Partner Spotlight: Atlanta Falcons

More Than Football: A Decade of Falcons Giving Back at Atlanta Mission

For more than ten years, the Atlanta Falcons have been more than just a football team to us—they’ve been true teammates in our mission to end homelessness. Their ongoing support, encouragement, and service have left a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve and the staff who walk alongside them every day.

Having the Falcons on our campuses is always a morale booster. When players, legends, cheerleaders, and even Freddie the Falcon show up, something shifts. The lines between staff and clients fade away, replaced with shared excitement, laughter, and community. In those moments, we aren’t service providers or individuals experiencing homelessness—we’re just a bunch of Falcons fans cheering on our hometown heroes.

Falcons at Every Campus

In 2023, the Falcons showed up in full force—visiting all of our campuses, from our newest site, Restoration House, to our furthest location, The Potter’s House. Their presence brought energy, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that our clients are seen and valued.

Here are just a few highlights from past years:

• Jonnu Smith served dinner at My Sister’s House, connecting with women and children in a way that felt deeply personal and sincere.
• Mike Davis also stepped up to serve at My Sister’s House, offering his time and heart to the community.
• During our Hometown Huddle, several Falcons Legends came to The Shepherd’s Inn to serve meals and offer words of encouragement to the men rebuilding their lives.
• The Falcons Special Teams unit brought dinner, joy, and dancing to My Sister’s House, with Freddie the Falcon making his grand appearance for our annual dance party.
• Grady Jarrett and Friends lit up The Shepherd’s Inn with another meal and dance party, joined by Freddie and the Falcons Cheerleaders.
• Falcons Legends didn’t forget The Potter’s House either—bringing dinner, cheer, and celebration to our long-term recovery campus.
• To top it off, the Falcons invited staff and clients to their final home game of the season against the Colts—a special treat and unforgettable experience for everyone who attended.

Impact Beyond the Moment

What’s especially moving is how the impact of these visits goes far beyond a single afternoon. After serving at My Sister’s House, Tight End Jonnu Smith shared, “I have such a deep appreciation for your staff and clients. I can’t express enough the impact that these few hours have made… you will see me again.”

And he meant it.

Days later, Jonnu’s mother reached out to ask about our most urgent needs. A few weeks after that, his mom and wife showed up with a truckload of donated items for our campuses—meeting practical needs with heartfelt generosity.

Grateful for the Partnership

The Falcons’ continued partnership with Atlanta Mission is about so much more than football. Their involvement lifts spirits, strengthens our sense of community, and reminds us all of the power of showing up for one another. Whether they’re serving a meal, dancing with our kids, or simply sitting down to talk with someone who needs encouragement, the Falcons bring hope, joy, and dignity to our campuses.

From all of us at Atlanta Mission—thank you, Falcons. You are true champions in every sense of the word.