Central Outreach & Advocacy Center

Central OAC

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Steps to Stability

by Shania Barker

Stability is often taken for granted in life until it is no longer there. The feeling of uncertainty that comes with instability can be overwhelming and all-consuming, leaving many, including myself, to forget that, like many things, gaining stability is not universal or straightforward. 

The journey towards stability is a personal and collective endeavor that requires compassion, empathy, and mindfulness. This is something I have both experienced and observed while at Central OAC. When I first began volunteering at Central OAC I was experiencing a time of loss and uncertainty. Although I had started this path of recovery, I felt as if my personal and professional livelihood had failed. These feelings made my work at Central OAC feel sanctimonious and hypocritical at times. “How could I advocate for someone’s bare necessities, such as safe, stable housing, when I was experiencing so much instability?“

It was not until I began to mindfully and wholly engage with the guests that I realized our stories were parallel to one another. The same empathy, patience, and community that the people I saw needed was what I had been looking for in my life. In a way, the guests became a form of accountability for me. 

Each individual defines what their stability looks like. It’s not prescribed or shared, as everyone has their own wants and needs. One thing that is a constant, however, is how we achieve stability and how it is fostered every day. I appreciate the openness I have learned at Central OAC and hope to continue to watch our guests grow and move into sustainable lifestyles.

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Mission May

by Sonja Hodges 

Our Purpose Statement at Central Outreach and Advocacy Center is to open doors to overcome and prevent homelessness. Homelessness is a complex issue that affects individuals and families worldwide. It’s a problem that often stems from various factors, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and systemic inequalities. While the root causes are many-sided, there are crucial steps we can take to open doors for those experiencing homelessness, helping them find stability and security.

One of the first steps in addressing homelessness is providing immediate support to those in need. It is our mission here at Central OAC to do just that! This support includes shelter access, food, clothing, employment, and healthcare. That access starts with ensuring our guests have the proper identification; without identification, someone experiencing homelessness cannot begin getting shelter, food, employment, and healthcare assistance.

As we continue our mission of opening doors to overcome and prevent homelessness, we challenge you to seek ways during May to help overcome and prevent homelessness by donating financially, volunteering, or just sharing the work we do here at Central OAC. Communities play a crucial role in addressing homelessness. Building a sense of community and empathy can help reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By providing immediate support, access to affordable housing, employment, mental health and substance abuse services, and community involvement, we can open doors for those experiencing homelessness, helping them overcome challenges and rebuilding their lives. Together, we can work towards a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

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In Their Shoes

by Quasha Jarvis (Georgia State University Intern)

“In their shoes” is more than a saying at Central Outreach Advocacy Center; it’s a philosophy that guides every interaction, every program, and every moment spent serving our guests. It embodies the essence of empathy, the ability to understand, relate to, and support individuals without judgment.

Becoming a social worker wasn’t an easy path for me; it was a journey filled with some personal struggles but also a moment of self-discovery. Yet, within it all I found my purpose, a calling to walk alongside others, offering a compassionate hand and a listening ear. At Central Outreach, we recognize that each person who walks through our doors carries a unique story, shaped by a lifetime of experiences. Our role is not to judge but to listen, to understand, and to empower them to navigate their path of self-sufficiency.

Empowering words and a strength-based perspective are the tools of our approach. We strive to instill in every guest the belief that their current circumstances do not define their future, whether it’s organizing events that bring joy or facilitating ways to help meet their needs. I’ll never forget the guest who compared one of our events to Christmas or the guest who was thrilled about finding an outfit for a job fair. Every interaction, every moment shared, holds the potential to make a profound difference.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Central Outreach is witnessing the resilience of our guests. Despite facing immense challenges, they demonstrate unwavering courage and determination to persevere. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and find hope in the darkest of times. Empathy isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of life. We meet people where they are without judgment.

As I reflect on my journey at Central Outreach, I’m reminded of the profound privilege it is to walk alongside our guests. Each day presents new opportunities to embody empathy, inspire resilience, and foster positive change. Together, we strive to create a world where every individual is seen, heard, and valued — one step at a time.

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Blooming and Blossoming

by Checha Reddy (Georgia State University Intern)

Everything you experience prepares you for vital life lessons. To live in full bloom is living with hope and purpose, with imagination and vision. Central Outreach and Advocacy Center began at Central Presbyterian Church in a closet. A young woman came to the church in need of utilities and food. She spoke with one of the ministers who listened to her story and arranged for her to pick up some groceries for her family. From this humble beginning COAC was born and has become a great service and advocacy non-profit for those experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless in the Metro Atlanta area.

When people, places, or things blossom, they embrace change and become stronger. As the need for services in the surrounding communities grew, so did the structure of the
agency evolved, and they continue to adjust their services to meet the societal changes. The vision began by serving a mother and children in need of food and utilities, but they have now created a conglomerate of services that open doors to overcome and prevent homelessness. Some of the supportive services are ID replacements, Food Stamps application and renewals, SSI/SSDI applications, Housing Assessments, Main Frame Program, Mail Check, and referrals.

As a blooming intern, you are taught a specific skillset, and each skill is like a bud. The more you learn, the more you unfold into this confident and skilled case manager who exhibits the essential skills and traits to thrive in the knowledge you have received. As a blossoming intern, you come into the fullness of your blooming as you grow in exercising your newfound skills. You evolve through a natural process of strategic learning that enhances your ability to serve with an unbiased attitude.

The key resources provided by COAC are to assist our guests and help them to regain stability and confidence. Everyone we serve is empowered to thrive as we assist in rebuilding their lives. A 63-year-old African American man who was experiencing homelessness is now permanently housed in “The Melody” housing development sponsored by the City of Atlanta. Through our services, this guest has evolved from being in a homeless situation to living as a permanent resident with case managers onsite. The purpose of COAC is to open doors to overcome and prevent homelessness by empowering guests to take the next steps toward self-sufficiency.