When we do things for others, we feel good because we know we are making a difference in their lives. These organizations, all based in Decatur, have made it their purpose to uplift others by improving essential skills, designing a beautiful and comfortable home environment, and giving those often marginalized by society a place to convene and gather.
Reading is Essential for All People (REAP)
https://www.readingisessential.org/
Jennifer Rhett, Executive Director & Founder of REAP, is on a mission to ensure children can read. It may sound like a straight-forward endeavor but it takes a lot of effort (and passion) to enable and prepare children to read well. Born out of direct concern, her own son was dyslexic and struggled with reading, she forged her own path to create an organization that changes people's lives. With a statistic that reports 68% of fourth graders in Georgia cannot read proficiently, she and her team work with teachers on a structured literacy program that changes learning outcomes. Consider making a donation today: https://www.readingisessential.org/donate/
Furnish with Love
https://www.furnishwithlove.org/
The team at Furnish with Love certainly knows that home is where the heart is. It is an organization whose mission is to create homes for individuals transitioning from housing insecurity. With a team of volunteer designers and a warehouse of pre-loved household items, these individuals create magic for Atlanta families from Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb Counties. Since 2019, Furnish with Love has provided environments where people can focus on each other while they set up a space that provides a refuge and a place to begin a new life. Please visit their Sample Sale on Friday, Dec 1st and Saturday, Dec 2nd at 508 E.Howard Ave., Decatur, GA 30030 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
L'Arche Atlanta
https://www.larcheatlanta.org/
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can be subject to enormous amounts of isolation from society. This leaves many with no community and taxes caregivers as their sole support. L'Arche Atlanta fills a massive void for those with IDD and their families as they provide homes and events where adults with IDD and without come together to share experiences. Whether it's through live or virtual events, people support one another; this relieves caregivers because they know their families are being uplifted and looked after. In addition to community services, L'Arche also leads advocacy efforts and recently completed an important campaign known as 6000 Waiting to bring awareness of a list of people waiting for home. Check out their documentary https://story-collection.gcdd.org/documentary-film to learn more and see how you can volunteer to support this initiative.
