Information: covenanthousega.org
The campus of Covenant House Georgia is home to kids who may never have had a stable place to live. The nonprofit provides crisis shelter and support services to homeless, runaway and trafficked teenagers. The gymnasium, in particular, is important to getting the kids on a path to self-sufficiency.
“Kids who have spent time on the streets have suffered considerable trauma and an important part of our work with them is to help them heal,” said Allison Ashe, executive director. “Our recreational therapy program, which takes place in our gym, gives youth an outlet to open up to staff, deal with past hurts and angers and get good physical exercise.”
On Nov. 17, employees from the carpet design and manufacturing company Interface, based in LaGrange, donated carpet and outfitted the gymnasium at Covenant House. The effort was also a part of US Building Council’s Green Apple Day of Service, a global movement dedicated to ensuring that all children are in schools that have clean air to breathe, conserve energy and resources, and inspire them to dream of a brighter future.
Interface sales and service associates worked hard to beautify the gym and also meet the kids that the nonprofit serves.
“These kids are so wonderful and they have gone through some really tough experiences,” said JoAnn Herold, chief marketing officer of Interface. “We jumped at the chance to help Covenant house continue its work in the community to get these children back on their feet.”
Herold also participated in the Sleep Out that lets executives experience a night in the life of the homeless population. The experience raised $300,000 for Covenant House that will allow it to add more space and beds.
When it comes to giving back, companies or large groups like Interface can participate in service days, landscaping or share an evening meal with the kids. Individuals can help with administrative tasks, youth outreach, life skills and more.
“Our new gymnasium is beautiful and it is a place where homeless youth will be able to find refuge for years to come,” added Ashe. “The efforts of Interface shows that that there are a lot of resources and care individuals and groups can give to our kids.”
In 2000, Covenant House Georgia opened its doors to provide shelter and services to Atlanta’s homeless and runaway youth. More than 15,000 youth have received support from CHGA since 2000. Currently, more than 1,300 homeless and at-risk youth are served every year and it houses over 80 youth per night.
In other news: The Milton High School Robotics team volunteered their time to provide over 700 loaves of pumpkin bread to North Fulton Community Charities Thanksgiving Holiday Meal Distribution.
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