January 3, 2025 • 26 mins
Discover how one nonprofit is reshaping futures in Atlanta with our inspiring conversation featuring Nell Benn, the CEO of Agape Youth and Family Center. For over 27 years, Agape has been more than just a support system; it's a lifeline for over 200 students from kindergarten and beyond, offering programs in reading proficiency, academic excellence, and character development. Nell shares her compelling journey from social work to leading a transformative organization, revealing the deep relationships built with both students and families. But Agape's impact doesn't stop with youth; it also extends to senior citizens with a comprehensive day program, creating a holistic community impact that truly changes lives.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Agape keeps its doors open and programs thriving. Discover the diverse funding sources that fuel their mission, from private donations and corporate support to faith-based contributions and civic group partnerships. We bust the myth that nonprofits are run solely by volunteers, highlighting Agape’s team of dedicated employees funded through these donations. Learn about their exciting fundraising events like the Agape Spring Benefit and a lively 5K, and explore opportunities to get involved—from becoming a "homework buddy" to engaging in corporate volunteer days. Tune in to find out how you can play a part in Agape's mission and make a lasting impact on the Atlanta community.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast North Atlanta,
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, stacey Risley.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Hello, friends and neighbors, welcome to North
Atlanta's Good Neighbor Podcast.
Today we have a special episodefor all of you.
We are here with a nonprofitthat we've recently started
partnering with, and Nell Ben isthe CEO of Agape Youth and
Family Center here in Atlanta,and we're so happy to have you
(00:33):
on with us today, nell.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Hi Stacey, Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Well, I just Atlanta knows, I'm an Atlanta native,
I've been here my whole life andI had never heard of Agape.
And the first time I met withNell she said, you know, we're
kind of Atlanta's best keptsecret.
And I was like, well, we aregoing to change that because
this organization I've just sojust I can't I can't even
(01:03):
express just how impressed I amby you know all of the work that
you're doing, and I was reallyshocked that I had not heard of
them and so I am making it amission to change that.
And our team here at North byGood Neighbors Good Neighbor
Podcast, dunwoody Neighbors, weare just determined to get the
(01:24):
word out.
So we are so happy to have Nellwith us and Nell with that.
If you will go ahead and tellus a little bit about your
organization, tell us aboutAgape Youth and Family Center.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Yes, absolutely Stacey.
Well, so Agape is a nonprofitorganization and we have been in
existence for 27 years.
Our mission is to help studentsand families discover, embrace
and achieve their full potentialby focusing on reading
(02:02):
proficiency by third grade,academic achievement, character
development, high schoolgraduation and post-graduation
placement.
So, in a nutshell, that is ourmission and that is who we are.
I will say that we are servingover 200 students, kindergarten
through 12th grade.
(02:22):
We've recently launched acollege and career program and I
think we'll talk a little bitabout that later, but we are
serving seven Atlanta publicschools, and so I've been here
for 22 years and it has been anincredible journey.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Well, that was a perfect segue right into the
next question, which is I wantto hear now about your journey
into this.
You know you are clearlypassionate about what you do,
which is just.
It just shines through incommunication with you.
So tell, tell our listenerswhat got you into this and tell
us about your journey into this.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
I'm sure.
So I have a master's in socialwork.
So a master's in social work, Ithought I wanted to be a school
social worker and but actuallystarted my career in outpatient
mental health, so spend aboutfour years in outpatient mental
health in Huntsville Alabamafour years in outpatient mental
(03:25):
health in Huntsville Alabama.
I'm actually from Georgia, butmy first job out of grad school
was in Huntsville Alabama.
I moved back to Atlanta in 1999, and that was when I discovered
nonprofit.
And I have to tell you, when Idiscovered nonprofit, I knew
that this was it.
(03:45):
I absolutely knew it.
And so, as I mentioned, I'vebeen with Agape for 22 years and
I absolutely love what I do.
I will say I've had the honorand privilege of seeing many
students grow up.
So, seeing that I've been hereso long, there were children who
(04:08):
were in elementary school whenI started who have now graduated
from college.
So there's never a day that Idon't feel like coming to Agape
because I can see the impactthat we're making in the lives
of children the impact thatwe're making in the lives of
children.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Well, as a former educator myself, that so
resonates with me.
Because you really are makinglives, you know, are making the
difference in lives, you'remolding lives, you know every
day.
And what more rewarding, youknow.
There's just nothing morerewarding than being able to
help people change lives for thebetter and empowering their
future.
Nell and Agape have recentlypartnered with our North
(04:54):
Buckhead Neighbors publicationand in our current December
issues they have a wonderfularticle just telling all about
their organization and what theyare doing.
It's in, it's titled and I justloved the title was Ape Atlanta
, empowering futures since 1997.
And and that's what you do youempower futures and as a result
(05:17):
of that you're changing so manylives and changing the community
.
You know really and that's kindof going to move us into the
next question and normally I'masking you know the business
owners?
When it's you know a business,I'm asking them what are the
myths and misconceptions aboutyour industry?
And I'm just going to go aheadand volunteer that I had the
(05:40):
misconception that you guys onlyhelped youth in that you know
which which, which was a huge,wonderful thing in and of itself
, but I was when I first gotthis article submit submission
and the photos that wereincluded.
It's not just the youth thatyou're, you know, atlanta's
(06:00):
youth that you're you'rechanging lives of and empowering
.
You know and empowering.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe families that you serve and
the different communities or thedifferent pockets of people
within our community.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
Yes, yes, absolutely so.
As I mentioned, we're servingover 200 children, Absolutely so
.
As I mentioned, we're servingover 200 children, kindergarten
through 12th grade, through ourin-school, after-school and
summer programs.
So I wanted to mention that,and also wanted to mention the
one thing that makes Agapeunique from other youth-serving
(06:39):
organizations is the fact thatour current 12th grader has been
with us on average for 10 to 12years.
So, in 10 to 12 years.
We have time, right, right,absolutely Positively.
You know, influence behaviorand perspective.
So, yes, we serve the children,we serve their families, but we
(07:04):
also serve senior citizens.
We have a day program forsenior citizens, primarily women
who live in the community.
They come through, come toAgape throughout the month for a
day program.
So they come for a day program.
During that time they are, theyhave lunch and you know
(07:27):
fellowship.
But the most important thing isthat bingo that they play.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
The photos show the joy that you're bringing.
I think I love.
I love bingo and I'm not asenior yet, but I can only
imagine how much I love it.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Yes, absolutely Absolutely, and they do field
trips and other um their other.
You know educational sessionsthat are offered.
So it's a wonderful group of ofseniors that we serve, in
addition to the children andfamilies.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
And I think that is fantastic and that was something
that I definitely, you know,had a misconception about.
Are there any others that youcan think of that you would like
to clear up with listeners, I'msure?
Speaker 3 (08:09):
You know, I think another misconception, stacey,
is that underserved familiesdon't work, and that is not the
case.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Yeah, we definitely need to clear that up.
That is not the case at all.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Yeah, our families work two and three jobs you know
, so I think that's a hugemisconception.
The average household incomefor the families we serve is
probably about $30,000 a year,but that could be a family of
six you know five or six.
So, as we know all know,$30,000 can't go very far.
(08:48):
So a place like Agape is veryimportant because the programs
and services that we offer areall free of charge, 100% free of
charge.
So it's a tremendous benefitand support for the families in
this community.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yeah, and the whole family.
As you said, you're not justworking with the youth, but the
fact that you are working withthose kids in the family helps
the parents, it helps the I meanit's generational.
So I love that you're helping.
You know really the entirefamily.
You know from the kids of thefamily to the parents, and then
(09:29):
you're even working with seniorcitizens.
I just you are doing it all, sosuper impressed with that.
You are doing it all so superimpressed with that.
And let's chat now for a minuteabout some of your well, one
initiative in particular, butyour 2025, the year ahead, your
initiatives.
There's one in particular, theNavigate program, that I would
(09:51):
love to hear more about.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
Okay, absolutely.
We are very excited about thisnew college and career program
that we've named Navigate.
So really, as I mentioned, ourstudents are with us on average
for 10 to 12 years, so our goalis to get them to graduate and
to also make sure they have apost-secondary plan so that, of
(10:18):
course, could be four-yearcollege, it could be a two-year
technical school or it could befull-time employment.
So what we've learned over theyears is that our students still
need us after they graduatehigh school.
I mean, even for my kids whoare, you know, in college, they
still need me.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
I have a college senior who definitely still
needs her mama.
That's right.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Just because they're 18 or 19 years old doesn't mean
they don't need us anymore.
So we realized that our studentsare, you know, some of them are
struggling to navigate this newchapter, you know, in their
lives.
So we've decided to launch thisnew initiative that will
support our students after theygraduate high school, so they
(11:06):
will continue to be a part ofAgape, and so if they're in
college and they're havingchallenges with their classes or
they don't know how to, youknow, figure out the campus or
know where to go for tutoring,or if they need a computer, or
if they need assistance withtheir tuition, we're still here
to support them, as well assupporting those that are in
(11:30):
technical school and those whoare working full-time as well.
So this program will consist ofmonthly coaching sessions with
our college and career manager,so she's, you know, sort of like
their mentor, you know, meetingwith them once a month to, you
know, discuss any concerns theymay have.
We will also have quarterlyworkshops, you know, things like
(11:55):
financial literacy, so that wecan warn them against those
credit cards that they're goingto.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
That is fantastic.
I love that you're talkingabout financial literacy,
because that is such a problem,like for all you know, our youth
, but then also especially theunderserved community, so that
financial literacy is soimportant and that is wonderful
that you are doing all of that.
Speaker 3 (12:21):
Yes, absolutely so.
Sessions on financial literacy,sessions on our mental health
right.
Definitely want to make sureour kids are healthy in every
way.
So, yeah, it's just anextension of what we've been
doing for 27 years and we'revery excited about it.
(12:42):
We have a number of our alumniwho have already enrolled in the
program.
They are excited about it.
So we had a soft launch thisyear, in 2024, but it will
officially launch in 2025.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
That is perfect timing for this, and so, while
you were talking, I thought ofsomething I wanted to circle
back to.
You talked about how theaverage student has been with
you, for, did you say, was it?
Speaker 3 (13:12):
10 to 12 years was it 10 to 12 years.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Another statistic that blew my mind when I
initially was looking, you know,into your organization was your
graduation rate.
Like it was, do you want to?
Speaker 3 (13:29):
share that number with our listeners.
Sure Gosh, I mean for the lastseveral years, I mean for most
of the time I've been here,actually, we've had a 100%
graduation rate.
Now we have had a few along theway.
You know that did not completehigh school and we are still
working with them to cross thatfinish line.
So since 2009, which is when weofficially began tracking it
(13:55):
we've had a 96 overall, a 96percent graduation rate.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
And that is astounding.
You know, for those of you whodon't have a background in
education, that number even at96.
And you're saying for the pastseveral years it's been 100
percent%.
That is an astounding number.
I wonder what that compares.
I'm not abreast.
I'll have to get back.
(14:21):
Maybe on our next episode We'lltalk about what Atlanta City
Schools average graduation rateis compared to that, because I
would be interested to comparethose numbers.
But even at 96, and now we knowit's higher than that that's an
astounding number.
That's absolutely unheard of.
(14:42):
You know so and it's not likeyou're helping.
You know a dozen kids.
This is with hundreds of kids.
And how many, how many schoolsare you working with?
Speaker 3 (14:55):
Seven.
We have seven schools thatwe're partnering with and one
other thing that's really coolabout you know what we do here
at Agape.
We have a partnership with theschools, we have an MOU with the
schools that we serve and thereare full-time Agape employees
that are based at the schoolsthat we serve during the school
(15:18):
day.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
So every time I talk to you, my mind's blown even
more.
You have full time at each oneof those seven schools.
You have a person.
Speaker 3 (15:31):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
That's amazing.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
And there's dedicated space at the schools.
Yeah, yeah, there's space atthe schools and and that
employee, that Agape employee,is working closely with the
teachers and the counselors andthe graduation coaches to ensure
the Agape kids are successfuland that they don't fall between
the cracks.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
That is amazing.
So I was an EIP teacher.
You know when I teach, so thatEIP for those of you don't know,
that's early interventionprogram.
So this is just.
You can see why this tugs at myheartstrings so much.
And I just am so proud of y'alland everything you're doing.
(16:09):
You know so, especially nowthat I know you have a full-time
employee at all these schools.
This costs money.
You know, agave is a nonprofitand just because it's a
not-for-profit, you do stillhave employees.
It's still, you know, run likea business.
It's just a not-for-profitbusiness and businesses have to
(16:30):
have, you know, working funds.
And so let's talk a minuteabout fundraising.
You know, like, how do you getyour funds and your donations?
And I would love for anyonelistening to if you are
considering, you know, investingin the futures of our community
(16:52):
and bettering our community.
This is and I come across a lotof organizations in my line of
work here and yours is among myvery favorite.
You know, I really believe thatyou are a worthy cause and the
more I learn, the moreconviction I have in that.
So tell us a little bit abouthow you do get the funds to be
(17:17):
able to help this many people inour community.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Sure, absolutely, and we do have quite a few
employees, we have you mentioned.
You know that it's a nonprofit,but we have employees.
Yes, we have 45 employees.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Okay, that is a lot, and they all have to.
You have to put food on theirtables at home.
They're not all volunteers, soI think that that's a
misconception.
I'll come back.
People often think thatnonprofits are strictly run by
volunteers that are not beingpaid, and while I'm sure that's
(17:55):
a huge part of your program andwe can talk about that in a
minute too but but 45 employees,that's.
I mean you've got a payroll,and quite a large one.
So so how are you getting those?
How can, how can we help?
Speaker 3 (18:11):
Yes, absolutely so.
Most of our funds, I would saythe overwhelming majority of our
revenue, is private for themost part.
So we receive funding fromcorporations, individuals, faith
based organizations, civicgroups, organizations, civic
(18:34):
groups.
There are a lot of familyfoundations that support us
fairly large percentage offamily foundations that support
us and we also do a couple ofspecial events or fundraising
events each year.
So we have a pretty diverseportfolio.
We receive a little governmentfunding, not a tremendous amount
(18:58):
.
As I mentioned, most of ourmoney is private.
So individuals, familyfoundations and other groups.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Yeah, and private donors, as I said, individuals
and families, and so, yeah,that's something that, if you're
able to, this would be a veryworthy cause.
I don't know that I am justlike I said earlier, every time
I hear more, more my convictionincreases.
(19:27):
And this is such a great, greatgroup.
So you mentioned events thatyou hold a few events a year to
help raise money for this cause.
So tell us about.
Do you have upcoming events?
I know that You've got onethat's going to be in the end of
(19:48):
December, but I know that thatmay not be out in time for this
podcast, so we'll start fromafter that.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Well, I will mention in terms of this year we do.
We are wrapping up our annualfund event, so that is a
campaign that we do every fall,so we're we're hoping to close
that out in a positive way byDecember 31st.
We're hoping to close that outin a positive way by December
31st, but in terms of 2025, wehave an annual what we call
(20:17):
cocktail party.
It's basically the Agape SpringBenefit.
It is scheduled for April 24that the Foundry at Puritan Mills.
So that's an annual event.
We usually have gosh, I wouldsay approximately 400 or so
(20:37):
community individuals from ourcommunity who attend that event
every year.
So it's a really, really niceparty.
We celebrate the success ofAgape and we, you know,
celebrate our children and ourfamilies.
We usually have a student ortwo who will share their Agape
story during that event.
(20:58):
So it's something that oursupporters have grown to love.
So that's scheduled forThursday, april 24th, and then
at the Foundry.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
Yes, at the Foundry.
Yeah, that's a really neatvenue.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
It's very close to us and just in terms of our
listeners Stacey, I'm sure manyof our listeners have passed
Agape because we're located onMarietta Boulevard and I hear so
many times oh my gosh, I alwayswonder what happened in that
building.
(21:33):
But we are in Northwest Atlantaon Marietta Boulevard, marietta
Boulevard and Chattahoochee, Iwould say.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Yeah, that is so.
Yeah, people are passing you.
You do have a lot of trafficand people are looking at that
and not knowing what you guys do.
So now you know oh, my goodness, well, so are there.
If people that are listening tothis and they want to get
(22:04):
involved, whether that meansbecome a donor or become a
volunteer or just learn more,what are the ways that people
can get involved?
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Yeah, sure.
Well, there are many wayspeople can get involved.
Yes, I mentioned the springbenefit that we'll have in April
, but there's also a back toschool bonanza that we do every
year for our families, and sowe're often often looking for
groups to do school supplydrives and things of that nature
(22:38):
.
So that's a great event thatyou know many people like to get
involved in.
There are also things duringthe day.
Whether it's for the summerprogram or during the after
school program, we're alwayslooking for tutors.
Sometimes people are threatenedby the word tutor, so let me
change that to homework buddy wecall them, that is that is much
(23:01):
less intimidating.
So.
So we're always looking forhomework buddies, we're always
looking for groups who cansponsor dinner for our students
during the school year.
So one thing about our afterschool program it is the typical
after school program where thekids come for homework help.
(23:21):
There's enrichment programming,but we also serve dinner.
We serve a nutritious meal toour students before we take them
home.
So there's an opportunity forfamilies.
It's very, you know, we're veryfamily oriented.
So also providing transportation, wow, okay, sorry, I just had
(23:42):
to insert that we pick the kidsup from school and we take them
home at the end of the day, Wowso.
But yes, so we're looking forfamilies to sponsor dinner as
well.
As I mentioned the homeworkbuddies, we will have a 5K next
fall as well.
So if we have any runners outthere, or even walkers I mean, I
(24:05):
like to walk personally soanother event that we have
throughout the year.
So there are there just so manyways to get involved.
We have what we call CorporateVolunteer Day, so we could have
a corporate group to come in andtalk to our high school
students to share, you know,share with them, share
(24:26):
information with them abouttheir careers, and you know.
So all sorts of ways.
And so if anyone's interested,please feel free to go to our
website, which isagapeatlantaorg, or you can
simply give me a call.
I would be happy to talk to youabout it.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Oh, my goodness, I think that this has been one of
my favorite episodes that wehave recorded in a long time, so
I am so excited.
I'm excited to be partneringwith you, with North Buckhead
Neighbors.
We are going to be a sneak peekfor our readers.
(25:04):
We will be featuring an Agapelegacy family in our March issue
.
I'm very excited about that andwe're going to just do what we
can to help spread the word andget the good news out there,
because we're all about sharinggood news and you guys are doing
great things in our community.
Again, I'm so proud to bepartnered with you guys and
(25:28):
appreciate Thank you from anAtlanta native who loves this
city.
Thank you for everything thatyou're doing now.
This has been fantastic.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Well, thank you, stacey, thank you for this
opportunity.
We really really do appreciateit, because we no longer want to
be the best kept secret inAtlanta.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
Exactly right, that could be my mission.
You guys have a mission that isway longer.
If that's my mission, to getthat no longer a secret,
everyone is going to know whenthey drive by that building,
what you guys are, what you do,who you help, all the great
things you're doing for ourcommunity.
Thank you so much for beinghere now.
It has been an absolutepleasure to help spread the word
(26:10):
about the good things thatAgape is doing.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
Well, that's all for today's episode, Atlanta.
I'm Stacey Risley with the GoodNeighbor podcast.
Thanks for listening and forsupporting the local businesses
and nonprofits of our greatcommunity.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast
North Atlanta.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses, visit
gnpnorthatlantacom.
That's gnpnorthatlantacom.
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast North Atlanta,
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, stacey Risley.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Hello, friends and neighbors, welcome to North
Atlanta's Good Neighbor Podcast.
Today we have a special episodefor all of you.
We are here with a nonprofitthat we've recently started
partnering with, and Nell Ben isthe CEO of Agape Youth and
Family Center here in Atlanta,and we're so happy to have you
(00:33):
on with us today, nell.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Hi Stacey, Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Well, I just Atlanta knows, I'm an Atlanta native,
I've been here my whole life andI had never heard of Agape.
And the first time I met withNell she said, you know, we're
kind of Atlanta's best keptsecret.
And I was like, well, we aregoing to change that because
this organization I've just sojust I can't I can't even
(01:03):
express just how impressed I amby you know all of the work that
you're doing, and I was reallyshocked that I had not heard of
them and so I am making it amission to change that.
And our team here at North byGood Neighbors Good Neighbor
Podcast, dunwoody Neighbors, weare just determined to get the
(01:24):
word out.
So we are so happy to have Nellwith us and Nell with that.
If you will go ahead and tellus a little bit about your
organization, tell us aboutAgape Youth and Family Center.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Yes, absolutely Stacey.
Well, so Agape is a nonprofitorganization and we have been in
existence for 27 years.
Our mission is to help studentsand families discover, embrace
and achieve their full potentialby focusing on reading
(02:02):
proficiency by third grade,academic achievement, character
development, high schoolgraduation and post-graduation
placement.
So, in a nutshell, that is ourmission and that is who we are.
I will say that we are servingover 200 students, kindergarten
through 12th grade.
(02:22):
We've recently launched acollege and career program and I
think we'll talk a little bitabout that later, but we are
serving seven Atlanta publicschools, and so I've been here
for 22 years and it has been anincredible journey.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Well, that was a perfect segue right into the
next question, which is I wantto hear now about your journey
into this.
You know you are clearlypassionate about what you do,
which is just.
It just shines through incommunication with you.
So tell, tell our listenerswhat got you into this and tell
us about your journey into this.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
I'm sure.
So I have a master's in socialwork.
So a master's in social work, Ithought I wanted to be a school
social worker and but actuallystarted my career in outpatient
mental health, so spend aboutfour years in outpatient mental
health in Huntsville Alabamafour years in outpatient mental
(03:25):
health in Huntsville Alabama.
I'm actually from Georgia, butmy first job out of grad school
was in Huntsville Alabama.
I moved back to Atlanta in 1999, and that was when I discovered
nonprofit.
And I have to tell you, when Idiscovered nonprofit, I knew
that this was it.
(03:45):
I absolutely knew it.
And so, as I mentioned, I'vebeen with Agape for 22 years and
I absolutely love what I do.
I will say I've had the honorand privilege of seeing many
students grow up.
So, seeing that I've been hereso long, there were children who
(04:08):
were in elementary school whenI started who have now graduated
from college.
So there's never a day that Idon't feel like coming to Agape
because I can see the impactthat we're making in the lives
of children the impact thatwe're making in the lives of
children.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Well, as a former educator myself, that so
resonates with me.
Because you really are makinglives, you know, are making the
difference in lives, you'remolding lives, you know every
day.
And what more rewarding, youknow.
There's just nothing morerewarding than being able to
help people change lives for thebetter and empowering their
future.
Nell and Agape have recentlypartnered with our North
(04:54):
Buckhead Neighbors publicationand in our current December
issues they have a wonderfularticle just telling all about
their organization and what theyare doing.
It's in, it's titled and I justloved the title was Ape Atlanta
, empowering futures since 1997.
And and that's what you do youempower futures and as a result
(05:17):
of that you're changing so manylives and changing the community
.
You know really and that's kindof going to move us into the
next question and normally I'masking you know the business
owners?
When it's you know a business,I'm asking them what are the
myths and misconceptions aboutyour industry?
And I'm just going to go aheadand volunteer that I had the
(05:40):
misconception that you guys onlyhelped youth in that you know
which which, which was a huge,wonderful thing in and of itself
, but I was when I first gotthis article submit submission
and the photos that wereincluded.
It's not just the youth thatyou're, you know, atlanta's
(06:00):
youth that you're you'rechanging lives of and empowering
.
You know and empowering.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe families that you serve and
the different communities or thedifferent pockets of people
within our community.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
Yes, yes, absolutely so.
As I mentioned, we're servingover 200 children, Absolutely so
.
As I mentioned, we're servingover 200 children, kindergarten
through 12th grade, through ourin-school, after-school and
summer programs.
So I wanted to mention that,and also wanted to mention the
one thing that makes Agapeunique from other youth-serving
(06:39):
organizations is the fact thatour current 12th grader has been
with us on average for 10 to 12years.
So, in 10 to 12 years.
We have time, right, right,absolutely Positively.
You know, influence behaviorand perspective.
So, yes, we serve the children,we serve their families, but we
(07:04):
also serve senior citizens.
We have a day program forsenior citizens, primarily women
who live in the community.
They come through, come toAgape throughout the month for a
day program.
So they come for a day program.
During that time they are, theyhave lunch and you know
(07:27):
fellowship.
But the most important thing isthat bingo that they play.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
The photos show the joy that you're bringing.
I think I love.
I love bingo and I'm not asenior yet, but I can only
imagine how much I love it.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Yes, absolutely Absolutely, and they do field
trips and other um their other.
You know educational sessionsthat are offered.
So it's a wonderful group of ofseniors that we serve, in
addition to the children andfamilies.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
And I think that is fantastic and that was something
that I definitely, you know,had a misconception about.
Are there any others that youcan think of that you would like
to clear up with listeners, I'msure?
Speaker 3 (08:09):
You know, I think another misconception, stacey,
is that underserved familiesdon't work, and that is not the
case.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Yeah, we definitely need to clear that up.
That is not the case at all.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Yeah, our families work two and three jobs you know
, so I think that's a hugemisconception.
The average household incomefor the families we serve is
probably about $30,000 a year,but that could be a family of
six you know five or six.
So, as we know all know,$30,000 can't go very far.
(08:48):
So a place like Agape is veryimportant because the programs
and services that we offer areall free of charge, 100% free of
charge.
So it's a tremendous benefitand support for the families in
this community.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yeah, and the whole family.
As you said, you're not justworking with the youth, but the
fact that you are working withthose kids in the family helps
the parents, it helps the I meanit's generational.
So I love that you're helping.
You know really the entirefamily.
You know from the kids of thefamily to the parents, and then
(09:29):
you're even working with seniorcitizens.
I just you are doing it all, sosuper impressed with that.
You are doing it all so superimpressed with that.
And let's chat now for a minuteabout some of your well, one
initiative in particular, butyour 2025, the year ahead, your
initiatives.
There's one in particular, theNavigate program, that I would
(09:51):
love to hear more about.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
Okay, absolutely.
We are very excited about thisnew college and career program
that we've named Navigate.
So really, as I mentioned, ourstudents are with us on average
for 10 to 12 years, so our goalis to get them to graduate and
to also make sure they have apost-secondary plan so that, of
(10:18):
course, could be four-yearcollege, it could be a two-year
technical school or it could befull-time employment.
So what we've learned over theyears is that our students still
need us after they graduatehigh school.
I mean, even for my kids whoare, you know, in college, they
still need me.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
I have a college senior who definitely still
needs her mama.
That's right.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Just because they're 18 or 19 years old doesn't mean
they don't need us anymore.
So we realized that our studentsare, you know, some of them are
struggling to navigate this newchapter, you know, in their
lives.
So we've decided to launch thisnew initiative that will
support our students after theygraduate high school, so they
(11:06):
will continue to be a part ofAgape, and so if they're in
college and they're havingchallenges with their classes or
they don't know how to, youknow, figure out the campus or
know where to go for tutoring,or if they need a computer, or
if they need assistance withtheir tuition, we're still here
to support them, as well assupporting those that are in
(11:30):
technical school and those whoare working full-time as well.
So this program will consist ofmonthly coaching sessions with
our college and career manager,so she's, you know, sort of like
their mentor, you know, meetingwith them once a month to, you
know, discuss any concerns theymay have.
We will also have quarterlyworkshops, you know, things like
(11:55):
financial literacy, so that wecan warn them against those
credit cards that they're goingto.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
That is fantastic.
I love that you're talkingabout financial literacy,
because that is such a problem,like for all you know, our youth
, but then also especially theunderserved community, so that
financial literacy is soimportant and that is wonderful
that you are doing all of that.
Speaker 3 (12:21):
Yes, absolutely so.
Sessions on financial literacy,sessions on our mental health
right.
Definitely want to make sureour kids are healthy in every
way.
So, yeah, it's just anextension of what we've been
doing for 27 years and we'revery excited about it.
(12:42):
We have a number of our alumniwho have already enrolled in the
program.
They are excited about it.
So we had a soft launch thisyear, in 2024, but it will
officially launch in 2025.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
That is perfect timing for this, and so, while
you were talking, I thought ofsomething I wanted to circle
back to.
You talked about how theaverage student has been with
you, for, did you say, was it?
Speaker 3 (13:12):
10 to 12 years was it 10 to 12 years.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Another statistic that blew my mind when I
initially was looking, you know,into your organization was your
graduation rate.
Like it was, do you want to?
Speaker 3 (13:29):
share that number with our listeners.
Sure Gosh, I mean for the lastseveral years, I mean for most
of the time I've been here,actually, we've had a 100%
graduation rate.
Now we have had a few along theway.
You know that did not completehigh school and we are still
working with them to cross thatfinish line.
So since 2009, which is when weofficially began tracking it
(13:55):
we've had a 96 overall, a 96percent graduation rate.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
And that is astounding.
You know, for those of you whodon't have a background in
education, that number even at96.
And you're saying for the pastseveral years it's been 100
percent%.
That is an astounding number.
I wonder what that compares.
I'm not abreast.
I'll have to get back.
(14:21):
Maybe on our next episode We'lltalk about what Atlanta City
Schools average graduation rateis compared to that, because I
would be interested to comparethose numbers.
But even at 96, and now we knowit's higher than that that's an
astounding number.
That's absolutely unheard of.
(14:42):
You know so and it's not likeyou're helping.
You know a dozen kids.
This is with hundreds of kids.
And how many, how many schoolsare you working with?
Speaker 3 (14:55):
Seven.
We have seven schools thatwe're partnering with and one
other thing that's really coolabout you know what we do here
at Agape.
We have a partnership with theschools, we have an MOU with the
schools that we serve and thereare full-time Agape employees
that are based at the schoolsthat we serve during the school
(15:18):
day.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
So every time I talk to you, my mind's blown even
more.
You have full time at each oneof those seven schools.
You have a person.
Speaker 3 (15:31):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
That's amazing.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
And there's dedicated space at the schools.
Yeah, yeah, there's space atthe schools and and that
employee, that Agape employee,is working closely with the
teachers and the counselors andthe graduation coaches to ensure
the Agape kids are successfuland that they don't fall between
the cracks.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
That is amazing.
So I was an EIP teacher.
You know when I teach, so thatEIP for those of you don't know,
that's early interventionprogram.
So this is just.
You can see why this tugs at myheartstrings so much.
And I just am so proud of y'alland everything you're doing.
(16:09):
You know so, especially nowthat I know you have a full-time
employee at all these schools.
This costs money.
You know, agave is a nonprofitand just because it's a
not-for-profit, you do stillhave employees.
It's still, you know, run likea business.
It's just a not-for-profitbusiness and businesses have to
(16:30):
have, you know, working funds.
And so let's talk a minuteabout fundraising.
You know, like, how do you getyour funds and your donations?
And I would love for anyonelistening to if you are
considering, you know, investingin the futures of our community
(16:52):
and bettering our community.
This is and I come across a lotof organizations in my line of
work here and yours is among myvery favorite.
You know, I really believe thatyou are a worthy cause and the
more I learn, the moreconviction I have in that.
So tell us a little bit abouthow you do get the funds to be
(17:17):
able to help this many people inour community.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Sure, absolutely, and we do have quite a few
employees, we have you mentioned.
You know that it's a nonprofit,but we have employees.
Yes, we have 45 employees.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Okay, that is a lot, and they all have to.
You have to put food on theirtables at home.
They're not all volunteers, soI think that that's a
misconception.
I'll come back.
People often think thatnonprofits are strictly run by
volunteers that are not beingpaid, and while I'm sure that's
(17:55):
a huge part of your program andwe can talk about that in a
minute too but but 45 employees,that's.
I mean you've got a payroll,and quite a large one.
So so how are you getting those?
How can, how can we help?
Speaker 3 (18:11):
Yes, absolutely so.
Most of our funds, I would saythe overwhelming majority of our
revenue, is private for themost part.
So we receive funding fromcorporations, individuals, faith
based organizations, civicgroups, organizations, civic
(18:34):
groups.
There are a lot of familyfoundations that support us
fairly large percentage offamily foundations that support
us and we also do a couple ofspecial events or fundraising
events each year.
So we have a pretty diverseportfolio.
We receive a little governmentfunding, not a tremendous amount
(18:58):
.
As I mentioned, most of ourmoney is private.
So individuals, familyfoundations and other groups.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Yeah, and private donors, as I said, individuals
and families, and so, yeah,that's something that, if you're
able to, this would be a veryworthy cause.
I don't know that I am justlike I said earlier, every time
I hear more, more my convictionincreases.
(19:27):
And this is such a great, greatgroup.
So you mentioned events thatyou hold a few events a year to
help raise money for this cause.
So tell us about.
Do you have upcoming events?
I know that You've got onethat's going to be in the end of
(19:48):
December, but I know that thatmay not be out in time for this
podcast, so we'll start fromafter that.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Well, I will mention in terms of this year we do.
We are wrapping up our annualfund event, so that is a
campaign that we do every fall,so we're we're hoping to close
that out in a positive way byDecember 31st.
We're hoping to close that outin a positive way by December
31st, but in terms of 2025, wehave an annual what we call
(20:17):
cocktail party.
It's basically the Agape SpringBenefit.
It is scheduled for April 24that the Foundry at Puritan Mills.
So that's an annual event.
We usually have gosh, I wouldsay approximately 400 or so
(20:37):
community individuals from ourcommunity who attend that event
every year.
So it's a really, really niceparty.
We celebrate the success ofAgape and we, you know,
celebrate our children and ourfamilies.
We usually have a student ortwo who will share their Agape
story during that event.
(20:58):
So it's something that oursupporters have grown to love.
So that's scheduled forThursday, april 24th, and then
at the Foundry.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
Yes, at the Foundry.
Yeah, that's a really neatvenue.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
It's very close to us and just in terms of our
listeners Stacey, I'm sure manyof our listeners have passed
Agape because we're located onMarietta Boulevard and I hear so
many times oh my gosh, I alwayswonder what happened in that
building.
(21:33):
But we are in Northwest Atlantaon Marietta Boulevard, marietta
Boulevard and Chattahoochee, Iwould say.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Yeah, that is so.
Yeah, people are passing you.
You do have a lot of trafficand people are looking at that
and not knowing what you guys do.
So now you know oh, my goodness, well, so are there.
If people that are listening tothis and they want to get
(22:04):
involved, whether that meansbecome a donor or become a
volunteer or just learn more,what are the ways that people
can get involved?
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Yeah, sure.
Well, there are many wayspeople can get involved.
Yes, I mentioned the springbenefit that we'll have in April
, but there's also a back toschool bonanza that we do every
year for our families, and sowe're often often looking for
groups to do school supplydrives and things of that nature
(22:38):
.
So that's a great event thatyou know many people like to get
involved in.
There are also things duringthe day.
Whether it's for the summerprogram or during the after
school program, we're alwayslooking for tutors.
Sometimes people are threatenedby the word tutor, so let me
change that to homework buddy wecall them, that is that is much
(23:01):
less intimidating.
So.
So we're always looking forhomework buddies, we're always
looking for groups who cansponsor dinner for our students
during the school year.
So one thing about our afterschool program it is the typical
after school program where thekids come for homework help.
(23:21):
There's enrichment programming,but we also serve dinner.
We serve a nutritious meal toour students before we take them
home.
So there's an opportunity forfamilies.
It's very, you know, we're veryfamily oriented.
So also providing transportation, wow, okay, sorry, I just had
(23:42):
to insert that we pick the kidsup from school and we take them
home at the end of the day, Wowso.
But yes, so we're looking forfamilies to sponsor dinner as
well.
As I mentioned the homeworkbuddies, we will have a 5K next
fall as well.
So if we have any runners outthere, or even walkers I mean, I
(24:05):
like to walk personally soanother event that we have
throughout the year.
So there are there just so manyways to get involved.
We have what we call CorporateVolunteer Day, so we could have
a corporate group to come in andtalk to our high school
students to share, you know,share with them, share
(24:26):
information with them abouttheir careers, and you know.
So all sorts of ways.
And so if anyone's interested,please feel free to go to our
website, which isagapeatlantaorg, or you can
simply give me a call.
I would be happy to talk to youabout it.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Oh, my goodness, I think that this has been one of
my favorite episodes that wehave recorded in a long time, so
I am so excited.
I'm excited to be partneringwith you, with North Buckhead
Neighbors.
We are going to be a sneak peekfor our readers.
(25:04):
We will be featuring an Agapelegacy family in our March issue
.
I'm very excited about that andwe're going to just do what we
can to help spread the word andget the good news out there,
because we're all about sharinggood news and you guys are doing
great things in our community.
Again, I'm so proud to bepartnered with you guys and
(25:28):
appreciate Thank you from anAtlanta native who loves this
city.
Thank you for everything thatyou're doing now.
This has been fantastic.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Well, thank you, stacey, thank you for this
opportunity.
We really really do appreciateit, because we no longer want to
be the best kept secret inAtlanta.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
Exactly right, that could be my mission.
You guys have a mission that isway longer.
If that's my mission, to getthat no longer a secret,
everyone is going to know whenthey drive by that building,
what you guys are, what you do,who you help, all the great
things you're doing for ourcommunity.
Thank you so much for beinghere now.
It has been an absolutepleasure to help spread the word
(26:10):
about the good things thatAgape is doing.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
Well, that's all for today's episode, Atlanta.
I'm Stacey Risley with the GoodNeighbor podcast.
Thanks for listening and forsupporting the local businesses
and nonprofits of our greatcommunity.
Speaker 1 (26:24):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast
North Atlanta.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses, visit
gnpnorthatlantacom.
That's gnpnorthatlantacom.
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