by Kimberly Parker

At Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, we serve people who are experiencing homelessness or on the verge of being in a homeless situation. Through the services we provide, we hope to assist them in taking steps forward and out of the situation they have found themselves in. Our staff and volunteers do this work each and every day that we are open and they do it well.

There’s another group of people who also serve and help to make sure that Central OAC has what it needs to serve our guests. This is our Board of Directors. Some of them recently shared with me what comes to mind when thinking about what it means to “serve with a purpose.” I enjoyed reading their varied thoughts! I enjoy serving with them even more!

Cortney Rosen … When I hear “Serving With a Purpose”, to me this means focusing my actions on something that is bigger than myself. It’s not just about fulfilling a role or checking the box on a task, it’s about truly aligning my energy and choices with values that matter to me and that positively impact others.

Steven White … When I think about serving with a purpose, a few things come to mind. I believe that it’s about making a positive difference in the lives of those around us. It’s about using our words to uplift and build up, rather than to tear down. I think it’s about leveraging our skills to help others succeed and using our time to be a source of encouragement and support.

In our often-hectic lives, it’s easy to lose sight of this. However, being clear about who we want to be and living by a personal vision statement can be powerful reminders of who we strive to be and the impact we aim to make.

Jim Emshoff … Serving with a purpose means not just helping an individual in the moment, but to start a chain of positive events that will help a person find permanent housing.  It also means acting not only for these individuals, but for the benefit of the larger community, in ways that are consistent with the values of Christianity.  

Melanie Bliss … When I hear the phrase “serving with a purpose,” it reminds me that we at the OAC serve others intentionally and mindfully. We do not do it for our own glorification or to feel good, but to purposefully and thoughtfully create change in others’ lives. I am humbled, grateful, and privileged to be able to serve, and I strive to do so with hope and cheer even when I am painfully aware of the suffering of others. 

Sallie Baskervill … Serving with purpose means keeping the why behind COAC top of mind. It means making a commitment and keeping it. It means showing up to board meetings and to events even when it doesn’t perfectly fit into my schedule. It means serving with intentionality, generosity, and optimism. It means having gratitude and being willing to help those who aren’t as fortunate.

Kevin Pleiss … When I think of ‘Serving With a Purpose’, I think about keeping our guests at the center of everything we do. Whether it’s providing support for someone facing housing insecurity or helping remove barriers like lack of ID or job skills, our work is rooted in dignity and hope. Serving in this way allows us to be part of transforming individual lives and strengthening our community as a whole.

Jeff Hilimire … “Serving with a Purpose” is what life is all about. I believe finding your purpose is one of the most important things a person can do…but just finding your purpose isn’t enough! When you figure out what God put you in this world to do, it then becomes your responsibility to find ways to use your gifts and skills (or as I call them, your ‘superpowers’) toward that purpose, which is why my time on the Central OAC board was so significant to my life.

Do you serve with a purpose? If not, maybe this blog will encourage you to seek out a way in which to do so. It will truly make a difference in the lives of other people!

by Amy Kirkland

Each morning, I head to the COAC, and each morning I rely on the generous donations of others to help run the mail check line. Sometimes, the most powerful gift we receive is someone donating their time. It’s truly a two-person job—sometimes even three—to keep everything running smoothly.

Donated snacks and hygiene items always brighten our guests’ day. These items arrive in many ways:

• Through our Amazon Wish List

• Sandwiches prepared as a mission project by one of our supporting congregations

• Hygiene kits assembled during VBS or donated by a corporate sponsor

• A box of crackers left in the narthex by a Central member

Most of our guests go through each of their days by carrying all their belongings with them. Their days are filled with the challenge of finding food, a safe place to rest, and somewhere to shower. Having a steady supply of snacks and travel-sized toiletries makes a hard day just a little more bearable.

As you go through your own day—deciding between sparkling or still water, ham or turkey—take a moment to think of our unhoused neighbors. For them, the choices are far more basic: Where will I eat? Where can I get clean? Will someone see me today?

So, I dare you—
Dare to donate your time.
Dare to donate needed items.
Dare to make a difference for someone just trying to get by.

by Sonja Hodges (Employment Specialist)

When I first walked through the doors of Central OAC, I didn’t fully grasp how deeply this place would shape me, not just as an employee, but as a person. I came thinking, this job is a blessing, I get to work somewhere I could actually help people in a way that was actually tangible. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn, grow and be transformed by the very people I came to help.

So, who am I at Central OAC?

I am a listener. Everyday, I hear stories, stories of struggle, survival, strength, resilience, and hope. Whether it’s someone who has just started experiencing homelessness or someone that’s been living on the streets for years, someone trying to get ID, someone looking for something to eat, to use the restroom, or simply seeking a safe space to be seen and heard, I listen wholeheartedly. Because here at Central OAC every story matters.

I am an advocate. Working at the OAC means being a voice for those who are often unseen and unheard. It means challenging systems that are broken and policies that fail the most vulnerable. Advocacy isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s quiet persistence, a phone call, a connection, or simply being a constant safe space for individuals when they feel alone.

I am a bridge. Between resources and people. Between despair and dignity. Between what is and what could be. I help people navigate barriers, celebrate small victories, and keep overcoming, one step at a time.

I am a learner. The guests I encounter daily at Central OAC have taught me strength comes in many forms and that hope can bloom in the most unexpected places. I’ve learned the art of resilience. I was even taught a new self defense technique known as “Kountry Kung-Fu”! If you’re ever here at Central ask us about it!!!

I am part of a mission. Central Outreach and Advocacy Center isn’t just a workplace, it is a community. We believe in meeting people where they are with patience and humility, and treating each person with respect and dignity. Being a part of this organization fills my soul.

So, who am I at Central OAC?

I am a servant, a teacher, a student, a safe space, a cheerleader!

And I am honored, every single day, to do this work!

by OJ Flowers (Communication Coordinator)

In the heart of nearly every city, nestled among skyscrapers and bustling streets, lives a resilient community too often overlooked. A community of individuals experiencing homelessness who attempt to navigate systemic systems that feel impersonal and overwhelming, all while seeking something as simple and as vital as stability. In Atlanta, tucked between the Capitol building and City Hall, Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (OAC) stands as a beacon of hope. Our mission is rooted in deep compassion, as we strive to be passionate advocates and committed partners to those striding toward renewed life and lasting stability.

One of the cornerstones of our work is building a community of trust and support. For many guests, walking through the doors of Central OAC is more than an act of necessity; it’s the first step toward transformation. They find access to services and a team that sees them as the human beings they are. Team members like Amy and Camille do more than offer mail or snacks; they offer kindness and dignity. They greet guests by name, provide a listening ear, and help ease the burden of the day because it’s hard to think about housing or employment when your stomach is empty, or your name feels forgotten.

Our employment services provide tailored support to help guests fine-tune resumes, prepare for interviews, and dress the part with clothing from Alison’s Boutique. Employment Specialist Sonja works one-on-one with guests, walking alongside them as they take tangible steps toward meaningful employment. At Central OAC, we understand that securing a job isn’t just about financial stability; it’s about restoring dignity and fostering a sense of belonging. A job can be the breath that brings someone back to life, the spark that reignites a sense of purpose.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Our Advocacy Coordinator, Sarah, works behind the scenes to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep people stuck in cycles of poverty and homelessness. She helps pave the way for long-term change for the entire community through policy work, education, and strategic advocacy

At Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, our commitment remains unwavering. We walk beside our guests with compassion as they take steps toward stability. Together, we can continue to open doors and create pathways to stability for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. Whether you choose to volunteer, advocate, donate, or learn more, know that you are helping create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. And for our guests, that means everything as they take steps toward stability.