by Sonja Hodges

Working here at Central OAC is a unique and rewarding experience that often goes beyond a traditional 9 to 5. Amidst the challenges and the tireless pursuit of our purpose of helping each guest so that we can open doors to overcome and prevent homelessness, the practice of gratitude becomes a guiding light, lighting the path toward fulfillment and purpose.

The staff and volunteers here at Central OAC are fueled by passion and driven by a commitment to creating positive change in the lives of our guests. Gratitude is the heartbeat of this work, breathing life into the everyday efforts that collectively contribute to Central’s mission. It’s about appreciating the impact, no matter big or small, that unfolds through the collective dedication of the team.

In the daily, sometimes under-appreciated, necessary mundane tasks of assisting our guests, completing intake paperwork, referrals to Fulton County Health Department, completing applications for out-of-state birth certificates, and working on resumes, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the challenges of working with our guests. Gratitude, however, encourages us to find joy in small wins. Celebrating a guest receiving an out-of-state birth certificate so they can get an ID, or perhaps a mentally unstable guest bringing back a TB card, or being called in for an interview, no matter how minor, fosters a positive atmosphere and motivates us to keep moving forward. Whether it’s reaching a fundraising goal or witnessing a guest turning their life around, acknowledging these victories keeps us all inspired.

Gratitude is not just a sentiment; it is a transformative force that shapes the culture and success of what we do here at Central OAC. As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of our work, let us cultivate gratitude as a constant companion, a source of inspiration, and a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter and better world.

by Chattrelle Gillyard

Often when we go to the doctor we wait, we wait for our name to be called, we wait to be serviced, we wait for the doctor, we wait for the next steps. We Wait!

Many times our guests here at the OAC wait, they wait outside to be put on the service list, they wait in our lobby for their name to be called, they wait to tell us their story, they wait for their documents to come back, they wait to check their mail, and they wait for their next steps towards stability.

When we go to the doctor we usually wait in a lobby, there’s usually a tv or magazine or something to keep us entertained during our waiting time. Sometimes we talk to others, engage in interesting conversations, meet new people and tell our stories. It may be a story of why we are there, a life story, or simply a story about our day. But the waiting room always seems to be a place to share stories.

The lobby at the OAC is different, there’s no TV, not really a lot of magazines to hold your attention, just others in similar situations who are waiting. Many times, natural conversations happen, guests inform each other on where to get something to eat, where to take a shower, even how to get a place to sleep for the night. Most of the time stories are shared, stories of struggle, stories of triumph, stories of victory, stories of loss, and stories of trauma. The waiting room at the OAC is a place of comfort, care, and conversations. The waiting room is a place of peace, a place to sleep, a place to rest. The waiting room is a place of hope, a place of help, a place to feel at home. The waiting room is a place to freely and safely share your story, while you wait.

by Lesley Brogan

It took me three hours and 20 minutes to walk 10 miles today. And these are some things that I am left with:

I had good shoes and socks when I set off. I had plenty of iced tea to drink and a Cliff bar to eat along the way. I walked along Mission Bay with folks who had driven and parked their cars or walked from their homes close by. We were enjoying a beautiful Southern California day to be outside.

I guess it was about mile five or so that my feet started hurting, and I thought it wasn’t much fun. At mile seven, I was able to stop and get a fresh iced tea and go to the bathroom in a clean and safe place.

When I finished, I was very much aware that because I had an iPhone and could call ahead to someone I loved waiting for me at home, I knew I’d be able to walk into our house and know that my partner, Lori, my partner, had a tall iced tea ready for me. I could walk into our bathroom, get an ice pack or two, and put my feet up. Soon after that, I could take a nice cool shower and put on clean clothes to watch college kids play basketball in a tournament.

It was hard for me to walk 10 miles today. My feet are sore now, and my lower back hurts. I am mindful of all the privileges accompanying me on this walk today. Thanks to the OAC, I am mindful in more real and practical ways of having a glimpse of walking in another person‘s shoes.