our organization could change depending on which event or opportunity you may be volunteering for. Each volunteer can expect to have fun and a great experience!

What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.

We offer projects at our food pantry, events, at our office or with any of our programming. Our biggest projects available are our weekly food pantry projects and our July Back to School event.

Who is your volunteer manager, and what’s their favorite thing about working for your organization?

Ms. Peaches is our volunteer manager. She is very motherly and loves to interact with our volunteers and to make sure that everyone is having a good time! Her favorite thing about working for our organization is our passion for the community and our commitment to serve.

“Volunteers love how we have fun! They also love how we engage and take the time to get to know each of them.”

— Michael Cornell

What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?

This year we will be adding more events and having more community vendors come out to set-up tables to bring more resources to the neighbors visiting our food pantry.

Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!

Readers can support us by signing up for any one of our events on the Hands On Atlanta website or by visiting the Volunteer With Us section of our website at anotherchanceofatlanta.org. If readers would like additional information or would like to communicate with us, please send us an email at info@anotherchanceofatlanta.org

ATL is in Good Hands - the 2025 High Five Party

On April 17—yes, actual National High Five Day—we threw up our hands (literally) and celebrated Atlanta’s all-star volunteers the only way we know how: with food, fun, and a whole lotta gratitude.

The High Five Party made its triumphant return, this time doubling as a fundraiser to fuel the fire our volunteers light in communities across the city. We packed out The Painted Pickle with ping-pong, pickleball, putt-putt, and pure joy. There were good eats (seriously, the waffle fries are insane), cold drinks, great music, and more than a few friendly competitions (shout out to our own Trey Stanley aka Mr. Discovery for the Highest High Five).

But the true highlight? Our awards program, where we hit pause on the games to shine the spotlight on some of Atlanta’s most inspiring changemakers. Let’s meet the winners:

Left to right: Jay Cranman, Monica Taylor, Jennifer Smith, Predita Lundy, David Jernigan

🎉 Corporate Champion Award: Jennifer Smith, OneDigital

Presented by the incredible Elizabeth Chrane, this award recognized Jennifer’s unwavering dedication to corporate volunteerism and creating a culture of service at OneDigital.

🎉 School Legacy Award: Monnica Taylor, Kindezi at Gideons

Presented by the amazing Angeleria Willis, Monnica was honored for going above and beyond to empower her students and bring meaningful volunteer partnerships into the classroom.

🎉 Nonprofit Legacy Award: Grady Health

With words of admiration from Hands On Atlanta Board Chair, Adrienne White, we celebrated Grady Health for its deep-rooted commitment to health equity and community partnership that spans decades.

🎉 Founder’s Award: David Jernigan, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Presented by none other than Michelle Nunn, this special award went to David for his visionary leadership and lifelong devotion to building brighter futures for Atlanta’s youth.

These honorees aren’t just names on plaques—they’re the heartbeat of this movement. The ones who rally teams, ignite change, and make it their mission to leave Atlanta better than they found it.

And speaking of impact… in just the first few months of 2025:

• We’ve activated 60,000 volunteers

• Our 52 AmeriCorps members clocked over 250,000 service hours

• 30 Civic Leaders engaged 2,000+ neighbors

• And our top volunteers contributed thousands of hours to local causes

So yeah, a party was very necessary.

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The High Five Party means we can give high fives all year long at volunteer projects, events, meal distributions and more.

Give here to keep the good work going.

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To everyone who came out to celebrate, to cheer, to play, to give—thank you. This night was for you. And to everyone who supports this mission year-round: you’re helping us build an Atlanta where service is second nature and high fives are a love language.

Until next time… high fives all around. 👋💥

Thank you to our Host Committee

• Michelle Nunn & Ron Martin

• Elise Eplan

• Amber & Frank Hall

• Allyson Eman

• Jay & Brendalee Cranman

• Tara and Rahul Naya

• Barbara and Nick Costides

• Beth Cabrera

• Chloe Barzey

An extra special Thank You to our sponsors

Meet Beverly Rice - A volunteer bringing literacy to the forefront

I’m thrilled to spotlight volunteer Beverly Rice, a lifelong advocate for literacy and equity who brings her passion and expertise to every volunteer opportunity she takes on.

Beverly generously gives her time to an incredible list of organizations, and she’s committed to creating a more informed, empowered, and connected community.

A former reading specialist of over 20 years, Beverly continues to share her gift by helping others discover the power of reading. And the impact goes both ways, volunteering has deepened her sense of purpose and fulfillment: “To share my gift of reading with so many others helps me to know that my living is not in vain.”

We are beyond grateful to have Beverly in our volunteer community. She is a shining example of what it means to serve with heart, purpose, and vision for a better Atlanta.

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Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

RICEIncLiteracy, Atlanta-Fulton County Library Foundation, Democratic Party of Georgia, Fulton County Democratic Party, Georgia Association of Educators- Retired

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

The lack of educational skills and the need for job training is the most pressing need in Atlanta.

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

What I love most about the organization I volunteer with is the difference it makes in n the lives of others. I believe developing proficiency in reading is an avenue to empower a community to a more enhanced life.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

I have always known the power of reading. I was a reading specialist for over twenty years. To share my gift of reading with so many others helps me to know that “ my living is not in vain”.

“Reading is the one essential aspect of life that can transform your mind, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”

— Beverly Rice

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

Although I am a retired educator, I continue to work with students in low-performing schools to ensure they are receiving skills that will prepare them for life.

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

Volunteering is simply sharing the Gift that God has placed within you with others. As I hear those whom I have taught say to me, “it’s because of you”. I know that what I am doing is worth the sacrifices I har made.

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

Atlanta is a place where there are both opportunities and needs. My children and grandchildren are all a part of the Atlanta fabric. My favorite places in Atlanta are the parks. I love the outdoor space. To visit the various parks and explore nature is awe inspiring.

“Volunteering is enriching. When you are assisting others, it takes your mind away from negative thoughts and experiences to a rich, rewarding life.”

— Beverly Rice

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

Every Saturday in the month of April I will be at the Adamsville-Collier Heights Library imparting reading skills to adults. The time is from 10:00am-12:00pm!

Nonprofit Spotlight: City Bridges Food Pantry

When you see a need in your community, you step up, and that’s exactly what New City Church did nearly 20 years ago when it launched City Bridges Food Pantry. What started as a small outreach effort has grown into a vital resource for over 4,000 families monthly facing food insecurity across Atlanta.

In 2024, the agency distributed nearly 950,000 pounds of food distributed to more than 50,000 people in need. That’s not just food—it’s stability, it’s care, and it’s compassion delivered right to the doorstep of those who need it most.

We’re thrilled to celebrate partners like City Bridges Food Pantry who show us what’s possible when purpose and community come together.

Learn more about City Bridges Food Pantry below!

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Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?

Our mission is to fight hunger and nourish hope by providing access to nutritious food and essential resources to individuals and families in need. Through compassion, community partnerships, and dignity-driven service, we strive to alleviate food insecurity and foster a stronger, more resilient community. We've had feedback from several clients stating they appreciate being treated with compassion, kindness and respect and they are very grateful for the consistent help they receive.

What kind of programming do you offer to the community?

City Bridges offers two food pantries, one in Fairburn and the other in Peachtree City that distribute food two days per week and serve over 4,000 people monthly.

What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?

The Atlanta Community Food Bank reports that 1 in 6 children will go to bed hungry tonight and 1 in 9 Georgians is food insecure. We are partnering with Atlanta Community Food Bank to help fight hunger in our community.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?

Hands On Atlanta volunteers have played a vital role in the operation of our pantry. From picking up donations and unloading trucks to packaging food and assisting with distribution, their support has been invaluable. We truly couldn’t do what we do without them.

What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?

Our pantry has served over 50,000 people in need over the past year. This number has risen annually and our challenges have been very real, but God has enabled us to keep meeting the needs both emotional and physical in our community in spite of the challenges and this is a wonderful thing.

How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?

We have 200 volunteer opportunities per month. Volunteers are greeted by our volunteer coordinator and given the instruction they need to fulfill the task that best suits them. They are then partnered with our regular volunteers to complete their task.

“Terry is our volunteer coordinator. He has a genuine love for people and enjoys interacting with the volunteers and serving our clients.”

— City Bridges Staff

What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.

Our volunteer projects include unloading donations from the trucks, sorting and packaging food for distribution, delivering and loading food into cars. Volunteers can also help package backpack meals to be delivered to a local school for students who have been identified with significant food insecurity.

What do volunteers love about working with your organization?

Our volunteers love knowing they are doing something that is making a tangible difference for someone in need

What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?

We are excited to be purchasing an additional truck to make donation pick ups much more efficient and increase the capacity to serve more people.

Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!

We welcome volunteers to join us in receiving, packaging and distributing food to our neighbors as the need continues to rise.

Meet Wanda Lee - A Champion for Community Wellness

I’m excited to spotlight an amazing volunteer: Wanda Lee! Wanda leads with compassion and unwavering dedication, always showing up with heart and purpose to serve Atlanta’s communities.

By day, she’s a Director at Elevance Health, where her work supports the well-being of others on a professional level. But her impact doesn’t stop when the workday ends, after hours, Wanda continues to uplift others through her volunteer service, focusing especially on improving both physical and mental health in underserved communities.

Learn more about Wanda’s love of volunteering below!

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Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

American Red Cross, Black Girls Smile, Hands On Atlanta

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

For me, in Atlanta, pressing needs include addressing physical and mental health challenges that disproportionately affect certain communities. These issues contribute to health disparities, especially in areas with limited access to resources, impacting critical areas such as homelessness, employment, safety, and mental health awareness. Efforts to improve access to care and support are essential in tackling these challenges, resources, and impacting areas like homelessness, employment, and safety and mental awareness’s.

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

I thoroughly enjoy volunteering with Elizabeth Baptist Church, Hands On Atlanta, and the American Red Cross. Each organization offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community. What do I love most about volunteering with these organizations? I appreciate their commitment to serving diverse community needs, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing essential services to those in need. Why do I volunteer with them? I volunteer with these organizations because they align with my values of compassion and community service. Their impactful work inspires me to contribute my time and skills to help create positive change for individuals and the community as a whole.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

My dedication to volunteering has enriched my life and opened pathways to significant impacts on those around me. I encourage everyone to explore how they can serve and connect with their communities. Together, we can create positive change.

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

Volunteering in the community has allowed you to develop a variety of valuable skills and experiences, including:

• Communication Skills: Engaging with diverse groups and conveying information effectively.

• Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which is crucial in community service.

• Leadership and Teamwork: Leading volunteer initiatives and collaborating with others towards common goals.

• Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges that arise in community service projects. Organizational Skills: Planning and coordinating events and activities efficiently.

• Cultural Awareness: Working with and understanding people from diverse backgrounds.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Managing unexpected situations with flexibility and perseverance.

• Networking: Building relationships with other community members and organizations.

• Public Speaking: Sharing information and raising awareness about community issues with groups and audiences.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Developing a desire to become a Life Coach to support physical and mental wellness awareness in the community.

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

Reflecting on my journey, one memorable highlight is witnessing the profound impact of my efforts during a community event, such as the American Red Cross's Home Fire Campaign. I recall the day I helped install smoke alarms in a neighborhood with limited resources. Seeing the relief and gratitude on the faces of families, knowing that my actions had directly contributed to their safety and peace of mind, was incredibly fulfilling. This experience not only reinforced my commitment to volunteering but also sparked my desire to become a Life Coach, aiming to further aid in the community's physical and mental well-being. Sharing this story can inspire others by demonstrating how even small actions in volunteering can lead to significant, life-changing outcomes for both the individuals served and the volunteers themselves. It shows the power of community service in making a tangible difference and encourages others to take a step towards volunteering, knowing that their involvement matters.

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

I love Atlanta for its vibrant church community, which offers a deep sense of belonging and support. The city’s rich history is another aspect I truly appreciate, especially in how it shapes our present and future. Atlanta's HBCUs are sources of pride and inspiration, fostering education and leadership in the community. The culture and camaraderie here are unparalleled, showcasing diversity and unity. Some of my favorite things about Atlanta include exploring its unique neighborhoods, enjoying local festivals, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s dining at diverse eateries, visiting historic landmarks, or engaging in cultural events, there's always something enriching to experience in this dynamic city.

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

Based on my experiences, my advice to someone interested in volunteering is to start by identifying causes you’re passionate about, as this will make the experience more fulfilling and meaningful. Look into local organizations or community groups that align with your interests, such as those related to health, education, or community support. Don’t hesitate to reach out and express your interest; organizations welcome new volunteers and will guide you on how to contribute effectively. Be open to learning and adapting, as volunteering can present both rewarding and challenging situations that will help you grow. Remember, your contributions, no matter how small they seem, can have a significant impact on both the community and your personal growth. Lastly, embrace the opportunity to connect with others, build relationships, and learn from diverse perspectives, as these interactions enrich your volunteering journey and expand your understanding of the community you’re supporting.

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

In April, I volunteered at the New Life Community Alliance, and I'd like to share my experiences and how others can get involved. On April 1, 2025, I served as a Food Box Packer. This role involved preparing and organizing food boxes for families in need. I contributed three hours to this effort, working alongside others who were equally dedicated to ensuring that essential resources reached those who needed them most. Additionally, on March 29, 2025, I participated in the Praise Salon event, also with the New Life Community Alliance. These experiences reinforced the importance of community service and the positive impact we can make together. For those interested in joining similar efforts or getting involved, I recommend reaching out to local organizations like the New Life Community Alliance. They are often looking for volunteers for various roles and events, offering plenty of opportunities to contribute. Even if you missed these specific events, there are always upcoming chances to volunteer and make a difference. Your involvement can bring valuable support to the community while providing a rewarding experience for yourself.

Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good! 

To those interested in volunteering, here’s what I'd like our community to know about my service and commitment: Volunteering as a Passion: It gives me purpose and helps make our community a better place by encouraging service and engagement. Personal and Community Benefits: Volunteering improves social connections, provides a sense of meaning, and boosts physical health. Active Participation: I've contributed to the New Life Community Alliance, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, and Elizabeth Baptist Church, addressing diverse community needs. Memorable Impact: Installing smoke alarms during the Home Fire Campaign was particularly fulfilling, reinforcing my commitment to serve and inspiring me to become a Life Coach for enhancing well-being. Inspiration to Others: I hope to inspire others to volunteer, showing how even small actions can lead to significant changes. Ongoing Dedication: Each experience strengthens my resolve to continue serving and supporting the community. I encourage everyone to get involved, knowing their efforts are invaluable in making a positive difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community.

Meet Ashley Cole - A Volunteer Leading with Empathy & Compassion

Meet Ashley Cole, a powerhouse of purpose whose volunteer journey is rooted in compassion, community, and a deep love for Atlanta. For Ashley, giving back isn’t just a pastime—it’s transformed the way she lives, leads, and connects with others. When she’s not girl bossing as a IT Technical Content Creator, you can find her all throughout Atlanta enjoying the city and volunteering to help the unhoused!

Learn more about Ashley in our interview below!

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Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

I enjoy volunteering with different organizations, but some of the recent ones include Partners In Change, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and Hope Atlanta.

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

Education and the unsheltered community are my top two causes. Education is truly the key to opportunity. Once you learn something, it can never be taken from you, but you can always give it away—it is truly the gift that keeps on giving. As an Atlanta resident, I’ve seen the effects of homelessness up close. Simple tasks become incredibly difficult when you don’t have don’t have a home to stabilize yourself. No matter your background, level of education, or circumstance, I believe that everyone should have a home to call their own.

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

I love volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. I usually volunteer here with my coworkers a few times throughout the year. The employees and volunteers there are so high spirited, which makes the experience so much fun. They play music during the shift, and everyone is just having a good time, working together to sort and pack food and other goods. At the end of the shift, they tell us how many pounds of food we packed up, which makes you feel so good about the work you did!

“I have benefited from volunteering just as much as the communities and individuals that I’ve served. It’s an exchange that allows us to pour into one another.”

— Ashley Cole

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

My life overall feels so much more fulfilling. I truly feel honored to serve those who need and also deserve an opportunity to thrive. I look at every interaction differently now. I want to be the same person while I’m volunteering and when I’m not. My heart has been softened and my values have been strengthened.

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

My patience, empathy, and leadership skills have been deepened. When volunteering, you must have grace for everyone, from the volunteer coordinators to those receiving the service(s). Everyone’s heart is in the right place, so be flexible with your expectations. You also have to jump in wherever necessary and be ready to make decisions that will keep things running smoothly.

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

Earlier this year, I volunteered to do a census for the unsheltered. Almost every person I encountered said “thank you” and “I love you!” I was so touched by their words and I know they were touched by the work we were doing. That experience was the catalyst for ramping up my volunteer efforts this year.

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

There’s no place like Atlanta. I love the people, the history, the culture, and everything in between. If you are good to this city, it will be good to you. My favorite places to go are The High Museum, Westside Park, and Gusto for a bite to eat. My favorite person is Mayor Dickens. I love the work he’s doing with the youth and our unsheltered communities, such as the midnight basketball tournaments and opening of the Melody.

“I would encourage anyone who’s interested to just jump in. If you’re not sure where to start, just pick an activity and go from there. No matter what you do, your time and efforts will go towards something good, which will make you feel good. Volunteering is a great way to connect and build community in an authentic way, and everyone needs community now more than ever.”

— Ashley Cole

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

As a proud former student of Spelman College, I will be volunteering for Founder’s Day mid month! Aside from that, you can find volunteer opportunities for the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and special student events on their website.

Meet Beatrice Jones - A Young Leader Bringing Joy Everywhere She Serves!

Say hey to Beatrice Jones — a Sophomore in high school and a total rockstar volunteer!
When she’s not kicking goals on the soccer field, she’s out in the community making an even bigger impact. Beatrice is a regular with First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta’s Community Ministries, City of Refuge, and Make-A-Wish Georgia — talk about a service superstar! She's passionate about fighting homelessness, helping others, and rallying her friends to join in too. Funny, creative, and full of heart, Beatrice is proof that young people are leading the way and having fun while they’re at it.

Learn more about Beatrice in our interview below!

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

One of the issues that I care about is homelessness. I see the impact of homelessness each week through my volunteering with my church. I've come to understand that it is something that is hard to escape. Many of the people who come to the breakfast have been coming for many years. They also tend to have challenges that are hard to overcome. I also care about it because being present and giving someone who's homeless a chance to interact, and hopefully get inspired, is really important to me. Bringing people joy while they are experiencing it means a lot to me.

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

What I love most about volunteering with First Presbyterian Church's community ministries is that it is also part of my church, and so the people I help, I also see worshipping with me. It's not that I am only serving them; I am also growing in my faith with these people. This makes it even more special. We are also interacting and building connections. What I also like is that there are a lot of different volunteer roles and people of all ages get involved, so it brings the community together. People who like to cook and plate the food can do that. People who like to interact with the guests can serve coffee and plates of food. I think it's unique that children can participate from a young age. And this also makes it fun. I started passing out cups for juice and coffee when I was two. Now I've got young kids working on the line with me.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has made me more perceptive and aware of the differences in people's lives and the challenges they face. It also has influenced me to look for the positive in situations. Because I've been volunteering from a very young age, it's also taught me to seek out and interact with other people, and to look for creative ways to be of service or bring others happiness. Just in every day life and daily situations, not necessarily through volunteering.

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

The biggest skills that I have honed as a volunteer are efficiency, creativity, and patience. Though I'm still working on patience! I've learned to find efficiency when there are a lot of things to get done (e.g., make sure everyone gets fed, serve seconds, clean up and set up for a worship service) and there's a limited amount of time. I've honed creativity through trying to be efficient. Serving at the breakfast challenges me to continually think outside the box about how to do things better and offer a more meaningful experience to our guests. During COVID this involved experimenting with many different ways of packing and distributing to-go bags. Volunteering also continues to teach me patience. I work with a lot of little kids and new people on the line when we're trying to serve more than 200 guests in a short period of time. I've needed to learn how to communicate with others in a way that they can understand and to be okay when things may not exactly go how I would have planned.

“What I love most about Atlanta is that you can have so many different experience all within the city. There are great restaurants, cool parks, and people from all over who bring many different perspectives. There are a lot of different things to do that allow you to participate in your community. It is also a place where I can make connections across school and sports and church and volunteering that help deepen my sense of community and enrich my experience with the community.”

— Beatrice Jones

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

Some of my most memorable moments have come when I have invited friends to go with me. The guests always ask if they are my sibling. Whenever I've responded that, no, they are just someone who also wanted to come, I've been inspired to see how their eyes light up. They ask about my friends' stories and find a small way to connect. My sense is that they may not have a lot of interactions like the ones at the breakfast and to know that other people care and want to be part of the experience means a lot to them. It's inspiring, too, because my friends continue to come back and to be part of this community. Another memorable experience has been to see the journey of one of the men who I've seen over many years. When I first met him before COVID, he was usually on drugs and I would watch him take more of the snacks and food than he was supposed to. Now I see him drug free and sharing about his life at our youth group. I also see him volunteering in community ministries and supporting other guests.

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

My biggest piece of advice would be to find something that interests you. Then you'll be spending your time with something you really enjoy. It doesn't need to be done out of obligation. It should come from what brings you joy. It's meaningful to find the joy in serving because that's when you'll feel most connected to what you are doing.

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

We are always looking for people to come out and join us at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on Sunday mornings. We serve a hot breakfast of grits, sausage biscuit and eggs, juice and coffee to more than 200 folks who are homeless or in temporary housing. You can help with serving juice, coffee and plates of food. Or you can work on the line. There are lots of options. You'll meet a great group of volunteers from across Atlanta. Plan to arrive before 6.30 a.m. (yes, it's early) and you'll be done by 8 a.m. It's great fellowship and a lot of fun. There's also a nice Starbucks around the corner for a refreshing drink afterwards. You can learn more here: https://www.firstpresatl.org/community-ministries#Volunteer.

Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good! 

I've been getting up at 5.45 a.m. and going to the breakfast at First Presbyterian Church a few Sundays a month since I was two years old. I even try to get there on Sunday mornings now when I have 9 a.m. soccer matches. My younger sister goes, too, and we've recruited a posse of kids from the church who are there as frequently as we are. Sometimes the average height on the food service line is about 5 feet. I am grateful for all of the adults who've made a special investment in me and my being there. From the beginning it was a lot of fun and that kept me coming back. I want to give a special shout out to Mr. David who made rubber glove balloons for us each week when we were little and whose grits are one of the main reasons all the guests keep coming back to this day.