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.

by Angelica Castolo (Georgia State University Intern)

Since 1980, Central OAC has been growing, all thanks to the guests we help. Many of our guests come in seeking help, thanks to others who previously sought help at Central OAC. Many of our guests are grateful for the services Central OAC can provide, and instead of only just receiving services, they decide to love thy neighbor and pass along the work being done at Central OAC. However, that is not where the love stops.

The love for helping others continues to grow as our work spreads. The staff works hard to find new ways to help as many people as possible. Some examples are partnering with Mercy Care to provide in-house physicals and referrals, adding an Advocacy Coordinator to advocate, whether at the capitol or with other organizations, curating unique workshops for job readiness, creating Alison’s Boutique to provide work clothing, and having monthly events to bring our guests together to relax and have fun. The love from Central OAC never stops and continues to grow.

One way I have shown my love is by translating. Central OAC encounters many different types of people from different backgrounds. Every now and then, we encounter Spanish speakers. As a Spanish speaker myself, I help those guests by searching for resources that best suit their needs. One example I remember is when I was having car trouble and our Program Director called me to see if I was available to translate. Since I was waiting for an update, I gladly said yes to get my mind off my car troubles. I was asked to translate for a guest who needed help to receive the necessary services. Although it was hard because I was not in person, the guest was able to check if he had mail. The guest eventually returned, and I was able to explain the ID process to him in person, and he was able to receive it.

Although I have only worked at Central OAC for about five months as a Social Work Intern, I have noticed all these examples within those five months. I have also asked many guests how they found us, and almost always, the answer is from another guest. Central OAC not only gives love but also receives it every day. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing organization and hope to see it grow even more.

by Kimberly Parker, Executive Director

A couple of months ago, I felt like I was becoming jaded at work. I didn’t find a lot of joy in what I was doing. I was not patient with people. It seemed that every guest who walked through our doors got on my nerves. I didn’t want to listen. I didn’t care. This is a scary place to be!

I didn’t share this with anyone. I don’t even think I shared it with my wife, Ellen, or at least not in much detail. I knew I needed to do something to change because I didn’t feel like a good leader, pastor, or even a kind human being. If I couldn’t change, I wouldn’t need to continue doing this type of work.

I began reflecting on our values at Central OAC. “We believe in meeting people where they are and treating each person with respect and dignity.” I realized I still believed in these values but was not living them out. I decided to try something that didn’t feel like a big deal, but I wanted to see if it would change me and help the jadedness that I felt. I decided to do my best to look into the eyes of every person I encountered at work, not just a fleeting glance, but a sustained, sincere look into their eyes. I began doing this while we stood on the street, making our list for the day. I did it every day. Sometimes, I would have to remind myself to do it if I felt that impatient, critical feeling welling up inside of me again. But I did it. I looked people in the eyes.

In my privileged life, I know very little of what it feels like to be someone experiencing homelessness. But I do know what it’s like to be someone who is afraid, sad, confused, or angry at times. Looking into another person’s eyes helped me to realize that we can relate to one another. Slowly, I began to see people differently. I began to care again. I started listening in a new way as guests shared what was going on in their lives. This deep looking into the eyes has reminded me of God being with us, and I now expect to see Emanuel in the eyes of another person. For that, I am grateful, very grateful!