We are thrilled to share that the 2026 cohort of Civic Fellows have graduated as Civic Leaders! On Thursday, April 23, our Civic Fellows completed their commitment to making Atlanta more engaged and equitable with a graduation ceremony at!

This January, Atlanta showed what it means to lead with service. In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., our community came together not just to reflect, but to act, turning Dr. King’s vision of love in action into meaningful impact across metro Atlanta.

From January 12–19, thousands of volunteers answered the call to serve with compassion and purpose. Neighbors rolled up their sleeves for community cleanups, educational outreach, food distribution, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating the power of collective action when a city moves together.

We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Amber Moore! Amber is a visionary leader with a passion for helping others. She serves as a Student Support Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta.

Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!

What a week to remember! Hands On Atlanta Week 2025 proved, once again, that when Atlantans come together with purpose, amazing things happen.

In partnership with The Same House and their Beloved Benefit Beneficiaries, this year’s Hands On Atlanta Week (October 4 - 11, 2025) brought people from every corner of our city to serve side by side — building connections, transforming spaces, and spreading love through action.

In DeKalb County, International Community School (ICS) serves over 500 students whose families represent 60+ nationalities speaking 31 languages. In 2025, ICS adopted a Community School Model — transforming itself from a traditional school into a neighborhood anchor that weaves together academics, wraparound support, and community resources. This transformation is powered by a three-way collaboration among United Way of Greater Atlanta, Metro RESA (Regional Education Service Agency), and ICS itself.

At Atlanta Way Day, Kindred Lane and ATL DTN shared how they transformed vacant downtown spaces into native plant gardens by partnering with property owners, businesses, and residents. Their pilot sites showcased environmental benefits like reduced maintenance and stormwater control, along with social gains such as increased foot traffic, community pride, and local engagement. Through ongoing feedback and collaboration, they refined their design approach and laid the groundwork for citywide expansion.

On Atlanta Way Day, I Will Survive, Inc. & West Cascade Medical Center showcased how their AI-powered mobile health unit bridged care gaps for families lacking access to preventive checks and mental health support. Visiting churches, shelters, and food pantries, the team delivered screenings, risk assessments, and wraparound referrals. While noting challenges like cost, privacy, and community trust, they shared how their model proves that high-tech and high-touch care can thrive together in underserved communities.

In many of Atlanta’s underserved neighborhoods, residents face overlapping challenges — financial stress, unstable housing, trauma, and limited access to behavioral and mental health support. The Connecting Communities initiative, led jointly by Hillside Inc. and The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, seeks to meet people where they are — in apartment communities, after-school clubs, and local gathering places. 

The 2026 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, has officially begun! From October 2025 to May 2026, 26 Civic Fellows will drive positive change by organizing at least one volunteer project each month with their partner organizations and our Discovery program. Alongside this, they will participate in leadership and professional development workshops, and each Fellow will raise a minimum of $500 to support Hands On Atlanta’s mission.

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!

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!

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!

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. 

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.