Community Renewal Good Stories - Atlanta

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People, Partnerships, and Progress in Georgia RC
Atlanta, Georgia, RC

With almost 60 percent of families in the former Atlanta EZ living below the poverty level, job readiness took priority as the EZ began its transition to an RC. The need for employment-related training was emphasized by residents attending seven community meetings sponsored by the city of Atlanta to discuss the new RC designation.

"The Atlanta Renewal Community is completely committed to what works to relieve and eradicate the distress in our neighborhoods through partnerships with residents, businesses, and government," said Melvin Waldrop, executive director of the Atlanta RC. "We are also committed to who works. Every capable adult and youth should have the capacity-skills and training-to move from unemployment and underemployment to self-sufficiency."

Although she lives in the RC, Jorrica Copeland knew very little about how either EZ or RC programs could help her. Copeland did know a lot about unemployment and underemployment. Since graduating from high school in 1995, she had worked only in customer service positions at a major grocery store and a dry cleaning establishment. The employment-related needs of Copeland and other RC residents are now being addressed through a partnership between the Atlanta RC and the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA).

Through employment recruitment, evaluation, individualized job coaching, and career advancement counseling, AWDA's GoodWorks! program offers lifelong learning and career development opportunities. The 7-month GoodWorks! program is targeted to Temporary Aid for Needy Families applicants and recipients as well as non-custodial parents with a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. The program also provides mentoring for up to 12 months after a hire date and support services such as transportation, childcare, and healthcare. As an AWDA program participant, Copeland is now working at the Atlanta RC's management company, the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.

"This opportunity has offered me computer training, helped me develop typing skills, and has allowed me to meet very important people here in Atlanta," said Copeland. "I am now excited about my future!" Pleased to provide employment opportunities to AWDA participants, Waldrop noted, "We could not expect to engage our partners to honor their commitment to this community and not do so ourselves." In fact, two of Copeland's GoodWorks! classmates also have been placed through the Atlanta RC: Marry Ann Pitts, who now works in the office of the president and CEO of Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc., and Angela Langford, who provides direct support to the RC program. "When you bring people together in partnerships that work, progress is the predictable outcome," said RC Deputy Director Lisa L. Hawkins. "That's what works for the Atlanta Renewal Community-people in partnerships for progress."

For more information on the programs of the Atlanta RC, contact Lisa Hawkins, at (404) 522-3970.