Black History Month honors the struggles and celebrates the victories and contributions of Black men and women throughout U.S. history. During the month, we retell the often-forgotten stories, unearth challenges, and highlight inequities often dismissed.

We believe that not only should we continue to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, but we should also continue to teach them to our children year-round. Our Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® program is one of many ways to create opportunities for our community to be empowered and inspired by the legacy of Black Heroes and everyday women and men who make a difference. Our CDF Freedom School summer reading program provides K-12 scholars with rich, culturally relevant pedagogy and high-quality books that deepen their understanding of themselves and their cultural heritage.

Our CDF Freedom School program further empowers scholars to believe in their ability and responsibility to make a difference while instilling a love of reading that helps them avoid summer learning loss.

We look forward to celebrating the month ahead and beyond.

Brent Harrell (above, middle) is a long-time Emmaus House supporter, husband, and father who has called Atlanta home for the past 20 years. Brent has spent 17 of those years generously donating Christmas lunches to Peoplestown seniors in need. “Their pride and love of their faith, community, and for one another is truly contagious, and I am grateful that my small role has given me the opportunity to get to know the Seniors of Peoplestown and to experience first hand the importance and purpose of the Emmaus House to this community,” Brent said. What started as a service project while working at SunTrust Banks became a yearly tradition long after he moved on from the company.

He shared his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute and participate in their Christmas celebrations and witness so many positive changes over the years. “Interacting with the folks, seeing them all dressed up, and filled with so much joy as they celebrate Christmas together has been such a great experience.” Brent went on to express how donating the lunches has impacted his life in invaluable ways. “Peoplestown seniors have taught me the importance of slowing down, appreciating the little things, and taking time out to be present in the moment.”

It’s easy to take a meal for granted, live life on autopilot, and rarely take a moment to cherish the little things. However, Brent’s words serve as a reminder that being present in our giving not only changes the lives of those who receive, giving is a gift that always gives back to us in priceless ways.

Last month, Emmaus House volunteer tutors, Clinton Deveaux and Ann Fowler, helped judge the annual spelling bee at the Barack and Michelle Obama (BaMO) Academy in Peoplestown. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the BaMO Academy and our work to empower children to make a difference in themselves, their families, and their communities.

For several years Emmaus House and BaMO have partnered to improve educational outcomes for children in the Peoplestown community. Our summer Freedom School is located at BaMO, and a majority of students come from the school. BaMO provides Freedom School with transportation, meals, and teaching and custodial assistance. During the academic year, Emmaus House helps BaMO with the Support for Students tutoring program.

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Recently, the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO) held its ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of its renovation and expansion. The Academy’s growth ensures the children in our community receive the educational resources they need to succeed.

We were honored to attend the ceremony and celebrate the success of such an impactful community endeavor. We look forward to continuing our special partnership with the BAMO Academy and our work to empower children to make a difference in themselves, their families, their communities, and their world.

On November 23, in preparation for Thanksgiving, 250 families in need received Thanksgiving dinners, including over 680 bags of side items from Emmaus House.

The meals not only made part of our efforts to fight food insecurity but also provided the members of Peoplestown an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks with their family members and community. Celebrating the holidays together leads to stronger family and communal ties, and we are grateful for the support from donors and volunteers like you who help us and our community. Thank you.

Our Community In the News:
We're grateful to have been featured in a recent article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution showcasing five metro-Atlanta organizations helping those in need of food assistance. Access the article here.

Throughout the pandemic, the "555" seniors group has continued to meet at Four Corners Park (across the street from Emmaus House), under the direction of Columbus Ward. On Thursdays, Emmaus House hosts "Art in the Park," art instruction and a space for "555" men and women to get creative and enjoy lively conversation.

Ann Fowler, our Director of Education Services, leads "Art in the Park" and says that one of the highlights of her week is teaching art to the 555 seniors. One of the projects was painting icons of "Mother of the Streets" and Ethiopian versions of the crucifixion and Mary and Jesus. Take a look at the artists' latest creations!

Sonia Doyle is an Emmaus House program assistant from Peoplestown who first visited Emmaus House in need of resources for herself. A single mom of two boys, who has lived in her neighborhood since she was a teenager, Sonia has a special connection to the community she serves and enjoys interacting with her clients to ensure they receive the resources and support they need.

When asked what she enjoyed most about working at Emmaus House, Sonia expressed, “I understand hardship, so I want to make sure my clients are aware of the programs and resources within our community. We have the YMCA, library, Fulton Atlanta Community Action, CHRIS 180, and more, but our community doesn’t know all that is available to them, so it’s my job to let them know.”

The pandemic has accelerated economic and social issues that were already taking place in the Peoplestown community. As more people struggle to provide for their families, gain access to affordable housing, or find employment, Sonia was especially thankful for the opportunity to work throughout the pandemic and impact those in the neighborhood she proudly calls home. She recalls her own experience, “When the pandemic happened, daycare shut down, so my 4-year-old son had nowhere to go. Emmaus House allowed me to bring my son to work, and though it was challenging at first, it allowed me to work. Emmaus House changed my life!”

Sonia left us with some encouraging words that truly reflect her spirit and love for those she serves, “In my job, I want everyone to be happy and celebrate life; even though we are in a pandemic, don’t let the pandemic bring you down. Don’t give up; hold on to your faith and all smiles.”

Bernard Watts is a Benefits Specialist for the Atlanta Community Food Bank that has visited Emmaus House to connect families to SNAP benefits for the past six years. Bernard comes to Emmaus House three days per week, sits with guests, and patiently goes through the painstaking application process that most Georgia residents have to do alone.

During the pandemic, the Atlanta Community Food Bank ensured that each person in need could still be served over the phone when in-person service just wasn't safe. But with Emmaus House back open to clients five days a week, Bernard is happy to be back sitting and working with clients face to face. In August, he processed 72 applications and renewals for benefits at Emmaus House alone. When asked what his most rewarding experience is doing the work that he does, Bernard responded:

Bernard Watts

"It's about assisting the people who go unassisted. Many of them have had a bad experience trying to work with DFCS, or they just couldn't go through the process alone and would probably never be able to access the help that they need."

Emmaus House has been blessed with a great partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and is certainly thankful for dedicated workers like Bernard. We are proud that Emmaus House can provide a high-quality in-person service to local residents thanks to these kinds of partnerships.

Beginning in October, Emmaus House volunteers will tutor first and second-grade students in reading at the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO), an Atlanta public school in Peoplestown. While many students encountered learning loss during the pandemic, our most vulnerable students experienced the steepest setbacks. Therefore, we would like to help bridge the learning gap in our community with the “Support for Students” tutoring program. Tutors will work with students once or twice a week for approximately an hour, using lessons prepared by BAMO’s reading specialist.

If you would like to support Emmaus House children learning to read, please contact Ann Fowler at annfowler@emmaushouse.org or 404-808-1864. Volunteers are required to complete a child abuse mandatory reporter course and pass a background check.