Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter

Enabling Family Stability

By Katrina McDowell on Dec 5, 2024 in Giving

An Atlanta where homelessness is defeated, and every child has a safe and nurturing home is the vision of this Yardi-supported nonprofit for the future.

Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter (ACS) was established in 1986 in Atlanta, GA, to break the cycle of poverty for families facing homelessness by building pathways to long-term self-sufficiency and providing quality early childhood education. This shelter serves families with children under six and fills the gaps in access to affordable childcare. Its Early Childhood Education program helps children meet developmental milestones to enter kindergarten on the same page as their housed peers while providing parents with the resources and support to meet financial goals. ACS hopes to assess ways to extend its reach into the Metro Atlanta homeless community while supporting staff.

Funding from Yardi is instrumental in the success of ACS programs. This support is not just financial, but it also provides the highest quality of service to a demographic familiar with neglect. Yardi’s participation in the ACS event, Holiday House, where it distributes toy and gift items to families in its care who otherwise could not afford them, shows the impact of their support. Anyone interested in participating can donate items to the toy drive for children up to age 18, knowing that their contribution will make a significant difference.

“We are so grateful for Yardi’s continued support! We are always thrilled to connect with Yardi as a partner,” exclaimed Emily Stinson, development coordinator for Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter.

Ebonee’s Pathway to Hope

Walking into the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter, Ebonee felt apprehensive but hopeful. After losing her housing, she needed childcare for her toddler daughter. She also needed help finding housing and her subsequent career steps. With ACS staff in her corner, Ebonee turned toward a better future and hasn’t looked back. First, the team helped Ebonee enroll her daughter in its Toddler 2 class with Lead Teacher Ms. Tameela.

“Seeing my daughter happy, learning, and flourishing has made me smile,” Ebonee beamed. With housing support, tuition assistance, and the knowledge her daughter was cared for, Ebonee explored her interest in becoming an esthetician. Along the way, she discovered her true passions: radiology and healthcare. Now, Ebonee is working toward her medical assistant certification.

Ebonee shares, “I want to dive into the healthcare field after graduation… I plan to become a radiologist… [so] I can secure my daughter and I’s future along with helping patients with accurate diagnoses.” Most recently, Ebonee’s hard work landed her on the honor roll. With the community cheering her on, Ebonee achieves her daily goals. Ebonee’s story is evidence of the hope and potential that can be realized with the proper support, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of change.

Often, homelessness and its preceding challenges steal power and choice from parents. Supporting Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter will empower families to pursue more hopeful futures. Ebonee says, “I’ve regained a newer, clearer vision and purpose; I’m finding my path.”

Volunteer Opportunities

Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter offers group and individual volunteer opportunities in its classrooms to assist with supervision and engagement. These opportunities are not just a chance to give back, but they also provide a unique way to see your donation’s impact because you genuinely connect with children. Stinson says, “It’s a great way to be directly involved in the positive change we’re creating.”

For more information, reach out to Emily Stinson at [email protected].

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.

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