THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
AmeriCorps Spotlight: Kennedi Smith
Meet AmeriCorps Member Kennedi Smith! While working on her Master’s Degree at Georgia State, she serves as a Student Success Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta. Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!
We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Kennedi Smith! Kennedi is a Changemaker passionate about helping others thrive. While working on her Master’s Degree at Georgia State, she serves as a Student Success Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta. Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!
Check out the interview below!
Why did you join AmeriCorps?
I joined AmeriCorps because I wanted to give back to my community in a meaningful way while also gaining hands-on experience in education and public health. Serving as a Student Success Coach allows me to pour into students the same way others poured into me, and to help close gaps in learning and confidence for young people.
What do you like most about working with your students?
What I like most about working with my students is the comfortable environment I’ve been able to create with them. When they run up to me just to share something small, give me a hug, or call my name, it really makes my day. Even though the school year just started, I’ve already seen little pieces of advice—like reminding them it’s okay to ask the teacher for help or encouraging them to come out of their shell—make a difference. Watching them grow, even in small ways, is what I enjoy most.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to grow as both a mentor and a professional. This role will strengthen my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also giving me a deeper understanding of the challenges students face. Ultimately, I want to take these experiences with me into my future career in health education and promotion.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself working in public health—designing programs that promote mental health, wellness, and education for underserved communities. I also hope to be in a position where I’m still mentoring young people, because that’s something I’ve found I truly enjoy.
“I hope to grow as both a mentor and a professional. This role will strengthen my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also giving me a deeper understanding of the challenges students face. Ultimately, I want to take these experiences with me into my future career in health education and promotion.”
What do you love about Atlanta?
I love Atlanta because it’s truly shaped who I am. Growing up here, I was surrounded by diversity and got to see people who looked like me in every position, which taught me early on that I could do anything. The city’s resilience and culture gave me a sense of pride and drive that I carry with me today. Now, being able to serve students in the same city that raised me feels full circle, and it means a lot to give back to a place that’s poured so much into me.
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 more!
9/11 Day 2025: Remembering the Good!
On Thursday, September 11, close to 1,400 volunteers spent the day at Mercedes Benz Stadium packing more than 607, 000 meals for families across metro Atlanta, commemorating the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
Photos by Montyangelo Productions
For the past six years, Hands On Atlanta has gone big to honor the 9/11 Day of Remembrance—a national day of service created to “take back the day” and remind us what’s possible when we unite in service.
This year, our community showed up in a powerful way.
More than 1,400 volunteers came together to pack an incredible 607,192 meals!
Every single one of those meals will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to be shared with families facing food insecurity across our region. That’s real impact, powered by people who care.
For this year’s event we teamed up with Meals of Hope, Brave Public Relations, the Mercedes Benz Stadium, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank (the recipient of the 600,000+ meals) for a meaningful and fun day of service. The energy was electric all day long with our guest emcees—Karyn Greer (WSB-TV anchor), Cheryl Preheim (11Alive anchor), Michele Grear (Atlanta Community Food Bank), and the one and only DJ Smoov, keeping spirits high! We closed out the day with remarks from Greg Sims (Atlanta Community Food Bank) with a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together, uniting in service and creating change!
Across three shifts, volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder with community leaders and first responders, proving that service is stronger when we do it together. Each shift joined in a moment of silence, followed by performances of “America the Beautiful” by Benjamin Mays High School Choir and Hands On Atlanta’s own Jemarlo Brown!
Learn more about 9/11 Day and how you can get involved at www.911day.org and for more meal packing opportunities and events or to discover other ways to fight food insecurity across metro Atlanta visit www.handsonatlanta.org/food.
feeling inspired?
We’re just getting started with our Fall season line up of service. Next up, we’re keeping the Hunger Action Month momentum alive with 5,000 volunteers at State Farm Arena for the Million Meal Pack on September 27, 2025.
After, you don’t have to wait to do something good. From October 4 -11, 2025, we’re teaming up with The Same House for Hands On Atlanta Week - Atlanta’s biggest week of service. There are hundreds of opportunities and events you can sign up for addressing food insecurity, education, environmental sustainability and more throughout the week.
AmeriCorps Spotlight: Maia Newhouse
Maia leads with heart, purpose, and a spirit that uplifts everyone around her. Whether she’s building connections, stepping up to lead, or lending a hand to her peers, Maia brings intention and positivity to everything she does. She’s a graduate of the University of West Georgia, and a Teaching Assistant through our AmeriCorps program!
Y’all, we are so excited to introduce you to this month’s AmeriCorps Member Spotlight, Maia Newhouse!
Maia leads with heart, purpose, and a spirit that uplifts everyone around her. Whether she’s building connections, stepping up to lead, or lending a hand to her peers, Maia brings intention and positivity to everything she does. She’s a graduate of the University of West Georgia, and a Teaching Assistant through our AmeriCorps program! Her drive to create meaningful change and her ability to work alongside others makes her a true force for good.
We’re proud to celebrate Maia’s leadership and the impact she’s making every day. Check out our interview below!
Why did you join AmeriCorps?
I joined the Ameri Corps because it gave me a way to serve students and also provided time for me to figure out what's next. While exposing me to new opportunities and growing my leadership skills.
What do you like most about working with your students?
The thing I like most while working with my students is the unmatched joy they possess. Kids have a way of smiling through the rain naturally & finding joy in the simplest things. They’re my daily reminder of how great life is.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the education system and understand why there’s such a gap with this new generation. To be able to see the effects of COVID and be part of the solution is unmatched.
“In five years I see myself with a masters degree and living in D.C to chase my dreams of being the next White House Press Secretary. While also launching my collegiate giveback initiative.”
When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?
I LOVE mini golf and brunch!!! My perfect day would be to sleep in, leave around 1:30pm for brunch, then go to a mini golf course and lastly end the night with a movie.
What do you love about Atlanta?
The one thing no other city can top is WINGS!!! I’ve traveled this country and I can confirm no one does a wing like Atlanta(extra crispy & extra wet).
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 2025-26 term.
Congratulations to our 2025 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leaders!
We are thrilled to share that the 2025 cohort of Civic Fellows have graduated as Civic Leaders! On Wednesday, June 11, our Civic Fellows completed their commitment to making Atlanta more engaged and equitable with a graduation ceremony at the Georgia State Stadium!
On Wednesday, June 11, we gathered at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium to celebrate an amazing group of changemakers, our 2025 Civic Leadership cohort. After eight months of service, growth, and impact, they've graduated from Civic Fellows and stepped into their new role as Civic Leaders.
From October to May, this dynamic group led hands-on projects alongside nonprofit partners, invested in monthly leadership and professional development workshops, and collectively raised an incredible $29,394 to support Hands On Atlanta.
Now, with sharpened skills and deeper connections, they’re stepping forward to lead with purpose, creating a more equitable and engaged Atlanta!
Check out the nonprofits supported this year:
Fellows also supported some of our partner Title 1 schools through our Discovery program.
Wednesday was full of fun, with our proud sponsor of the Civic Leadership Program, Constellation joining us for the day! First their team served with nonprofit partner Urban Recipe, and later attended the graduation, bringing gifts for the graduates! The graduation ceremony included an energetic recap from graduates Crystal Ivey, Jarred Rankin, and Jessica Mitchell, sharing moving stories of impact!. Program alumna Shameka Fahie (Class of 2024) returned to share insights on navigating “Life After the Civic Leadership Program,” inspiring this year’s graduates to carry their experiences forward. The event concluded with a powerful keynote from Amal Yusuf, a member of the Hands On Atlanta Board of Directors, who spoke to the lasting value of civic leadership and community-driven change.
Along with highlighting the impact created by our fellows and memorable words shared by leading Atlanta influencers, recognition was given to the top fundraisers and the recipients of this year’s Impact Award.
Top Fundraisers
Jarred Rankin ($10,000 from 1 Supporter)
Lauren Matthews ($2,180 from 67 Supporters)
$1,000 Club
Tyisha Johnson ($1,090 from 37 Supporters)
Celene Craig ($1,015 from 32 Supporters)
Nicolle Holt ($1,400 from 17 Supporters)
Gia Adkins ($1,120 from 19 Supporters)
Jennifer Smith ($1,325 from 14 Supporters)
Olivia Buckmon ($1,175 from 13 Supporters)
Impact Awardees
Chaucey Kelsey
Claire Dent
Joanne Louis
Kinnis Leonard
Tiana Thomas
We’re excited to see the impact our 2025 cohort continues to create across metro Atlanta.
To learn more about the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program visit https://www.handsonatlanta.org/civic-leadership
Applications are open for the 25-26 cohort. Deadline July 11, 2025
The Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation is 10-month, immersive professional development/leadership training program that builds community leaders while supporting the needs of nonprofit and school partners. Civic Fellows get hands-on experience and also participate in leadership training and mentoring provided by Hands On Atlanta staff, program alumni and partners.
SCIENCE + SMILES - 4th Annual Discovery Pop Up
If you’ve ever seen a child light up while building a rocket, creating art, or learning how to calm their mind—you’ve seen our Discovery in action.
On April 19, 2025, we wrapped up another fun and meaningful Discovery season with our 4th Annual Discovery Pop Up Celebration—a day full of smiles, energy, and love for our amazing students. From hands-on activities to sweet treats, the celebration was all about honoring the hard work and curiosity of our young learners.
If you’ve ever seen a child light up while building a rocket, creating art, or learning how to calm their mind—you’ve seen our Discovery in action.
Discovery is Hands On Atlanta’s longest-running education program. It serves nearly 1,000 K–5 students from Title I schools across metro Atlanta, two Saturdays a month from October through April. Each session is packed with engaging activities that focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), social-emotional learning, and health and wellness.
We believe learning should be joyful and hands-on—and Discovery is all about making that happen.
On April 19, 2025, we wrapped up another fun and meaningful Discovery season with our 4th Annual Discovery Pop Up Celebration—a day full of smiles, energy, and love for our amazing students. From hands-on activities to sweet treats, the celebration was all about honoring the hard work and curiosity of our young learners. The space was buzzing with excitement—families, volunteers, and partners all came together to make it something special.
Big thanks to our presenting sponsor, Kennesaw State University, for helping us bring this day to life!
Shoutout to Our Community Partners
We couldn’t have pulled this off without the amazing local partners who joined us:
Welgen One
Welgen One shared tips and tools to help families stay healthy and active.
8 Legged Scales
8 Legged Scales brought out their reptiles and wowed students with an up-close look at some pretty cool creatures.
Frozen Sweets
Frozen Sweets kept everyone cool and happy with their delicious frozen treats.
Sweet Magnolia & Parklounge
Sweet Magnolia brought organic juices and sweets, while Parklounge brought meals!
FB4K
Free Bikes 4 Kidz gave away 25 bikes to our Discovery scholars!
It’s these kinds of partnerships that make our work possible—and remind us what community really means.
Until Next Season…
Every Discovery Saturday is a reminder of how much potential lives in our students—and how powerful it is when a village shows up to support them. We’re incredibly proud of all they’ve learned and achieved this year.
The celebration may be over, but the impact of Discovery lasts all year long. We can’t wait to do it all again in October!
Support Discovery
Support one of our most popular and impactful programs with a corporate sponsorship or individual donation! Any size contribution will help. From financial to in-kind support, the program thrives off of community involvement.
Nonprofit Spotlight: Star-C
We’re excited to spotlight on our amazing partners - Star-C. Founded in 2014, Star-C is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta with a mission to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children, and ultimately improve the quality of life for both individuals and neighborhoods.
We’re excited to spotlight on our amazing partners - Star-C. Founded in 2014, Star-C is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta with a mission to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children, and ultimately improve the quality of life for both individuals and neighborhoods.
In 2024, they continued to thrive with afterschool and summer camp enrichment for approximately 200 elementary students to wellness initiatives, eviction relief, and senior citizen programs serving over 2,200 residents! Star-C fosters effective collaborations with nonprofit partners, municipal resources, and critical service providers to break the cycle of transiency in underserved neighborhoods.
Star-C is a tremendous asset to the affordable housing community, providing essential services and support that empower families, enhance neighborhoods, and foster stability and growth for the community as a whole.
Learn more about Star-C in our interview with both Aleksandra Lesher & Keya Oates!
Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?
Founded in 2014, Star-C is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta with a mission to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children, and ultimately improve the quality of life for both individuals and neighborhoods. Our vision is to create affordable communities of choice. We achieve this by partnering with conscientious landlords committed to offering well-maintained, affordable housing for working families, many of whom live near the poverty line. Star-C's programs are housed at on-site community centers which host our suite of wraparound services. Our on-site presence offers convenience for residents to participate, overcoming barriers such as transportation and cost, and builds trust within the community. Those we serve are primarily working families, many who live near the poverty line. The needs of these communities are great; many low-income families struggle with income sufficiency, food security, mental and physical health, safe housing, employment opportunities, transportation, and more. The lack of all or some of these essential needs can be severely detrimental to a family’s wellbeing and can lead to family instability and ultimately poverty. Star-C’s programs are an important component contributing to family wellbeing, which leads to family stability and improved health outcomes of residents.
What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Founded in 2014 by Margaret (Marjy) Stagmeier, Star-C is a collaborative, nonprofit 501(c)3 providing affordable apartment community residents with free educational, wellness, food security, and eviction relief programs. Star-C’s program model is simple and unique: reduce transiency by keeping families stable, in an affordable housing environment, with access to educational support and affordable medical services, and they will have the highest chance to thrive. Our “community-centered model” results in decreased transiency for apartment communities and schools, establishes strong bonds within communities, decreases expenses for families, and provides educational support for elementary students. One of the biggest determinants of an under-performing school is transiency (movement of a student out of a learning environment after a short period of time) and one of the biggest transiency factors is the lack of affordable housing. Every time a student moves, they lose three months of a nine-month school calendar. A Government Accountability Office study found that families who did not own their home made up 39% of the most highly mobile students. Last year, Star-C expanded its programming through the addition of properties in Clayton County (The Flats & Villas at Mt. Zion – including a community specifically for individuals aged 65+), another property in Cobb County (Amber Grove) and our largest property yet, Redwood Ridge in Forest Park, with 593 units. Each property utilizes the Star-C model of our other properties, wherein we provide our signature suite of services to bolster families and communities and fully address their needs in a variety of ways.
What kind of programming do you offer to the community?
Afterschool & Summer Camp - Led by a Site Director and an Assistant Site Director, these programs are designed to provide a safe, community-based place for children to be while their families are at work. During the school year, students are met at the bus and receive homework assistance, the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, and a structured curriculum incorporating an emphasis on mental/emotional wellbeing and free play. Our summer camp provides a similar environment, at the same onsite location, with the addition of field trips and additional nutrition support in the form of breakfast and lunch. By alleviating the burden of childcare costs and providing high-quality educational support, Star-C’s programs help working families achieve greater economic stability. Parents can go to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. This support is crucial for families living near the poverty line, as it helps them to break the cycle of poverty and transiency by enabling consistent employment and economic self-sufficiency. Star-C hosted Afterschool & Summer Camp programs at all full-service sites, supporting nearly 200 underserved children who benefitted from almost 1,400 donated volunteer hours and were provided over 93,000 curriculum hours of learning. Average daily attendance by site for 2023-24 programs was: Willow Branch-38, Stratford Ridge-39, Amber Grove-20, The Flats & Villas at Mt. Zion-34, Redwood Ridge-31, Springview/Summerdale-30. All children participating in Summer Camp enjoyed a range of field trips- such as roller skating, bowling, splash pads, movies, and outings to Six Flags, Stone Mountain Park, and Zoo Atlanta.
• Health & Wellness - Health & wellness programs operate year-round with a goal to provide, at minimum, one event per property per quarter. Star-C collaborates with organizations such as UnitedHealthcare, JenCare, C.O.R.E., Grady Healthcare, Family Health Center at Cobb, Morehouse School of Medicine, Medcura, and others to implement wellness programs at its sites. Star-C successfully implemented wellness events at all program sites, including free checkups, health screenings, vaccinations and more, provided by local doctors. Strategically located on-site at the apartment communities we serve, thereby removing barriers for residents to have access to essential medical resources, our aim is to provide additional health/wellness events at each of our full-service sites and additional sites through Star-C Select. - Star-C Select has also provided additional services and resources to both our full-service sites and additional communities by partnering with iThink Financial to bolster financial literacy, with 86 new accounts opened thus far in 2024. Additional resources include tax preparation and life insurance, providing a full suite of community service offerings to our residents in need. Finally, we are piloting a financial literacy with Frontline Housing at Springview/Summerdale & Redwood Ridge, which includes a savings match program for residents who sign up.
• Eviction Relief – During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Star-C assisted with eviction relief efforts for the Metro Atlanta area while maintaining its mission of providing wraparound services to help children and families in underserved communities prosper. In late 2023, Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta announced a $2 million Eviction Diversion grant to provide rental assistance to low-income households to be distributed in 2024, followed by an additional $2 million announced in July. To date, $16.5 million in assistance has been raised for families during and after COVID, serving 330+ properties over a 14-county region.
What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?
One of the biggest determinants of an under-performing school is transiency (movement of a student out of a learning environment after a short period of time) and one of the biggest transiency factors is the lack of affordable housing. Every time a student moves, they lose three months of a nine-month school calendar. Those three months are critical to a student - not only academically, but mentally and emotionally as well. A Government Accountability Office study found that families who did not own their home made up 39% of the most highly mobile students. Transiency is only one part of the equation, however. In Atlanta, it is estimated that 1 in 6 children won’t know where their next meal will come from, a heartbreaking statistic highlighting just how many families struggle with food insecurity. While our afterschool and summer camp programs provide elementary students with critical nutrition support, we also aim to offer supplemental nutrition while students are on break from school. The nutrition support we currently provide is often students’ only nutrition for the day, so when school is on break, our students suffer. It has also been reported that families are forced to make choices around whether to feed themselves or their children. Thus, our goal is to provide vital nutrition support to students (and families) at our full-service sites during the seasonal breaks aligning with their public school calendar year – hosting the food distribution the week prior to the break. We've found that the combination of stable rent, free educational programs for children, and the provision of on-site health and wellness resources has enabled residents and families to thrive.
“At Star-C, volunteers are vital to our mission of supporting families in affordable housing communities. Whether you’re assisting a child with homework, helping with logistics at a community event, or supporting a Site Director with daily operations, each and every role makes a lasting impact - and our work would not be possible without volunteers!”
What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?
It's hard to choose! Between celebrating our tenth year of providing services to Atlanta families in need - to our 2nd annual back-to-school Backpack Giveaway, where we reached 53 communities, distributing over 2,600 backpacks filled with resources to help students start the year right - to just last week receiving report cards and seeing firsthand how our students have flourished since being in Star-C programs (averaging an A for all students across all six sites!). We are truly grateful for the support of our volunteers, organizations like Hands On Atlanta, and those who help support our work every day.
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?
Volunteers with Star-C gain more than just hours, they gain community. Whether you're high-fiving kids after tutoring, preparing a game booth, or helping organize the snack cabinet, your presence supports healthy development, academic growth, and strong neighborhoods.
Volunteers receive a brief orientation, are matched with a role that fits their interest, and are supported by our team every step of the way. A day in the life at Star-C is hands-on, purpose-driven, and deeply rewarding. We welcome individuals, small groups, corporate teams, and school volunteers alike. Let us know your interests, and we’ll find the perfect way for you to get involved.
Monthly volunteer needed: 40–60 volunteers per month during the school year - primarily supporting after-school programming; 60–80 volunteers per month during summer months and special event seasons - supporting summer camp, event planning, and large-scale festivals
What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.
At Star-C, we believe in strengthening communities by supporting the families and children who call them home. Through year-round programs, ongoing support services, and unforgettable community events, we create safe spaces where kids can thrive—and volunteers play a huge part in making that happen. Our Biggest Ongoing Projects are:
1. After-School Program (August – May) One of our longest-running and most essential programs, our After-School Program runs Monday through Friday across multiple Star-C communities. Volunteers are needed to: Provide homework help and tutoring Lead small enrichment activities (STEM, reading groups, art, games) Assist with check-in, snack distribution, and classroom support Offer mentorship and positive encouragement to students Typical Hours: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Weekdays)
2. Summer Camp (June – July) Our Summer Camp keeps kids active, learning, and having fun during the summer months. Volunteers help by: Running or assisting with daily activity stations (sports, crafts, science, etc.) Supporting field trips and outdoor recreation Helping with meals, transitions, and group management Bringing energy and fun to campers ages 5–12 Flexible shifts between 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM- based on the program/event We’re Active Across Atlanta You’ll have a chance to serve at one of six Star-C community sites throughout the Atlanta area, including: Cobb Fulton Clayton Dekalb Each site offers unique opportunities to support kids in different neighborhoods, but all share the same mission: wraparound care that uplifts entire communities. Why Volunteer with Star-C? You’ll build real connections with students, families, and staff You’ll help kids build confidence and reach their potential You’ll become part of a community-driven mission focused on education, wellness, and equity Whether you're available once a week or once a season—we have a place for you Volunteer Roles You Can Choose From: Homework Helper Reading Buddy Activity Leader (Art, STEM, Sports) Summer Camp help Event Volunteer (Spring Fling, Fall Festival) Site Director Support Events Manager support
“One of my favorite things about working at Star-C is the way we show up for families—not just during big events, but consistently through our after-school programs, summer camps, and everyday interactions. I’ve been with the organization since the very beginning, over 10 years ago, and it’s been incredible to watch us grow from a small initiative into a trusted community partner making real impact across metro Atlanta. What keeps me inspired is the kids. Whether I’m planning a Spring Fling or just stopping by an after-school program, the relationships we build are lasting. I love knowing that even if I haven’t seen a student in weeks or months, they’ll still run up with a big smile yelling, ‘Ms. Keya!’ That tells me we’re doing something right, we’re making memories, building trust, and creating spaces where children feel seen and valued. That’s what makes this work so special to me.”
What do volunteers love about working with your organization?
Real Connections: Volunteers build meaningful relationships with kids through tutoring, games, and mentorship.
Welcoming Environment: Volunteers feel valued, supported, and part of the team. Visible Impact: Whether helping with after-school programs or big events, the difference is easy to see.
Flexible Roles: From reading buddies to event support, there’s something for everyone.
Lasting Memories: Volunteers often return because the experience is fun, fulfilling, and unforgettable. Star-C makes it easy to serve and even easier to love doing it.
What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?
Every summer, Star-C hosts Star-C Week, a highly anticipated tradition held during June or July. This special week brings together all six of our program sites for one major field trip to an Atlanta landmark. It’s a fun-filled day of education, exploration, and excitement, giving our kids the chance to experience something new outside of their everyday routines. As they travel across the city, many get to see iconic parts of Atlanta for the very first time, broadening their perspectives and creating unforgettable memories. In past years, we’ve visited the Atlanta Zoo and had full-access tours of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This year, we’re excited to keep the tradition going and are hoping to take our kids to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, for another incredible day of discovery and fun. Star-C Week is more than just a field trip, it’s a celebration of community, opportunity, and the joy of shared experiences.
Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!
There are several ways individuals, schools, and organizations can get involved and make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer Opportunities - Support after-school programs, summer camps, and community events like Spring Flings and Fall Festivals Volunteers are encouraged to bring friends, family, coworkers, or school groups—we welcome community-wide support and partnership
In-Kind Donations: Classroom supplies, event materials, gently used books, games, and hygiene kits
Monetary Contributions: Help cover costs for student field trips, camp activities, special events, and enrichment programs
Donate Snacks: Healthy snacks are needed regularly for our after-school programs and summer camps Sponsor a Child- I'm not sure if we can include this either Cover the cost of snacks, supplies, and programming for a child in after-school or summer camp
Feed a Family for the Holidays: Contribute to our seasonal meal programs for Star-C families
Support Holiday Toy Drives: Help bring joy to children by donating new toys and gifts
Host a Drive: Organize a donation drive for classroom supplies, hygiene kits, or non-perishable food
Corporate & Community Partnerships: Star-C welcomes sponsorships and partnerships to sustain long-term programming and community impact.
We are always looking to build new relationships with individuals and organizations that share our vision of healthy, thriving communities. Let us know how you’d like to get involved!
Nonprofit Spotlight: Legacy Park
We’re proud to spotlight our amazing nonprofit partner, Legacy Park. This 77-acre gem in Decatur is more than green space, it’s a bold vision for community, conservation, and connection.
Legacy Park is redefining what it means to build a thriving, inclusive city. With affordable housing underway, restored woodlands and wetlands, vibrant arts programming, and a home to 17 nonprofit partners, they’re proving that environmental stewardship and community-building go hand in hand. Legacy Park isn’t just preserving history, they’re creating a future where everyone belongs. Volunteer with Legacy Park here!
Learn more about Legacy Park in our interview with Madeleine Henner below!
Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?
Legacy Decatur is the nonprofit steward of Legacy Park, a 77-acre property dedicated to environmental preservation and education, recreation, affordable housing, and inclusive community building. These goals are sometimes perceived as contradictory, but Legacy Decatur works to show that we can stitch together opportunities that strengthen relationships between neighbors who work together to be better stewards of the natural environment. From 1873 until 2017, the Legacy Park property served as the United Methodist Children’s Home for foster youth. Thousands of Georgia’s most vulnerable children came to this site, where they found safe housing, quiet natural space, recreation to heal through play, and a community that cared for them. As data began to show that children have better outcomes in home settings as compared to institutions, the Children’s Home decided to sell 500 South Columbia Drive. The City of Decatur purchased the land with the promise that the property could continue to be a source of good in the community. Rather than assume community desires, the City of Decatur underwent an extensive civic engagement process that sought the feedback of thousands of our neighbors. The residents’ feedback crafted a Master Plan that reflects the needs and desires of our community and ensures that Legacy Park will be a welcoming and engaging space for all.
Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization?
Legacy Park includes 25 buildings and a 22-acre conservation area with a pond, wetlands, nature trails, woodlands, and meadows. As an urban greenspace, Legacy Park provides vital habitat for wildlife and improves water and air quality. The conservation initiatives encourage community resilience and stewardship of shared resources.
In 2024, Legacy Park began construction on 132 affordable housing units through the Decatur Housing Authority; opened the Creative Village artist studios; planted 450 native plants; removed invasive plants and 4,139 pounds of garbage; constructed a track and field; installed restrooms; increased environmental programming; and hosted 31,900 visitors at Legacy Park.
As a community space, we repurpose the historic buildings for inclusive events and office space for our 17 nonprofit partners, whose expertise and programming further the mission and make Legacy welcoming and engaging for all people.
Global Growers operates a two-acre community garden for refugee growers at Legacy Park as one of their 10 growing sites across the Atlanta Metro.
Refugee Women's Network offers social and economic adjustment services for refugee families, including a newly opened commercial kitchen at Legacy Park for their Chefs Club entrepreneurial catering program.
Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance operates an Ability Garden for veterans and those with physical disabilities.
L’Arche Atlanta has two homes for adults with and without developmental disabilities in Decatur and hosts inclusive events at Legacy Park.
Paint Love offers trauma-informed, intergenerational art programming.
Decatur Arts Alliance operates seven artist studios, as well as art classes and gallery space.
Frank Hamilton School hosts bluegrass and old-time music classes and performances.
Global Spokes fixes donated bikes to donate to low-income folks, especially refugees.
Grief House weaves grief into life with art, nature, and group gatherings.
Wild Nest Bird Rehab cares for approximately 1,500 injured and orphaned birds each year, releasing many at Legacy Park.
Compassionate Atlanta promotes compassion to self, community, and systems through their work in inter-faith, LGBTQIA, immigration, sustainability, and health.
Decatur Book Festival hosts a renowned book festival that promotes creative expression and literacy.
Decatur Education Foundation supports students and their families with food, curriculum support, mental health services, and teacher grants.
Decatur Land Trust works to address the city’s loss of affordable homes and low-to-moderate-income residents in the City of Decatur.
Georgia Arborist Association offers arborist education and safety training.
Tai Chi 4 LIFE Cooperative provides classes for all levels based on traditions thousands of years old and taking in modern teaching methods learn to combine your mind, body, and spirit to find harmony and balance.
Wylde Center operates five greenspaces around East Atlanta and offers environmental education field trips, classes, camps, and programming for folks of all ages.
What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Decatur’s success is in large part due to the community's long standing spirit of interdependence. When our residents see an issue, they dive in to become the solution. Legacy Decatur started in 2014 to serve as the fiscal agent for all of these grassroots organizations doing good work around the city. When the Legacy Park Master Plan identified a need for a nonprofit organization to manage the Park, Legacy Decatur’s history of collaboration and grassroots problem solving made us the ideal fit to implement the Master Plan.
What kind of programming do you offer to the community?
Legacy Park offers a space for people to come together to be in community. Legacy Park is a highly used space, with 31,900 unique visitors in 2024. Our volunteer-built all natural surface 5k cross country course is used by Decatur High School teams, runners of all speeds, dog walkers, and birders who come to see the 172 species of birds found at Legacy. Many folks come regularly to explore the park, picnic on the lawn, or play on the inclusive playground. We also have folks that come specifically for events like our food vendor picnic series Truckin’ Tuesdays in May and September or our annual Community Day, coming on April 26, celebrating the community-serving work of Legacy Park’s 17 nonprofit tenants. In addition to Legacy Decatur events, each of our nonprofits activate their spaces to welcome specific groups of people, and our affordable venues are also available for private gatherings.
What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?
Listening to the community, Legacy Park works to preserve our environment, provide recreational spaces to build healthy habits, increase affordable housing availability, and offer opportunities for inclusive community building. 2024 was a year where news of natural disasters became a frequent reminder of both the value and vulnerability of the natural assets in our communities. In the extreme heat of the summer, Legacy Park’s woodland canopy provided shade and absorbed heat. The plants’ leaves and roots filtered pollutants from the air and water. During Hurricane Helene, its wetlands absorbed the overflowing water after the dams burst and prevented the flooding of our downhill neighbors. This urban oasis fed and sheltered pollinators, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
It is no secret that Decatur, like much of the country, lacks enough affordable housing. The Decatur Housing Authority broke ground on the 132 apartments serving low and middle income residents. These apartments will allow teachers, firefighters, and local business employees to live in the community that they serve. In a time where Health and Human Services has identified isolation and loneliness as an epidemic, Legacy invested in inclusive community. The state of the art track and field for open community use, City Schools of Decatur students, and Parks and Recreation programming will invite folks to engage in healthy activity together. The installation of public restrooms available during open Park hours will allow folks to share time outdoors for longer than their bladder. The Creative Village seven affordable art studios, gallery space, and art classes introduce people to new hobbies and new friends thanks to the partnership of the Decatur Arts Alliance. Legacy now hosts seventeen nonprofits, whose partnerships, expertise, and programs make Decatur a better place. Legacy welcomed thousands of people to the Park at events, the inclusive playground, and the peaceful trails.
How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?
In 2024, over 150 people volunteered with Legacy Decatur to pull invasives, reintroduce wetland plants, refinish the chapel hardwood floors, paint our biggest community event space, and mulch trees to protect their roots and improve soil health.
What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?
The transformation of the wetland was a major highlight last year. With volunteer support, we removed over 4,000 pounds of garbage, pulled piles of invasive privet and English ivy, and planted 300 native grasses, ferns, and shrubs. This space is so much healthier without the plastic leaching into the water and the invasives choking out any biodiversity. The addition of native plants filter out pollutants, prevent erosion, and provide a sustainable food source to the 180 bird species found at Legacy Park.
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?
With a staff of two, Legacy Decatur relies on volunteers to make things happen. For example, this past Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves staff joined us to Pitch in for the Planet. Once they had their project-specific tools, they got to work. The front garden had become so overgrown that it had to be mowed to maintain vehicle sightline. Some of our native plants returned, as did many weeds. The volunteers carefully combed through the garden to pull invasive grasses to make room for 19 new native pollinator-friendly plants and terracotta pots that will provide continuous irrigation for the new plants. This garden is at the heart of the Park and greets every visitor that comes through the main drive. Revitalizing the pollinator garden announces our commitment to sustainability while also creating a beautiful and welcoming aesthetic.
What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.
With 77-acres and 25 buildings, Legacy Park offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Our largest volunteer need is removing invasive plants from the 22-acre conservation area. Because we limit the chemical treatment, hand-pulling invasive plants becomes the main way that we can restore the woodlands. Mulching the many trees is another great opportunity for large volunteer groups. With many events at Legacy, the tree roots become exposed, endangering the health of the trees. Mulching each tree protects the trees and prolongs the shade and wildlife habitat they provide.
Volunteer groups may also build picnic tables, install bike racks, and pick up trash around the park. As we repair the historic buildings around Legacy, we repurpose them for nonprofit organizations. Once a building has had the capital repairs to receive a certificate of occupancy, volunteers can help to clean, paint, and prepare the building for the incoming nonprofit.
Who is your volunteer manager, and what’s their favorite thing about working for your organization?
Leaving my office, I walk past the L’Arche offices as they plan their upcoming Legacy potluck for adults with and without developmental disabilities. Downstairs, cumin, coriander, and cardamom drift out of the commercial kitchen, busy with refugee women building their catering businesses, many earning their own income for the first time. Once outside the administration building, the melody from the Frank Hamilton bluegrass jam intermingles with joyous shrieks from the kids playing on the inclusive playground and those playing on the track and field. The watercolor class paints the flowering broccoli in the Trellis Ability Garden, where veterans with PTSD and folks using wheelchairs after brain or spinal cord injuries have used the accessible slate path and raised garden beds to tend to the plants and reap the benefits of having time with your hands in the dirt. Once on the nature trails, I pass by birders with top of the line cameras trying to capture a Ruby Crowned Kinglet alongside families and dog walkers trying to expel some energy before dinner. The bees and butterflies flock to the pollinator garden in the Global Growers Garden, where 33 immigrant families grow culturally-significant food for themselves and their neighbors. Legacy is a unique and beautiful ecosystem of community, and I love to be a part of it.
What do volunteers love about working with your organization?
Because Legacy Park is a relatively new public space, volunteers love to learn about the property that many have driven past countless times without knowing that they can come explore. In the conservation area, volunteers are introduced to the trail system as they pull invasives and plant native flora. They see and hear the many birds that will eat the berries and nest in the branches of the newly planted shrubs. They see the turtles, salamanders, and other aquatic creatures whose habitat will be less polluted because of the grasses that filter out toxins before they enter the wetlands. They can build community with their fellow volunteers and those walking on the trails to continue the work of earth stewardship.
What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?
In 2025, we are so excited to increase programming. At the end of March, we opened a beautiful track and field that is attracting tons of new visitors to Legacy. This space welcomes a new constituency to fall in love with this space. To invite them to get involved further, we’re expanding programming to get folks plugged into our environmental preservation and education work and inclusive community building.
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 would love for you to join us in making our community more green, more attainable, and more connected! If you’ve never been to Legacy, go for a walk on the trails, hit a new PR on our track, or attend an event on the front lawn. Once you’ve experienced the Legacy magic, tell a friend about us. To keep the space clean and beautiful, join us for a volunteer day and donate to provide the resources to sustain the work we do. See you soon!
Meet Toni Hawes - A Volunteer and Civic Leader Passionate About Serving Our Community!
We’re proud to spotlight Toni Hawes, a dedicated volunteer and Civic Leadership Program Fellow in our 2024-25 cohort. She’s passionate about bridging socioeconomic gaps and finds deep fulfillment in mentoring and serving communities. Toni actively volunteers with Hands On Atlanta and the National Black MBA Association’s Atlanta chapter, focusing on women’s leadership and mentoring programs.
We’re proud to spotlight Toni Hawes, a dedicated volunteer and Civic Leadership Program Fellow in our 2024-25 cohort. She’s passionate about bridging socioeconomic gaps and finds deep fulfillment in mentoring and serving communities. Toni actively volunteers with Hands On Atlanta and the National Black MBA Association’s Atlanta chapter, focusing on women’s leadership and mentoring programs.
Learn more about Toni’s volunteer journey!
What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?
Since moving to Atlanta in 2018, I have found myself very much involved in the community in regard to Food Insecurity, Child, Young Adult and Elderly Education and Literacy, Technology Literacy and Homelessness. These issues are prevalent not only in our community but across the nation. I have been serving our community in many capacities and I am proud of the work that is being done by many nonprofit organization to help address these crisis.
What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?
I love the comradery of the individuals engaged to achieve the goals and the impact on the community. I have the ability to wake up everyday to make an impact, not only in my professional line of work but in my civic duties.
“I recently had the opportunity to work with elementary students and teach them STEM through a program sponsored by Hands On Atlanta. These students impressed me every month and showed me that they learned the concepts. Being able to see these students develop social and emotional learning skills and seeing them grow from feeling scared and uncomfortable to being able to play in group settings was invaluable.”
How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?
I am able to utilize my skillsets gained from my professional life to cross pollinate into the nonprofit arena. I have the ability to see a profound impact in my community from the youth to the elderly that I serve and that is the greatest gift.
What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?
I have learned more about what it takes to fundraise and build community partnerships.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?
Just do it!