Meet Adrien Chung, making a difference at St. Vincent De Paul!

Meet Adrien Chung, a dedicated volunteer making his mark with St. Vincent De Paul. Adrien has volunteered over 280 hours, and is passionate about education.

Read more about Adrien below:

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

St. Vincent de Paul

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

I would care more about educating our younger generations because I want to see them prosper.

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

I like how the organization is involved with the community.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering helps me get to know my community better.

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

I have the opportunity to volunteer with a mix of people. Occasionally, this can include include kids, teenagers, young adults, and older adults. Anyone and everyone can contribute in some way.

“Adrien is a hard worker – whether he is stocking shelves, sorting food deliveries, packing food boxes, assisting neighbors, and helping us keep our Family Support Center tidy. He is the first one in, last one to leave type volunteer. He is reliable and experienced, and even helps us show newer volunteers the ropes. We are so grateful that Adrien is a regular volunteer with us, and we know it will be a good day if he is signed-up to be here.”

— Meghan King

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

Meeting and talking to people.

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

Any way you can offer your assistance when volunteering will be greatly appreciated.

Meet David Enscore, a passionate volunteer dedicated to food insecurity

Meet David Enscore, a self employed volunteer making a difference at St. Vincent De Paul’s food pantry. New to volunteering, David started and kept going completing over 170 hours!

Get to know David and read more below:

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

St Vincent DePaul Food Pantry

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

Food Security is a pressing goal for everyone in that situation.

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

I love the maintaining self respect/self-reliant aspect of the SVP food pantry and helping people learn they are making choices for themselves.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Personally, this is something I've never done before and I always leave at the end of the day believing I have helped.

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

Treating everyone as a worthy individual.

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

It is not every time, but when customers stop before exiting to say thank you, it is fulfilling.

“Volunteering is a choice. Try it. You may come to really enjoy the experience.”

— David Enscore

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 Metro is where I live (North East of the city). I like to think Atlanta remains the city too busy to hate

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

Do it. It will work for you (or not), but you will learn regardless.

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

SVP food pantry. They always need volunteers. To volunteer with St. Vincent De Paul see opportunities here.

Volunteering and connecting communities with Shameka Fahie

Shameka Fahie is an avid volunteer and a Civic Leadership Program fellow. She has volunteered with variety of organizations including Junior League of DeKalb County (JLD), Boys & Girls Club, United Way of Greater Atlanta, and more. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Finance & Operations Council on the Board of Directors at Junior League of DeKalb County. Along with volunteering, Shameka is the Senior Contracts & Grants Manager at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Get to know Shameka and how her volunteering journey is giving back to the community in numerous ways!

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

Several impact areas and pressing needs facing Atlanta are of particular importance to me due to their potential to effect positive change and improve the overall well-being of the community. Here are some key areas I care about the most:

Education Equity: Ensuring access to quality education for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background, is crucial for Atlanta's future prosperity. By addressing disparities in educational opportunities, we can empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Poverty Alleviation: Tackling poverty and homelessness is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable Atlanta. By providing support services, affordable housing, and pathways to economic stability, we can uplift marginalized communities and create a more just society.

Community Development: Promoting sustainable community development initiatives, including affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and access to healthcare, fosters a thriving and resilient Atlanta. By investing in local neighborhoods and empowering residents, we can enhance the overall quality of life for all Atlantans.

These impact areas are interconnected and require collaborative efforts from government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the community at large. By prioritizing these pressing needs, we can work towards building a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable future for Atlanta.

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

One organization I deeply appreciate volunteering with is The Junior League of DeKalb County (JLD). What I love most about JLD is its commitment to community impact and empowering women to become effective leaders and change-makers. The sense of camaraderie and purpose within JLD is truly inspiring. I'm continuously impressed by the dedication and passion of its members who work tirelessly to address pressing issues in our community, such as education, poverty, and health disparities. The organization's focus on collective action and collaboration allows us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I volunteer with JLD because I believe in its mission and values. As someone passionate about civic engagement and social justice, I'm drawn to JLD's emphasis on advocacy, volunteerism, and leadership development. By volunteering with JLD, I have the opportunity to contribute my skills and talents towards creating positive change while also growing personally and professionally. Additionally, JLD provides a supportive and inclusive environment where women from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, serve, and lead. The friendships and connections I've made through JLD are invaluable, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and impactful organization. Overall, volunteering with JLD allows me to combine my passions with purpose, and I'm proud to be part of a community-driven organization that is making a difference in the lives of others.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life in several ways:

Skill Development: Volunteering has provided me with opportunities to develop and hone various skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and project management. These skills have not only been valuable in my volunteer roles but have also translated into my professional life, enhancing my effectiveness in the workplace.

Expanded Network: Volunteering has allowed me to connect with a diverse group of individuals who share similar passions and values. These connections have expanded my network, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships that have enriched both my personal and professional life.

Sense of Fulfillment: Contributing to meaningful causes and making a positive impact in my community has brought me a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. Knowing that my efforts are helping to improve the lives of others has boosted my overall well-being and sense of self-worth.

Personal Growth: Volunteering has been instrumental in my personal growth and development. It has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, develop empathy and understanding for others, and become more socially aware and engaged. These experiences have contributed to my ongoing growth as a compassionate and socially responsible individual.

Professional Advancement: Volunteering has also contributed to my professional advancement by providing opportunities for leadership roles, skill-building experiences, and networking connections. These experiences have enhanced my resume, bolstered my credibility, and positioned me as a well-rounded candidate in the eyes of employers.

Overall, volunteering has been a transformative experience that has enriched my life in countless ways, helping me to become a better person, a more effective leader, and a more engaged member of my community.

“Volunteering with the Discovery Program at Asa G. Hillard, I had the opportunity to interact with the students and their parents. The interaction and conversations were positive, engaging, genuine and authentic. After volunteering for 9 months, you build a bond with the students and the parents that makes you want to continue to volunteer with the program. It truly makes you feel like you are doing something good in the community. I miss the students and plan to continue to volunteer with the Discovery Program at Asa because of the students and the bond.”

— Shameka Fahie

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

Through my experience as a volunteer, I've honed a variety of skills and learned valuable lessons that have contributed to my personal and professional development. Some of the key skills and lessons include:

Leadership: I've developed leadership skills by taking on roles such as committee chair, team leader, or project manager within volunteer organizations. These experiences have taught me how to motivate and inspire others, delegate tasks effectively, and lead by example.

Communication: Volunteering has improved my communication skills, both verbal and written. Whether it's communicating with team members, stakeholders, or the broader community, I've learned to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt my communication style to different audiences.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Working as part of a team on volunteer projects has taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. I've learned how to leverage the strengths of diverse team members, resolve conflicts constructively, and achieve common goals through collective effort.

Problem-Solving: Volunteer experiences often involve tackling complex challenges and finding creative solutions. I've developed strong problem-solving skills by analyzing situations, identifying root causes, brainstorming solutions, and implementing effective strategies to address issues.

Time Management: Balancing volunteer commitments with other responsibilities has helped me improve my time management skills. I've learned how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage my time efficiently to meet deadlines and maximize productivity.

Adaptability: Volunteering has exposed me to a variety of situations and environments, requiring me to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Whether it's navigating unexpected challenges or adjusting to new roles and responsibilities, I've learned to remain flexible and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Empathy and Cultural Competence: Engaging with diverse communities through volunteer work has deepened my empathy and cultural competence. I've gained a better understanding of different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, which has enriched my ability to connect with and serve others effectively.

Overall, my experience as a volunteer has been a valuable learning journey that has equipped me with a wide range of skills and insights applicable to both my personal and professional life.

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 holds a special place in my heart because I am a true native. One of the things I love most about this city is its vibrant and diverse culture. Atlanta is a melting pot of people from all walks of life, bringing together a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. One of my favorite things about Atlanta is its thriving sports, arts, and music scene. From the High Museum of Art to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Broadway at Fox Theatre to the Atlanta Falcons to the Atlanta Braves to the Atlanta Hawks, there's no shortage of opportunities to experience world-class sports, arts, and music right here in the city. I also love exploring the local music festival One Musicfest and the Jazz Festival. But perhaps what I love most about Atlanta is its sense of community. Despite its size and diversity, Atlanta has a strong sense of community spirit, with residents coming together to support one another and make a positive impact in their neighborhoods and beyond. It's this spirit of unity and collaboration that makes Atlanta such a special place to call home.

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

If you're interested in getting involved with volunteering, here are some pieces of advice to help you get started:

Identify Your Passions and Interests: Start by reflecting on what causes or issues are important to you. Consider your skills, hobbies, and personal values to identify areas where you can make the most impact.

Research Volunteer Opportunities: Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and availability. You can research local nonprofit organizations, community groups, and online platforms that connect volunteers with opportunities in your area.

Start Small and Build From There: If you're new to volunteering, consider starting with smaller commitments or one-time opportunities to get a feel for different types of volunteer work. As you gain experience and confidence, you can explore longer-term or more involved roles.

Reach Out and Get Involved: Once you've found a volunteer opportunity that interests you, reach out to the organization or group to inquire about how you can get involved. Attend volunteer orientations, information sessions, or training workshops to learn more about the organization and its mission.

Be Open-Minded and Flexible: Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things as you explore different volunteer opportunities. Be flexible with your schedule and expectations, as volunteer work may involve adapting to changing circumstances or needs.

Build Relationships and Network: Take the time to build relationships with fellow volunteers, staff members, and community members you encounter through your volunteer work. Networking with others in the field can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships.

Celebrate Your Impact: Remember to celebrate the impact you're making through your volunteer efforts, no matter how big or small. Recognize the value of your contributions and the difference you're making in the lives of others and your community.

Overall, volunteering is a rewarding experience that allows you to give back, connect with others, and make a positive impact in the world. By following these tips and taking the initiative to get involved, you can embark on a fulfilling journey of service and civic engagement.

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

On April 27th I will be volunteering with Hands on Atlanta at the 2024 Spring Summit for the Girls Scout of Greater Atlanta. The purpose of the Spring Summit is to cheer on early 100 middle and high school Girl Scouts as they learn about careers, mental health, high school life, and social media netiquette. Volunteers can sign up through Hands on Atlanta's website.

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

Here are a few additional things our community should know about my commitment to volunteering and doing something good:

• Passion for Social Impact: I am deeply passionate about making a positive difference in the world and believe in the power of volunteerism and community service to create meaningful change. Dedication to

• Continuous Learning: I approach volunteer service with a growth mindset, always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and expand my skills and knowledge in order to be a more effective advocate and ally for those in need.

• Inclusivity and Equity: I am committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity in all aspects of my volunteer work. I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to resources, and strive to contribute to initiatives that advance social justice and equality.

• Collaborative Spirit: I believe in the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex social challenges. I am eager to work alongside others who share a commitment to making a difference and believe that together, we can achieve greater impact.

• Long-Term Commitment: Volunteering is not just a one-time activity for me; it is a lifelong commitment to service and giving back to my community. I am dedicated to making volunteering a consistent part of my life and contributing to positive change for years to come.

  Overall, I am deeply committed to doing something good and using my time, energy, and resources to make a meaningful impact in the world. I believe that by coming together and taking action, we can create a brighter and more compassionate future for all.

Feeding Families with Streetwise

We’re excited to introduce you to Streetwise Georgia, a nonprofit located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Their mission is to offer the necessary physical, emotional, and spiritual tools to help an individual stabilize their lives, improve their environment, and move out of a state of dependency and into a state of well-being and self-sufficiency.

They serve more than 600 families a month and distribute over one million pounds of food a year to families in need!

To get involved at Streetwise, visit their website at www.streetwisegeorgia.org. You can fill out an application to volunteer individually, or if you are part of a group and would like the group to volunteer, there is a group volunteer application as well.

Read more about Streetwise below:

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

Streetwise serves approximately 100 - 125 families each week. This averages 725 families monthly. On the second Saturday of every month (except for November and December), we serve approximately 270 registered families. Additionally, we hold several special events throughout the year.

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

Streetwise was founded in 1988 by Terry and Pat Powell who left the corporate world to help low-income Atlanta residents. Their heart was to bring hope and provision to people in several inner-city projects by supplying food, clothing, personal hygiene items and by sharing the Word of God.

What kind of programming do you offer to the community?

Streetwise takes a holistic, 360-degree view of healing a family or individual. We address, greet, and strive to heal body, soul, and spirit. The largest programming focuses on meeting the physical needs of a family or individual with food, clothing and hygiene items. Also offered are a number of wrap-around programs and partners that address addiction, recovery, abuse, grief care, financial literacy, cooking, and counseling. We also have dedicated programing for widows and teens.

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

The mission of Streetwise supports and strengthens the safety net for our community's most vulnerable members. By offering both immediate crises relief support to those experiencing homelessness and hunger, as well as a variety of services designed to help families achieve stability and wellness in all aspects of their lives.

“We are very excited to have improvements to our facility that will provide greater room and options to hold events, store supplies, and give more to our neighbors in need. We are eager to expand the capacity within a cross-section of distributions to serve more families and include more volunteers to the Streetwise family.”

— Streetwise Staff

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

Volunteers are an integral part of the of Streetwise's success. We have six staff members of which only four are full-time. With the help and dedication of its volunteers, they served 39,704 volunteer hours which enabled Streetwise to serve 8,285 families and 33,885 total individuals last year.

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

Streetwise held its first annual fundraising gala last year and it was a huge success. It also added a Working Families Pantry that occurs every other Thursday evening.

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?

Streetwise averages 750 volunteers per month. There are a number of areas in which to serve. They serve at check-in, as client advisors, in the warehouse, the Sunshine Room, Heaven's Grocery Store, or Cedar's Clothing Closet. They also serve in the admin area helping to schedule client appointments, data entry, and/or maintaining the client file room.

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 a variety of projects from cleaning/organizing walk-in coolers to building and packing event boxes, consolidating, stocking and organizing inventory shelving. We need volunteers to stock the market daily, work in the clothing room, and load food boxes into vehicles.

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

Dawn Kemp is the Volunteer Coordinator. She enjoys meeting the people that come to Streetwise. That starts with the staff, the volunteers, as well as the clients that we serve.

What do volunteers love about working with your organization?

The volunteers are always impressed with the warmth and welcoming they receive when they come to Streetwise. Some that come for the first time often return and become regular volunteers.

---

Empowering wellbeing and mental health with Black Girls Smile!

We’re excited to introduce you to Black Girls Smile, our nonprofit partner that provides gender-responsive and culturally-affirming mental wellness education, resources, and support geared toward Black women and girls. They were founded in 2012 by their Founder and Executive Director, Lauren Carson.

Read more about Black Girls Smile in our interview below!

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

Black Girls Smile is an Atlanta-based national nonprofit that focuses on empowering the mental health and wellbeing of Black women and girls.

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

Black Girls Smile directly over 5000 Black girls and women annually through our Mental Health Literacy programming, wellness workshops and therapy assistance program.

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

Black Girls Smile was founded in 2012 in response to the lived experiences of our Founder Lauren Carson and many other Black women and girls with mental health issues and difficulties. BGS’ early mission was to fill the gaps surrounding mental health prevention and early-intervention education, resources and supports geared toward Black women and girls. Today BGS sees our work centered on uplifting and empowering the voices and experiences of Black women and girls at the intersection of mental health and wellness.

What kind of programming do you offer to the community? 

Black Girls Smile offers virtual and in-person programming within schools and community-based. Our programs focus on increasing mental health literacy, increasing access to cultural and gender response care and support, and increasing the use of positive and healthy coping skills and self-care methods.

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

According to the National Institute for Health (NIH), approximately 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14 (NIH, 2019). In September of 2021, NIH also reported that suicide death rates for Black American girls ages 13 to 19 increased by 182% from 2001 to 2017 (NIH, 2021). Black girls and young women have a multitude of primary, direct, and secondary, indirect statistics that speak to the need for mental health resources, support, and education to uplift their mental health and well-being.

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

We can’t do the work we do without volunteers! Each person who serves with us helps us increase the number of women & girls we serve. We have a small team of staff located across the map. Volunteers increase public support for programs, improve community support, increases quality of services & programs, and extends the organization's reach in Atlanta.

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

Last year BGS served over 5000 Black women and girls! We conducted over 30 workshops, provided therapy to over 100 Black women and girls, and continue to serve our growing community of over 13,000 across the country. We are humbled that our participants, partners and volunteers continue to walk alongside us on this journey toward ensuring Black women and girls have the resources and support necessary to lead mentally healthy lives.

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?

At Black Girls Smile, we offer virtual, in-person and partner led experiences. Our volunteer needs can vary based on our calendar of events. A day in the life of a BGS volunteer would start with a welcome from our staff then a quick and easy check in. We review your upcoming tasks and then get started in serving.

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

Volunteers can engage with us at local special events posted on Hands on Atlanta, support wellness research or connect to our letter writing campaign. We know that handwritten letters can carry a sense of warmth, sincerity & connection as you invest time, effort and positivity into crafting your message. We have begun a letter writing campaign to connect & support the women who participate in our wellness programs. Volunteers can do this from home or with an employee group! Our biggest need is skills based volunteers! If you are interested in the behind the scenes system of how we create premier experience for our women & girls…we need your help! Volunteer your talent to support program creation, event management and research in Atlanta.

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

Charla Denning is our Programming and Volunteer Manager. Charla continues to find creative ways to serve our community of Black women and girls and brings immense intentionality to all aspects of our programming and volunteer experiences.

“Our volunteers enjoy building a sense of community, being at the front of wellness initiatives and making true impact in Atlanta (plus, we have fun doing it)!”

— Black Girls Smile Staff

What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2024 that you’re really excited about?

We are launching several new programs including our suicide prevention program and Allyship programs. Black Girls Smile is working on deepening our school-based partnerships to meet Black girls where they are. We are also expanding our Therapy Assistance program in collaboration with many of our corporate and community partners. Lastly we are providing more in-person experiences for our community of Black women, girls and their caregivers/parents/advocates.

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

BGS works for and with our strong volunteer community. There are several volunteer opportunities that we are highlighting that would be helpful to our growth and development: 1. Skills-based volunteers 2. Community Champions 3. Programming day-of volunteers

---

Creating positive changes with Jacinta Lewis!

Meet Jacinta Lewis, a authentic, supportive, and passionate volunteer. When she’s not in the friendly skies as a Southwest Flight Attendant, she is giving back to the community. Jacinta is a member of our Civic Leadership Program, and a powerhouse changemaker!

Read more about Jacinta in our interview below.

---

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

Hands on Atlanta: Discovery program as well as multiple volunteer opportunities within Hands on Atlanta, Dreams come international foundation and Urban League of Atlanta YP.

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

When I think of pressing needs I care the most about in Atlanta I would have to say, I’m deeply concerned about ensuring everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home, along with access to food. No one should have to worry where they’ll sleep at night, or where their next meal is coming from. This is why I want to be a part of the solution!

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

Hands On Atlanta is my go-to resource for volunteering! Their vast network of opportunities makes it effortless to find a cause that aligns with my interests. Plus, participating in the Civic Leadership Program and volunteering in their Discovery program has been incredibly rewarding. It's pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and make a real difference in the lives of children.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has been a transformative experience, enriching both my personal and professional life. It's connected me with a passionate community of individuals driven to make a positive change. This shared purpose has instilled a deep sense of fulfillment, and it's allowed me to discover a different facet of leadership that translates directly into my professional work. Fueled by this experience, I'm now driven to create opportunities for myself and others to serve the community and make an even greater impact.

“Volunteering has definitely honed my leadership skills. While I’ve always considered myself a leader, working with Hands On Atlanta’s Civic Leadership Program boosted my confidence. The program provided me with the tools and experience to truly believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”

— Jacinta Lewis

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

While I can't pinpoint a single moment that sparked volunteering in others, I believe my consistent enthusiasm and willingness to share my experiences within the program have encouraged others to join me. By being vocal and active, I've created a space where volunteering feels inviting and rewarding.

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.

Well….Atlanta isn't just a city; it's my home. My family's roots run deep here, and my life has been built within these vibrant neighborhoods. It's this deep connection that compels me to serve the community that has given me so much. But Atlanta is more than just a familiar place. It's a city brimming with energy and soul. The people here are unlike any others in the US, with a warmth and welcoming spirit that makes you feel instantly connected. There's always something to discover, I enjoy the thriving art scene to the pulsating music venues. It's a city that's constantly alive, and I want to be a part of the positive force that shapes its future. By serving my community, I get to contribute to the city that has nurtured me. It's a chance to give back to the place I call home and help ensure it continues to be a vibrant and welcoming place for generations to come.

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

Channel your inner Nike! ( JUST DO IT) There's a cause you care about out there – find it and just do it! Websites and local organizations can help you get started on your volunteering journey. Remember, the reward isn't money, but the incredible feeling of helping others. Recognize how fortunate you are, and be open to sharing those blessings by giving back even a fraction of your time. You'll be amazed at how much you get back in return.

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

I will be volunteering in April at Graceland Thrift Store with Christian City at 9:30 AM - 12:30pm on Fri April 5, 2024 @ 7425 Red Oak Rd I’ll also be volunteering at City Bridges Pantry Food Distribution at 1:30pm on April 16,23, 27,30th @ 3355 Old Jonesboro Road.

You can sign up for both opportunities at www.handsonatlanta.org