Community Ministries Newsletter: February
February 3, 2025
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Continue reading for a MLK Day Retrospective, final updates on our Women’s Transformation Center, a Client Spotlight, a new Jean Drive, and different Volunteer Opportunities!
Women’s Transformation Center Update
The Women’s Transformation Center (WTC) is now accepting applications! Three women have officially moved into our newly renovated Center!
After women submit their application, Tricia and Olivia will conduct an interview to determine their fitness for the program. Requirements include working a minimum of twenty hours a week and being single. This process takes about two weeks. Once they move in, they must participate in weekly case managements with Olivia and begin to save thirty percent of their paycheck. Living in the WTC allows for women to focus on working towards their education or career training.
Thank you to everyone who has donated their time and finances. This could not have been possible without your continuous support!
MLK Retrospective
Thank you for volunteering this Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 with First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta! We had incredibly meaningful time of service working together as a community to not only serve our neighbors here in Midtown but across Atlanta!
Thanks to your efforts, we accomplished the following:
Compiled over 500 hygiene kits.
Assembled more than 150 refugee support kits.
Crafted 20+ blankets.
Produced over 500 sandwiches.
Cleaned the Smith Building and Fifield kitchen.
Collectively completed over 330 hours of community service.
Client Spotlight: N.O.
N.O. has been a wonderful neighbor and part of our volunteer team. He has been vital in encouraging others, especially to play chess! We are so thankful and blessed to have N.O. as a part of our team and neighborhood.
How long have you been coming to Community Ministries?
Since last November. We had a house fire, so I’ve been out ever since.
What is the service you use the most?
The showers and the clothing. Everyone needs clothing and to bathe.
Why did you choose here?
Everyone has been helpful. Being here gives you a chance to meet interesting people. I have also been able to better myself because I'm not where I want to be. The staff is amazing and helpful. Jacob has been good to me, trying to help me with housing. I trust that it will all come together.
New Volunteer Opportunities: Food Market & Foot Care
FOOD MARKET
Since its opening in September, Community Ministries is thrilled to invite the entire congregation to volunteer in the newly renovated Venable Food Market! Volunteers in the Food Market assist with sorting and stocking shelves, helping clients select groceries, and bagging items for clients. Shifts are available every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up here!
FOOT CARE
Community Ministries is excited to be restarting the historic Foot Care Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta! This essential service supports our neighbors, many of whom rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation. Our Foot Care volunteers provide non-clinical care, helping to keep clients' feet clean, healthy, and comfortable. If you’re interested in volunteering with Foot Care, please contact Jacob Ivey at jivey@firstpresatl.org.
Community of Service Training - Now Monthly!
Community of Service trainings are now monthly! Join Community Ministries for a virtual fellowship event where we will explore the meaning of volunteering, discover the various volunteer opportunities available with Community Ministries, and learn more about the individuals we serve. This will be an interactive, engaging, and informative time led by the Director of Community Ministries Operations, Jacob Ivey.
This event is open to anyone interested and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Current and past volunteers are highly encouraged to attend and learn more about Community Ministries and what it means to be in fellowship with one another and those we serve.
To sign up for a date and time that works best for your schedule click on the link below!
Jean Drive
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is committed to helping the unhoused in our community with a Jean Drive! Jeans can be preferable for our clients as they are often more durable and warmer than other clothes. They can be worn days at a time without looking dirty, and they are often donated back to be washed and placed back in our Clothing Closet! Even so, it is hard for us to stay stocked on jeans, especially men’s. Therefore, Community Ministries would like to stock up on jeans for our clients to be a little more comfortable and safer outside. Any items donated should be new or gently used and clean.
Donations can be dropped off:
Sunday’s between 8:00am & 1:00pm.
Monday through Thursday between 9:00am & 3:00pm
In the designated bins located in the Smith Building Lobby.
Sizes:
We need a mixture of sizes for to best fit our clients’ needs.
Men and Women jeans are needed in all different sizes!