Central Outreach & Advocacy Center

Blog Posts

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Be the Change

by Brenna Lakeson

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

We’ve all probably heard this quote so often that it’s become a cliche.  We hear it in reference to charity work – volunteering, doing random acts of kindness, and sharing love with everyone we meet.  Rarely, though, do we hear it applied to the political process. Many of us might think of politics as corrupt and inefficient. While that can definitely be true, being involved in the political process, both locally and nationally, is also an important way to affect change.

As hard as it can be to trust the government to get things done, changing policies is actually a huge way to improve the world around us.  For example, a few years ago, people who were convicted of a felony in the state of Georgia could no longer vote – not just temporarily but for the rest of their lives.  However, now the law states that anyone convicted of a felony can vote once their full sentence has been served, including completion of probation or parole. While this still isn’t ideal for some of our guests, the fact that they can now vote after a certain period of time is a huge step up. 

A lot of us don’t see or hear about the legislative changes being made, especially in local government.  But by being informed of and involved with the things that are happening under the gold dome, we can help Atlanta change for the better.  Currently, a few of the bills on our radar include Senate Bill 322, which would create incentives for the development of affordable housing. It only takes one search for an apartment to realize that there is very little affordable housing around the city.  Another bill that affects our guests is House Bill 792/793. These bills are expansive, as they outline the entire state budget, but the section we’re most concerned about is funding for healthcare. Many of our guests have limited or no access to healthcare, so expanding the funding available for them to get the help they need is crucial.

These bill numbers might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually pretty easy to track what’s going on.  You can find out which bills are where in the legislative process by visiting the Georgia General Assembly website.  You can figure out who your representatives are so that you can contact them about issues you support by entering your home address here.  In order to make your advocacy as impactful as possible, check out Presbyterians for a Better Georgia’s gude here.

Be the change you want to see in Georgia by taking a stand on what matters to you.  Be a part of changing policies that will transform lives. Your voice matters.

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Wait Your Turn

by Chattrelle Gillyard

I often wonder what it’s like to be a guest at the OAC:

To come through the door with nothing but faith and hope that I might gain documents to get a Georgia ID.

To not know where my next meal is coming from.

To be unsure about where I will lay my head on a daily basis.

To be afraid to lay down at night, putting myself at risk of burglary and possibly even assault.

To be afraid to walk the streets because I might be stopped by a police officer with no way of identifying myself.

I could never imagine walking in the shoes of the guests we serve at the OAC. I’ve experienced homelessness on two occasions in my life but never to the extent of our guests.

I recently encountered a guest who described experiencing homelessness as constantly standing in line and hoping that at the end of the line he’ll receive some sort of help. Imagine standing in a line beginning at 6:00 am with no idea of whether or not what you need will be on the other side. I barely have enough patience to stand in line for mundane things like fast food or at Kroger. Yet, our guest do it nearly every day, whether it’s for an ID, a meal, shelter, or clothing, without any hesitation and usually a humble spirit.

My first ten months at the OAC have humbled me in ways I could have never imagined. Our guests have taught me to find joy in the midst of a storm, how to be patient in chaos, and how to have hope in tribulation. Sometimes, you have to be patient, trust standing in line, and wait your turn.

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Meet Me at the Palaver

by Kimberly Parker

A few days ago, I was having a supervision meeting with our Candler School of Theology intern, Emmanuel, who is from Ghana. One of the questions I asked him to reflect on was, “Where have you seen God in the work you have done at Central OAC thus far?” He talked with me about an African tradition: “Meet me at the Palaver” or “Come to the Palaver.” The Palaver is a large tree that serves as a community meeting spot in the shade where all can gather as equal partners to discuss problems, solve conflict, and heal.  Emmanuel talked about our lobby and how people come inside seeking assistance, help, and support for the things they are enduring. He saw a connection between our lobby and the Palaver – a place where people can gather, feel safe, and rest physically.

I’ve been reflecting on this concept since Emmanuel and I talked, and I’m now finding parallels everywhere. We recently had our monthly Main Frame Job Readiness graduation. During graduation, students are given the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about what the program means to them. One of the students, an older gentleman from the Virgin Islands, mentioned that the Main Frame had been a peaceful, safe, and restful place to be for him.  He powerfully contrasted how he feels in the OAC with how he feels out on the streets. Outside, he said, “It’s not safe; it’s not peaceful; things are chaotic. In this space it’s safe and calm.” 

Just last week, one of our regular guests travelled several states away to visit family.  As she transferred buses and drove through different states, she sent us pictures and updates through the OAC’s Facebook page letting us know about the progress of her trip. She updated us all along the way. I have continued to think about her and the way she saw us as a point of reliable sanctuary.  I believe that our staff and volunteers create a safe place for our guests each day. This guest found peace when she came into the lobby and even carried that with her as she travelled. She found a place she wanted to be and stayed connected to it. She found a community she could trust enough to tell us that she was leaving and where she was going.

This is humbling to think about, and I am grateful that we are able to offer such a place for those who choose to trust us with their struggles. Meet me at the Palaver is going to stay on my mind for a while. Our values state, “We believe in meeting people where they are with patience and humility, and treating each person with respect and dignity.” These values are similar to the ones that Emmanuel expressed to me regarding the Palaver tree.  My hope is that we continue to be the Palaver for our community of guests.

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Why Do We Close?

by Brenna Lakeson

Every August for the past six years, the OAC has closed its doors for services for one week.  To many, especially our guests, this can seem strange, indulgent, or even selfish.  Why, then, do we take a week off from providing services every August?  There are several reasons!

  1. Lack of case managers – This is probably the most practical of reasons.  In August, our summer interns have finished their hours, usually leaving us with three or four less people on deck.  In addition, August is a time when many of our regular volunteers take vacation.  Most days in August, we only have one or two case managers working when the ideal is four or five. This can get taxing and overwhelming.
  2. Organization and catching up – Our week without services gives staff time and space to reorganize, take inventory of what we need, and catch up on lingering projects.  Without the continuous piling up of new work and with the addition of three more hours per day to do work outside of case management, our staff can do things that usually take a back seat.
  3. Team building and goal setting – This is perhaps this most important aspect of our August retreat time!  Sometimes, the staff goes on a short trip together.  Other times, we stay in Atlanta but do activities together around the city.  This time together always involves evaluating the previous year and planning for the year ahead.  What needs work?  What big dreams do we have for the OAC?  The staff also spends this time building comradery and friendship, crucial for a high stress job like social services!

Hopefully this gives all our supporters a helpful glimpse into what we do during our mysterious week off in August!  We believe this week makes our team stronger, more productive, and more prepared to tackle the everyday challenges of the OAC.

We are closed for services August 26-September 2, 2019.  We will reopen with regular hours on September 3, 2019.