Back to News & Events

News & Events

Creating Community and Learning New Skills in Atlanta Mission’s Woodshop

The Potter’s House, Atlanta Mission’s men’s shelter in northeast Georgia, is buzzing with excitement on a seemingly-normal Wednesday afternoon. This is because the woodshop is open tonight. In this place, clients can make projects they are proud of and learn valuable skills.

In years past, the woodshop at The Potter’s House was used as a place for clients to learn carpentry skills and create beautiful items to sell or give to the community. It closed because of a lack of volunteers and interest. However, last year, there was some indication that the woodshop may be able to open again.

Adrienne, a staff member at The Potter’s House, was instrumental in this endeavor. “We didn’t have any contacts in the community who could help us with this, so we cold-called and sent email blasts to inquire about interested and skilled people who might be interested in volunteering,” says Adrienne. “Randomly, Stephen Liverman responded to the inquiry, who is a professional remodeler and woodworker in the Athens, GA community. He initially expressed interest in volunteering and teaching a basic woodshop class but has helped us design and grow other projects. Along the way, we encountered another volunteer, James Long, who is a retired machinist. He is a hobby woodworker but has stepped in to fix and keep running most of our machines that we have been using.”

With the help of these two dedicated volunteers, clients at The Potter’s House are once again utilizing the woodshop, and forming a sense of community as they learn and create together. Each week, 6-10 clients work with James and Stephen. The woodshop is a creative outlet for Greg, who is 99 days clean and thankful that The Potter’s House has enabled him to enrich both his relationship with God and cultivate his artistic abilities.

Ryan, who was addicted to drugs and was suicidal, has found peace in the wood shop. Among other projects, he has created a picture frame to hold a photo of his two year old son, whom he hopes to be reunited with soon.

Many more men like Greg and Ryan are experiencing life transformation, learning new vocational skills, and deepening their relationship with Christ through the services offered at The Potter’s House. Adrienne says “We are grateful that God sent us a dream pair of volunteers who continue to support the men at The Potter’s House and the greater Atlanta Mission.”