First Tee - Metro Atlanta (FTMA) is a youth development organization that uses the game of golf to promote the values that are inherent to the game: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. The group’s tagline is “Building Game Changers.”
“We believe being a game changer involves supporting others whenever possible, including our families, friends and communities,” said Rich Alvarez, director of development and strategic partnerships at First Tee- Metro Atlanta. “We are dedicated to building programs that are accessible, welcoming and as impactful as they are fun.”
While golf and successful life skills may not seem directly linked to most people, Alvarez says the two go hand-in-hand.
“Golf requires goal setting, working with others, being honest with yourself and digging deep when things get tough,” said Alvarez. “Golf is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that go far beyond the fairways.”
In March 2020 FTMA had to suspend its programming due to the coronavirus pandemic. In May 2020 it launched the Virtual Front Nine, which was a series of conversations conducted via Zoom and streamed on Facebook Live that each featured a FTMA participant or alumni and celebrity guest.
FTMA is now offering small group practices on the driving range at John A. White Park Golf Course, and in June it held its first large gathering of the group since March 2020: its 2021 Participant Celebration for graduating seniors. The Aaron’s Company, a FTMA Corporate Champion, surprised all 16 graduating seniors with a new laptop for college.
Who’s helping?
First Tee - Metro Atlanta
Services: FTMA integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum for Atlanta youth, focusing on building inner strength, self-confidence and resilience.
Where supplies have gone: FTMA serves all youth ages 7-17 in eight counties in the Metro Atlanta area: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett and Henry Counties.
How to help: FTMA is always in need of committed volunteers and coach-mentors. For more info on volunteering please visit www.firstteeatlanta.org
Where to donate: Donations to FTMA can be made online via our website, www.firstteeatlanta.org.
How to get involved: FTMA offers three sessions of Life Skills Experience (LSE) programming: Spring, Summer and Fall. Each session meets weekly and lasts eight to nine weeks. Find more info at www.firstteeatlanta.org.
If you are involved in or know of an organization working to bring relief to the Atlanta community during the coronavirus pandemic OR you are with an organization with supplies that you don’t know where to donate, please email us at Shannon.n.Dominy@gmail.com.
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