A worker carries a tray of chicken in City of Refuge’s 10-week 180° Culinary Arts Training program. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Apprentice as well as ServSafe Certification.
An Atlanta organization dedicated to helping people who have fallen through the cracks get jobs and training for employment is getting a big financial boost today.
The city of Atlanta, Chick-fil-A and Coca-Cola announced early Wednesday it will donate $7.5 million to City of Refuge, the westside organization’s biggest donation ever.
“What this money will do is allow us to do the first innovation hub,” which will include workshops on interviewing skills, financial literacy and help with housing, said Terry Tucker, chief strategy office for City of Refuge.
It also will almost double the number of people the group helps annually, from 1,300 people a year to about 2,500, Tucker said.
City of Refuge, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, launched a $25.5 million fundraising campaign on Wednesday, its largest. The group said they have raised more than $10 million so far.
For Chick-fil-A, helping City of Refuge was a no-brainer, said Rodney Bullard, executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. Employees at the company have been involved with the group for years, including Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy.
Bullard said City of Refuge is transformational because it offers tools to help people get on their feet and stay there.
“We are every excited about our partnership,” he said. “This is a continuation of efforts to benefit the westside of Atlanta.”
Helen Smith Price, president of the Coca-Cola Foundation, said it is important for corporations to be leaders in their community.
“We hope our support will encourage others to lend theirs, ultimately benefiting people seeking assistance—members of our Atlanta community,” she said. “The collaborative effort of all segments of the community – business, government, nonprofits, and our neighbors, people who live and work in this community, will ensure success.”
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