Emmaus House Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Blue skies and warm temperatures made for a great day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emmaus House serving the Peoplestown community. Nearly 200 guests attended the “Forward from 50” Gala May 7 at the Carter Center, helping to raise nearly $100,000 during the event.

“Father Ford was inspired to move to Peoplestown in 1967 to advocate for justice during the civil rights movement,” Greg Cole, Emmaus House’s new executive director, said. “Likewise, we are inspired to begin the next chapter with a renewed sense of purpose.”

The gala included a history walk, where people could read about events from the last 50 years of Emmaus House, Peoplestown, and the civil rights movement on 30 billboards that lined the outdoor portico. The history walk did not end with a sentence but with a "to be continued," echoing the theme of the evening, "Forward from 50." Experience the history walk here.

The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, opened up the event with a welcome and invocation, followed by remarks from Cole. Speakers also included ACLU of Georgia Executive Director Andrea Young as well as Youth on the Move’s own Alexis Peterson and Khairi Corporal. The gala concluded with Fund-a-Need Bidding, where Emmaus House supporters had the opportunity to make donations toward Emmaus House programs and initiatives.

Reflecting back on the event, Cole said, “Emmaus House is here because of your commitment and passion for this work. I invite each of you to continue this journey with us as we work to help even more people in the years to come.”