Unveiling Unsung Heroes: AmeriCorps Week Celebrates Service Champions Making a Difference

Join us as we salute the unsung heroes of the 2024 edition of AmeriCorps Week! From March 10-16, we celebrated those who embody the true spirit of service - our AmeriCorps Members! It's not just a tribute; it's a rallying cry for others to join the movement and make a difference in communities nationwide. Let’s take a look back at some of the action this past week…

Monnica Taylor, an AmeriCorps member serving at Kindezi at Gideons, achieved a significant milestone by being inducted into CASA. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Monnica's dedication to serving her community led her to this momentous achievement, marking a new chapter in her journey of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

Meanwhile, Nefertiti Royale, another AmeriCorps member stationed at Brookview Elementary, teamed up with Communities in Schools to tackle the literacy pillar. She captivated Brookview Elementary students by reading her self-published book, "Dream with Diosa," while also providing them with space-themed keychains, bookmarks, and writing utensils. “Open a book, open a mind” is a motto that guides Nefertiti’s passion for tackling literacy challenges amongst children. Nefertiti's commitment to fostering a love for reading among children exemplifies the transformative power of education and imagination.

Deja Johnson, serving at Drew Charter's Senior Academy, demonstrated innovative ways to promote wellness and positivity within the AmeriCorps community. During Esprit de Corps, Deja led a plant therapy session, utilizing plant propagations to offer each member a tangible reminder of their purpose and motivation. Additionally, she organized a service project with her school's mentoring group to provide meals for the homeless, showcasing the ripple effect of service within the community.

These stories underscore the indispensable role that AmeriCorps members play in uplifting communities and empowering individuals. Through their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to service, they embody the core values of AmeriCorps Week: Recognize, Promote, and Engage. AmeriCorps Week is not just a celebration of past achievements but a reminder of the ongoing efforts to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Let us salute these remarkable individuals who continue to push the boundaries of service and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

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Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and to start your application for the 2024-25 term.

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Shawn Holmes

Recently, we sat down with Shawn Holmes, to learn more about her journey, passion for mentoring, and love for Atlanta. Shawn is originally from Philadelphia and currently serves as a Social Emotional Learning Coach at Asa Hilliard Elementary School.

Shawn's journey with AmeriCorps began as a simple quest for employment. However, what started as a job opportunity transformed into a genuine love for the organization, her school, and most importantly her students. Shawn emphasized the camaraderie within the Atlanta team, describing it as "dope" and truly hands-on. She acknowledged the personal growth she has experienced and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to use her God-given gifts in her role. "In this position, I know I’m using my GOD-Gifts! When I’ve had opportunities to interact with students, I take it personally. I want to understand as best I can what their needs are. I truly want to be that teacher/mentor they remember years from now. That lady who loved me, who listened attentively!"

For Shawn, the most rewarding aspect of working with students is providing them with a safe space to vent unapologetically. She values creating an environment where their feelings and experiences are heard loud and clear. "I LOVE that they have a place to vent unapologetically, a safe space where whatever they’re feeling/experiencing is heard loud and clear!"

Shawn's aspirations extend beyond her role, as she seeks a better sense of herself and a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds of her students. She aims to walk away from this experience with a broader perspective, free from judgment. "A better sense of myself… and to respect the fact that many of my students have different backgrounds. I can’t always relate. However, I’d like to walk away with a better grasp of the vast demographic of my people without judgment." In envisioning her future, Shawn paints a picture of a fly 60-year-old woman who fully knows herself, walks in her God-given purpose, and radiates happiness, health, prosperity, and well-roundedness.

“Being a fly 60 year old who finally knows who she is, walks in her GOD PURPOSE, head held high, happy, healthy, lite, prosperous, and well-rounded!”

Outside of her mentoring and tutoring duties, Shawn unleashes her creative side through drawing and art. She finds joy in admiring her completed artwork and cherishes moments spent with her incredible family, especially her babies and grandbabies.

““I LOVE to draw, color, be my CREATIVE SELF! And most of all, I enjoy chatting it up with my man JESUS and my amazing family, especially my babies and grandbabies!””

When asked what she loves about Atlanta, Shawn explains that it holds a special place in her heart and expresses her love for it enthusiastically. She appreciates the inspiring and kind people she has met in Atlanta, particularly within the community, and feels at home until "Jesus comes."

"I love that I feel I’m home until JESUS comes! I love the people I’ve met thus far—so inspiring, so kind. I’ve encountered people that want me to succeed as they are! People who will most definitely put you on to something amazing and positive, personally and professionally. I love seeing our folks prosper! Inspiration is all around me, and the BEST PART is that they all look like me!!

We appreciate Shawn's commitment, her lightning bolt personality, and her drive and dedication to making a difference.

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Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and to start your application for the 2023-24 term.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

Check out these featured volunteer opportunities to help get involved with our MLK Days of Service and to do something good!

BEAUTIFICATION AND INVASIVE REMOVAL AT HISTORIC BAGLEY PARK

10:00am - 1:00pm

Join Friends of Bagley Park and Restore ATL to remove invasive species, and complete general landscaping task to improve the ecosystem of the park. Volunteers will work on creek restoration project be led by ReForest Atlanta. There will also be projects along the stream buffer to remove invasives. Tree mulching as well.

MLK Days of Service 2024 - Latin American Association Beautification

9:00Am - 1:30pm

Volunteers will support a series of beautification activities to improve the facilities used daily by clients and families of the Latin American Association building + property on Buford Highway.

Food Plus - Just1 BMG "Big Miller Grove Missionary Church

9:00am - 2:00pm

Help the pantry will give away prepackaged bags of food containing non-perishable items, vegetables, dairy products, and meat!

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Looking for something else?

Hop on over to our volunteer portal, where you’ll find 200+ opportunities to volunteer for our MLK Days of Service, happening January 11-15, 2024.

Friday, Jan. 12, 2024

Check out these featured volunteer opportunities to help get involved with our MLK Days of Service and to do something good!

Reflections of Trinity Food Pantry Weekly Grocery Prep 2024  

10:00am - 4:00pm

Help prepare boxes of food, load and unload trucks, put away food on shelves and in freezers, and get their Food Bank ready for their weekly grocery distribution.

Distribution Prep - Stock Shelves, Pack Boxes, Unload Truck 

11:00Am - 3:00pm

Help unload grocery store deliveries, stock shelves and pack distribution boxes for families in the community.

Operation Clean Sweep (Moreland Ave) 

9:30am - 12:00pm

Assist with litter management, the collection of litter and debris within the city right -of -ways.

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Looking for something else?

Hop on over to our volunteer portal, where you’ll find 200+ opportunities to volunteer for our MLK Days of Service, happening January 11-15, 2024.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024

Check out these featured volunteer opportunities to help get involved with our MLK Days of Service and to do something good!

MLK 24 - Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia 

9:00am - 1:00pm

Volunteers will engage in a campus beautification event at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia with breakfast and lunch provided! You will be creating new and beautiful entrances for the front and rear of the building. This includes adding native plants and new landscaping, tree care and many more exciting beautification projects.

SATISFEED! Feeding Families and Connecting Communities

8:15Am - 11:30am

Volunteers will create 60-70 pound bags of food (fresh and shelf stable) and distribute to families in need at this drive thru style pantry.

Food Pantry - Car Ambassador

9:30am - 11:00am

Come help distribute food box/bags to clients and carry and load their items into vehicles if needed.

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Looking for something else?

Hop on over to our volunteer portal, where you’ll find 200+ opportunities to volunteer for our MLK Days of Service, happening January 11-15, 2024.

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024

Check out these featured volunteer opportunities to help get involved with our MLK Days of Service and to do something good!

Grove Park/Proctor Creek Stewardship/Forest Restoration   

9:30am - 12:30pm

Volunteers help restore natural areas in parks and greenspaces. Jobs include working with hand tools such as clippers, pruning saws, trowels and shovels.

Five Points Farm (@Five Points MARTA) Community Garden - AgLanta Grows-A-Lot

10:00Am - 1:00pm

Head downtown to help one of Atlanta's most unique community gardens - the Five Points Farm - a member of the AgLanta Grows-A-Lot program. Volunteers help with weeding, planting, watering, harvesting and doing site beautification projects.

Drivers Needed - Complete Community Services Hours (8-10 Hour Shifts) 

6:00Pm - 11:55pm

Help SafeRide America save lives as a chase driver, and proactively prevent all types of impaired driving!

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Looking for something else?

Hop on over to our volunteer portal, where you’ll find 200+ opportunities to volunteer for our MLK Days of Service, happening January 11-15, 2024.

Monday, Jan. 15, 2024

Check out these featured volunteer opportunities to help get involved with our MLK Days of Service and to do something good!

Keep Our Community Clean

10:00am - 1:00pm

Participate with us as we designante 2hrs of picking up debris alongside with other individuals who are committed and community-focused to making a difference.

Hawk Hollow Garden

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Volunteers will work at Hawk Hollow, a native plant garden. Activities include tasks such as weeding, planting, and mulching.

Community Marketplace Food Pantry 

10:00am - 3:00pm

The Community Marketplace provides food to families experiencing food disparities. Volunteers assist with the operation of our drive through/walk up pantry.

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Looking for something else?

Hop on over to our volunteer portal, where you’ll find 200+ opportunities to volunteer for our MLK Days of Service, happening January 11-15, 2024.