Agape Atlanta Youth and Family Center “began over 20 years ago as an outreach of Trinity Presbyterian church under the direction of Reverend Joanna Adams,” according to its CEO Nell Benn.
The senior pastor wanted the church members to “roll up their sleeves” and become directly involved.
“The one thing I really admire about Trinity, the members went door-to-door and asked the people what they wanted in a community center. Requested were after-school programs for their children and a day program for senior citizens,” said Benn.
“All of the programs and services we offer, are things they said they wanted,” she said. “Trinity didn’t just go in on their white horse and say ‘Oh, we are here to save you.’ “
The center empowers and provides to the underserved families within the Bolton Road corridor.
Agape serves 200 school-age children year round in innovative, in-school and after-school academic support programs; and 40 senior citizens providing a vibrant, social, safe community, according to agapeatlanta.org.
There is a waiting list every year for children who want to be part of Agape.
The 35,000 square feet space includes a seniors’ room, teaching kitchen, gym, rec room, computer lab, library, STEAM room, nine study rooms and a multi-purpose room, according to the website.
“What makes Agape unique is that we have the children for about eight a half years on average,” said Benn. “That really gives us an opportunity to positively influence behavior and perspective.
Recently, the second annual Arise: An Agape Empowerment Experience for Women and Girls event was held.
The keynote speaker, Chrishaunda Lee Perez, author of “We Come as Girls, We Leave as Women” recalled being homeless, the challenges she overcame, and attributed her success to the support that she received during those periods.
Perez reminded them “of the importance of resilience and empathy … tapping into those skills during what can be difficult years.”
This year’s Monarch winner had been involved in Agape since seventh grade. “In third grade, her mother moved back to Mexico when her maternal grandmother became ill,” said Benn. Not understanding the why’s at that young age, “she became depressed and isolated herself.”
It was through Agape that she received the support she needed to learn not only how to thrive as a young woman, but also to give back to others. She will be the first in her family to attend college.
“I truly believe Agape changed my life. It helped me change the way I live and how I carry myself,” said this year’s Monarch winner.
For more information, visit Agapeatlanta.org.
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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