Snapper Freeman is a man on a mission

Snapper Freeman is a man with a heart for volunteering and a passion for making a difference. Snapper proudly serves as a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, leading projects with their Discovery program. He’s also the Community Relationship Manager for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the founder of Community Service Redirect, and the Chair of the Fan Ambassador Program for the Chick fil-A Peach Bowl.

But what impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta does Snapper care about most? Atlanta's youth and pancreatic cancer. Snapper's work has taken him into underserved communities where he has seen the disadvantages youth experience. He firmly believes that there is no reason why these youth shouldn't have the opportunities in life that everyone else does. This led him to create Community Service Redirect, which recognizes and rewards students in Clayton County for making a positive impact in their community.

But Snapper's passion doesn't stop there. He is also committed to fighting pancreatic cancer, which is a disease that only has a 12% five-year survival rate. "If we have 100 people in the room and ask 88 to leave, those 12 people left would be representative of our five-year survival rate," he explains. He started volunteering with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network after seeing one of his mentors, a perfectly healthy track coach, pass away from the disease in less than three months. Snapper believes that more work needs to be done to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and to find a cure.

“Volunteering introduced an industry and world to me that I did not know existed. It is work I believe in and can see is needed,””

— Snapper Freeman

So, what does Snapper love most about the organizations he volunteers with? "The organizations I volunteer with are actively making a difference in our communities. You are able to see how your work translates and actually helps people in a positive way," he says.

Volunteering has had a significant impact on Snapper's personal and professional life. "Volunteering introduced an industry and world to me that I did not know existed. It is work I believe in and can see is needed," he shares. Through his experience as a volunteer, Snapper has honed his skills in servant leadership. He believes that you do not always need to be in charge or have a title to make a difference.

When asked to share a memorable moment from his volunteering experience, Snapper recalls a Saturday afternoon at Usher Collier's Discovery Program. "A parent pulled into the parking lot, with tires screeching like something out of a movie. The student had gotten on the bus to get to school, and their older sibling didn't relay the message. Could the parent really be upset? Their kid was coming to school on a Saturday, and they said they would get there whether their parent got up to take them or not. This was a reminder that these students could be anywhere in the world, doing anything at all, but they wanted to be at school on a Saturday. If you get a chance, please make sure to volunteer with the Discovery program!"

“I believe if we’re going to change the world, it starts with changing your community.””

— Snapper Freeman

When asked why Atlanta, Snapper explains that although he was born and raised in Houston, Atlanta has become home. "Atlanta has a culture and swag that others want to replicate. When you see people Swag Surfin' across the country, it's because they wish they were in the A!" he jokes.

So, what advice does Snapper have for someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering? "Make an impact. Big or small, make an impact. Something you consider very small or meaningless could mean the world to another, and you never know how far your help goes. You always hear ‘one person can change the world’, but I believe if we're going to change the world, it starts with changing your community. Changing our community is how we change the world.

You can volunteer alongside Snapper on April 29th at PurpleStride Atlanta to help raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer.

---

Feeling inspired by Snapper's amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like him continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.