We’re excited to highlight extraordinary volunteer Deborah Jennings! Deborah, a “Grady” baby, was born and raised in Atlanta, and has a heart for service! In November 20, 2015 her dad died unexpectedly. 30 days later on her mother’s birthday, her husband of 32 years died from kidney failure. Shortly thereafter, her mom died from congestive heart failure. Through the toughest time of her life, Deborah looked to service to share love with those in need! “Instead of wallowing in my own sorrow, I chose to share that love with those in need. My heart healed by touching the hearts and pouring into others.” When she’s not volunteering or running Each One Reach One, she’s on the Atlanta Beltline walking 5 miles a day! She’s a true ATLien, and sparks community everywhere she goes!

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

Each One Reach One, Veterans Empowerment, & Our House.

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

At this time, it would have to be the elderly. Many of them are along with no one to depend on. They’ve become near and dear to my heart.

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

I love volunteering with Hands on Atlanta Discovery Program because if you start at the beginning of the school year, you witness firsthand the impact you’ve made in the students you read to.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has opened my eyes and my heart to the many struggles others are facing which in turn has allowed me to see what’s going on in my very own family.

“For people who are experiencing hardships of any kind, my advice to them is to go out and make a difference in someone else’s life you might find that what you think are hardships in your life aren’t as bad as you thought because you’ll see there are others who are going through much worse things. Giving back touches your heart in ways you’d never expect.”

— Deborah Jennings

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

Tutoring 3rd graders has taught me patience.

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

Prior to my mom’s death, she became a hospice patient. While visiting her, I noticed several elderly patients on the floor that never had visitors. I asked the staff if I could become a hospice volunteer. They said yes, but I’d have to go through sensitivity training. That experience has been so rewarding and so needed. I encourage anyone who is looking for a truly meaningful volunteer experience to volunteer at a hospice center.

We have hundreds of in-person projects in need of some extra hands taking place throughout April 2025. Check out all of the ways you can volunteer with Hands On Atlanta all month long!

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