Investing in Change

It’s been a busy month here in Peoplestown. In addition to concluding our annual Freedom School program, our executive director, Greg Cole, had the opportunity to attend a special course titled Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management at Harvard Business School. The course took place from July 9 - July 15 and included 150 individuals from fifteen different countries, all of whom are working tirelessly to make this world a more equitable and just place for everyone.

Meanwhile, our Freedom School scholars were also working to make the world a better place. In addition to literacy training, one of the Freedom School’s priorities is facilitating social engagement among youth. We’re so proud of them for taking a stand on behalf of youth everywhere.

Not bulletproof

On Thursday, July 20, our Freedom School scholars participated in a National Day of Social Action called “Health, Hope, and Healing.” Freedom School students from 174 program sites in eighty-eight cities around the country worked to fulfill a core component of the Freedom Schools model: “I will make a difference in my community.”

This year, students focused on the impact of gun violence in their communities and the way it affects their sense of opportunity. Students learned that 4,739 children and teens died from gun violence in 2021 and that Black children and teens were six times as likely to die from gun violence as their white peers. The hashtag for this National Day of Social Action was #youtharentbulletproof.

A tradition of activism

Our scholars marched together around the block in Peoplestown, hoisting hand-made banners and signs before gathering for a short program focused on the impact of gun violence in their lives and communities.

Emmaus House is committed to supporting children and youth on the south side of Atlanta. One of the ways that we do this is by encouraging them to find their voice to speak about issues that affect them. Too many of our children have witnessed firsthand the tragic and needless loss of life that results from gun violence.

Time to relax and unwind

Over forty of our students are at Camp Mikell in Toccoa this week for five days of carefree play. Our investment in our children and youth is possible because of the generosity of our donors and grantors. We believe that our children are invaluable and deserving of our commitment.