So today, our group went to the Atlanta Center of Self-Sufficiency down. The center itself was nestled in a huge skyscraper but once we walked inside, it was very welcoming. The staff greeted us with open arms and I started to relax a little. I didn’t really know what to expect, the center was focused more on the homeless so I thought there would be more people that were in DIRE need. Not saying that the people we helped today were any less in need but I was thinking like beggars, the people you see occupying streets and corners, sleeping on grates to keep warm.

The center is a result of a merger and provides services such as: clothing for job interviews, they have 100’s of suits donated and woman’s clothes as well. The students, if accepted and willing, will go through a 3 week program to prepare them for the workplace. They don’t just help people obtain jobs but careers. There is a computer lab in which the students can come in and work on their resumes or submitting applications. Life Coaches for those who need encouragement or insight. Nurses from Emory Health Care come and give examinations.

Gordan Ellis, the director of the center, chatted with us about what he did and why he does what he does which was very commendable. We are in Atlanta to learn about Urban Development and the management of the city depends on the people who live in it so why not start with them. We also got the honor of speaking with the CEO, Dana, she was really lovely and talked to us about the underground about the company. It put into perspective how much goes into things like this and I have to commend the staff for spending their hours helping clients.

The people I interacted with today were amazing. Their stories were touching and after I helped them the gratitude that I received just sent me over the moon. I love helping people and I am all for the betterment of people. Working with the clients requires a lot of patience; most of them were over the age of 50 and didn’t know how to work a computer, most if not all didn’t even have emails. That was definitely eye opening since I was raised around computers and technology in general.

Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I went in there kind of scared and nervous especially since I wasn’t sure who I was working with but afterwards the service fueled my fire to do more. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the week goes.

Thanks for reading!

-Alexis