Before she became a volunteer at the Midtown Assistance Center, Janet Bernstein knew about the good work the nonprofit was doing. Her synagogue, The Temple, was one of the organization’s founding members, and the congregation supported the outreach every year with food drives.
When Bernstein retired from her job as an Atlanta Public Schools social worker in 2014, she knew exactly where she wanted to direct her energy.
“I had referred people there for help, and once I retired, it was the perfect time to step in and help,” said the Morningside resident, 73. “Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the mission, the staff, the clients and what we can do for them.”
Bernstein started out volunteering every Tuesday when she met with people who came to the center for help with food, clothing and financial needs.
“They find us through churches and United Way, and by searching where to find assistance,” she said. “Our focus is on people who are the working poor and may be one paycheck or one car wreck away from being homeless. Our mission is to keep them in their homes by helping with utilities, rent, MARTA cards or food.”
The work didn’t end during COVID. “We moved to online but kept going,” she said. “We had Zoom calls that actually brought us closer together.”
Four years ago, Bernstein joined MAC’s board and was part of the relocation committee that moved the nonprofit to new facilities on Spring Street next to All Saints Episcopal Church. Since its founding in 1986, MAC has been based at the Atlanta First United Methodist Church on Peachtree Street.
“Our old building was sold, so there was an impetus for us to move,” she said. “But doing that during COVID was a real challenge. We met twice a week to go over the real estate and legal aspects. But now we have a wonderful space with much more room for clients, a clothing closet and a food pantry where we have refrigerators that allow us to have more fresh food.”
Along with helping those in need from a more comfortable and spacious environment, Bernstein cites a particular reason to continue volunteering with MAC: “The biggest reason is keeping up with the wonderful friends I’ve made.”
Information about MAC is online at midtownassistancecenter.org.
Who’s doing good? Each week, we write about a deserving individual, charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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Credit: AP
