Emmaus House has come a long way over the years, from humble beginnings with Father Austin Ford in the 1960’s. We’re grateful for our partnership with the residents of Peoplestown and look forward to celebrating all that we have accomplished together over the past 50 years during a three-day celebration September 15 - 17, 2017. 

September 15, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Please join us for a celebratory cocktail reception in Ezzard Hall at Emmaus House. This is an opportunity for friends who have been touched by Emmaus House over the years to reconnect, meet new Emmaus House friends, and share stories of their experiences.  Tickets are $20.

September 16, 12 - 4 p.m. 

In partnership with the annual Peoplestown Reunion, we will join our neighbors for an open house, a history walk including 50 years of highlights, and a barbecue sponsored by Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. We’ll be collecting stories from those of you who have been around Emmaus House over the years, so come prepared with your best experiences. Or, come and make some new memories. All are welcome to join us for this celebration of our years of transformational service in the neighborhood. This event is free and open to the public.

September 17, 10:30 a.m.

The Episcopal Chapel at Emmaus House will celebrate a Festive Eucharist to recommit ourselves to God's work in Peoplestown and beyond. All are invited to worship with us on this very special day. This event is free and open to the public.

The Youth on the Move program provides middle and high school students with academic assistance as well as college and career guidance to help prepare students for success as adults. This year, all four of our seniors graduated and are well on their way to reaching their goals.

This fall, Alexis Peterson will attend Valdosta State, where she has earned $20,000 in academic scholarships.  

Quavontaye Scott is working as a Servant Leader intern for the Emmaus House Freedom Schools as he prepares to enter the University of West Georgia. 

Malik Holmes has enlisted in the United States Army and is excited about earning a $64,000 scholarship to pay for his college education. 

Jamal Shakoor plans to attend Atlanta Technical College in the future and is interested in music production. 

Our seniors have bright futures ahead, and we hope you’ll join us in wishing them all the best!

Thanks to a generous gift from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Emmaus House recently doubled the size our food pantry. This expansion makes it possible for us to offer a client choice model that allows participants to choose the groceries they need, much like most of us do when we go to the grocery store. We now offer a greater variety of food such as meat, dairy items, and produce. We are very happy to provide this higher degree of service to our neighbors and are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

In June, Emmaus House served 132 households, consisting of 367 household members. In the past year, we have distributed over 30,000 lbs. of food, and we expect to distribute even more in the coming year. Want to get involved? Your $10 donation buys groceries from our food pantry for one family. Donate today!

Our CDF Freedom Schools® program aims to shape children’s futures by developing strong, literate, and empowered children through six weeks of summer reading enrichment for children who might otherwise not have access to books or the environmental structure necessary to do summer reading. Check out what our scholars have been up to all summer.

Students of Atlanta Public Schools return next Tuesday, August 1 and Emmaus House has set an ambitious goal: to provide backpacks and school supplies for 1,000 area students.

WE NEED YOUR DONATIONS BY JULY 31 TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

Please help us equip these students with tools they need for success, by dropping off your donation at Emmaus House M–F, between 9–3pm. Distribution will take place during National Night Out at Four Corners Park in Peoplestown.

If you need to arrange a drop off after-hours or if you have any questions, please contact Rakia Reeves at 404-525-5948, ext. 31 or at rakiareeves@emmaushouse.org.

Kindergarten School Supply List

• Box #2 Pencils
• Box 24 Crayons
• Pink Eraser
• Pkg. Washable Felt Markers
• 2 Glue Sticks
• Bottle of School Glue
• Box of Tissues
• Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
• Pair of Blunt Tip Scissors
• Pencil Box
• 3 Plastic Pocket Folders with Brads
• 2 Wide-Ruled Spiral Bound Notebooks
• 2 Primary Composition Notebooks
• New Small Sized Backpack

Elementary School Supply List

• Box #2 Pencils
• Box 24 Crayons
• Pink Eraser
• Pkg. Washable Felt Markers
• 2 Glue Sticks
• Bottle of School Glue
• Box of Tissues
• Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
• Pair of Blunt Tip Scissors
• Pencil Case
• 2 Wide-Ruled Spiral Bound Notebook
• 3 Pocket Folders
• Box Colored Pencils
• 2 Pkg Wide Ruled Loose Leaf Paper
• Box Blue Pens
• Ruler
• 2 Composition Notebooks
• New Medium Sized Backpack

Middle School Supply List

• Box #2 Pencils
• 2 Glue Sticks
• Bottle of School Glue
• Pink Eraser
• White Eraser
• Pkg. Washable Felt Markers
• Pair of Scissors
• Pencil Case
• 10 Pocket Folders
• 2 Pkg. Lined Paper
• Pkg. Plain Paper
• 4 Lined Notebooks
• Box Blue Pens
• Box Red Pens
• Ruler
• Box Colored Pencils
• (2) 1" Binders
• 8 Subject Dividers
• Scientific Calculator
• Pencil Sharpener
• Box Highlighters (3ct)
• Agenda Book/Student Planner
• Stapler
• Staple Remover
• New Medium – Large Sized Backpac

High School Supply List

• Box #2 Pencils
• Mechanical Pencils/ Lead
• 2 Glue Sticks
• Bottle of School Glue
• Pink Eraser
• White Eraser
• Pkg. Washable Felt Markers
• Pair of Scissors
• Pencil Case
• 10 Pocket Folders
• 2 Pkg. Lined Paper
• Pkg. Plain Paper
• 4 Lined Notebooks
• Box Blue Pens
• Box Red Pens
• Ruler
• Box Colored Pencils
• (2) 1" Binders
• 8 Subject Dividers
• Scientific Calculator
• Pencil Sharpener
• Box Highlighters (3ct)
• Agenda Book/Student Planner
• Stapler
• Staple Remover
• Bottle Correction Fluid
• Large Sized Backpack

Emmaus House’s 50th anniversary gala featured a history walk, where 30 posters lined the Carter Center’s beautiful reflecting pool, an apt place for people to read and reflect on Emmaus House, the Peoplestown community, and the civil rights movement in Atlanta.

The history walk began with a prelude to Emmaus House, the 1966 Summerhill Riot. The four-day incident resulted in the death of one African American and revealed the frustration among lower-income black communities in the face of systematic oppression. From there, the history walk moves right into the beginning of Emmaus House, with the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta buying the building and the Rev. Austin Ford moving into it in 1967. The other main events highlighted in the showcase include the opening of the Poverty Rights Office in 1970, the launching of the Summers Away Program in 1980, and the partnering with the Children’s Defense Fund to become a CDF Freedom Schools® program.

The history walk did not end with a sentence but with a "to be continued," echoing the theme of the evening, "Forward from 50." Reflecting back on the event, Emmaus House Executive Director Greg Cole said, “As we recalled the past, we were excited to look forward.”

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Blue skies and warm temperatures made for a great day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emmaus House serving the Peoplestown community. Nearly 200 guests attended the “Forward from 50” Gala May 7 at the Carter Center, helping to raise nearly $100,000 during the event.

“Father Ford was inspired to move to Peoplestown in 1967 to advocate for justice during the civil rights movement,” Greg Cole, Emmaus House’s new executive director, said. “Likewise, we are inspired to begin the next chapter with a renewed sense of purpose.”

The gala included a history walk, where people could read about events from the last 50 years of Emmaus House, Peoplestown, and the civil rights movement on 30 billboards that lined the outdoor portico. The history walk did not end with a sentence but with a "to be continued," echoing the theme of the evening, "Forward from 50." Experience the history walk here.

The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, opened up the event with a welcome and invocation, followed by remarks from Cole. Speakers also included ACLU of Georgia Executive Director Andrea Young as well as Youth on the Move’s own Alexis Peterson and Khairi Corporal. The gala concluded with Fund-a-Need Bidding, where Emmaus House supporters had the opportunity to make donations toward Emmaus House programs and initiatives.

Reflecting back on the event, Cole said, “Emmaus House is here because of your commitment and passion for this work. I invite each of you to continue this journey with us as we work to help even more people in the years to come.”

The Road Episcopal Service Corps of Atlanta is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 service year. The Road offers young adults the opportunity to make connections between faith and social change, commit to community and simplicity, and grow in capacity for compassionate, courageous, and imaginative leadership. Road fellows work 32 hours per week in nonprofits addressing issues around homelessness, unemployment, education, immigration, addiction, refugee resettlement, the environment, and much more. One day a week is devoted to spiritual discernment and reflection, leadership development, and community action in the neighborhoods of urban Atlanta.

Qualifications: College graduate, commitment to social justice and working with marginalized populations.

Qualities and skills: Compassion, flexibility, open-mindedness, and communication.

Road fellows receive a monthly stipend. In addition to room and board, public transportation to and from service sites is also provided at no cost to the Road fellow. The Road fellow will live in apartments at Emmaus House during their 11-month fellowship.

Applications are available here and will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2017.

Visit us at www.theroadatl.org to learn more about The Road Episcopal Service Corps.

Dear Members of the Emmaus House Community and Supporters,

A few months ago, we wrote to you with the news that the Executive Director of Emmaus House was moving to Chicago to pursue a new opportunity.  At that time, the Advisory Board began its efforts to identify a new Executive Director, but to ensure that the programs of Emmaus House continued uninterrupted, Greg Cole, Director of Development for the last four years, was appointed the Deputy Director of Emmaus House to help lead us in continuing our work in the Peoplestown neighborhood of Atlanta.

At the time, the decision to promote Greg was based on our desire to maintain stability and continuity in the senior leadership at Emmaus House and our faith in Greg to provide that leadership. After observing Greg’s performance in this senior leadership position and conducting an extensive review and interview process regarding his strengths, motivations, goals, objectives, and commitment to the organization, the Advisory Board is pleased to announce that Greg Cole has been named Executive Director of Emmaus House.  

Greg was an integral part of the development of Emmaus House’s new Strategic Plan that was launched in late 2016, and he is dedicated to promoting the strategic priorities captured in the Plan:  

• Economic Success
• Academic Achievement & Youth Development
• Grassroots Leadership & Social Justice

As we enter our 51st year, we are excited to see the mission of Emmaus Housein such capable and committed hands.  Through Greg and the entire leadership team at Emmaus House, we continue (in the words of the Strategic Plan) to “harness the power of community, education, hope and love to dismantle poverty, racism, and other barriers to opportunity in the lives and communities we serve.”

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Ward S. Bondurant

Chair, Emmaus House Advisory Board

From the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

 The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright are pleased to announce that Greg Cole has been named the new executive director of EmmausHouse in Atlanta. Emmaus House is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta that provides vital support, education, and services to residents in the Peoplestown community.

Cole previously held the title of deputy director following the departure of former Emmaus House Executive Director Joseph Mole in December. Cole joined the staff of Emmaus House in 2013 as director of development and communications.

“I am honored to serve Emmaus House as we move into our next 50 years,” Cole said. “As we have for the last 50, we will continue to advocate for those in our community whose voices are not heard.”

The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, is looking forward to the future of Emmaus House with Cole as executive director. “We are delighted that Greg will lead Emmaus House at this important time,” the Rev. Wright said. “He has the heart of a servant, the mind of a leader, and is on fire for this work. Emmaus House and the Peoplestown community will be well served by Greg’s leadership.”

Cole received a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School and earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of North Florida. He has also worked with the Episcopal Church in a variety of capacities, including as a stewardship consultant to the national church.

Before his tenure at Emmaus House, Cole served as director of development for Habitat For Humanity in Jacksonville, Florida. While there, he developed a strong interest in community development as it pertains to poverty reduction, he said.

Since adding Cole to its staff four years ago as director of development and communications, Emmaus House has almost doubled the financial support that it receives, allowing it to dramatically increase its programs and its effectiveness in the neighborhoods it serves. Now as executive director, Cole will lead the organization in its continued efforts to support the residents of Peoplestown as they work toward economic security.

“During this time of community change, we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in Peoplestown and the surrounding neighborhoods,” Cole said. “I’m thrilled to work at an organization that’s dedicated to making measurable, systemic change that results in transformed lives.”