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In our tradition of extending a hand — and heart — to seniors in need, we're proud to announce our latest venture in South Atlanta.

A Proud Past
South Atlanta was the bustling hub of Atlanta's black community from the Reconstruction period through the 1950's — a place where people rallied together and came to the aid of neighbors in need. It was home to Gammon Theological Seminary and

"Things are rough here, but I know God will protect us." - Zadie Jones, left. (Linda Langstraat, right)

Clark College. Professors, theologians, doctors, dentists and various other professionals called the neighborhood home. Actors and musicians, not yet welcome in Atlanta's prominent venues, performed in a neighborhood theater. It was a proud, peaceful community.

A Bleak Present
After Gammon Theological Seminary and Clark College left South Atlanta in the 1950's and 60's, the neighborhood began a downward spiral. Today the area is riddled with crime.

As one woman puts it: "Drugs, crime, prostitutes — we have it all." Though long-time senior homeowners hold fast to their community, approximately 80% of the neighborhood is renter occupied. This lack of community cohesion has led to excessive crime, turmoil and despair.

Rosa West looks forward to a safe and peaceful neighborhood.

A Bright Future
South Atlanta's seniors have suffered too long. It's time to reclaim their neighborhood! Our three-year plan includes the matching of approximately 100 South Atlanta seniors with two volunteers apiece: one from within the neighborhood and one from outside. Volunteers will be trained to assist seniors in dealing with predatory lenders and home safety issues.

The seniors' homes will be repaired and restored by our partners at Wesley Community Centers, SEED, Inc., Resource Service Ministry and Community Housing Resource Center.

In addition, over the next five years, 120 new homes will be built by Habitat for Humanity and Charis Community Housing. These homes will be sold to young, working families in an effort to revive the spirit of South Atlanta and drive out crime. (New homeowners will make up the South Atlanta volunteer base for adopting neighboring seniors.)

Special thanks to all of our partners:
South Atlanta Civic League, Charis Community Housing, FCS Urban Ministries, SEED, Inc., Wesley Community Centers and Habitat for Humanity - Atlanta and Community Housing Resource Center.

"A fuller life is what Adopt-A-Grandparent is all about.
The sharing of life between people of different times, races and cultures..."