News & Events
THE LIGHT: November 2023
Ignite Children’s Dreams at Christmas
You’re helping Atlanta Mission children heal so they can have hope!
What were your expectations for Christmas as a child? Was it that something good was coming? For most of us, we couldn’t wait for the joy that comes with the season of Christmas.
However, holiday expectations of children here at Atlanta Mission are very different. These kids have all experienced the trauma of homelessness and possibly other hurt like neglect or abuse. Family conflict and instability around the holidays can make this season particularly painful too.
Whatever their circumstances, the reality is that in their lives, they’ve already learned to expect hardship. As a result, they may self-protect, act out, have trouble trusting, or struggle focusing in school.
Yet the heart of the Christmas story is that the good news of Jesus’ birth brings great joy for all people. Through the love and care of Atlanta Mission’s educators, counselors, and social workers at Restoration House and My Sister’s House, the lives of these kids can change for the better.
“Atlanta Mission is a place of healing for children. Our goal is that every child who leaves here is empowered with tools for success and that they believe for the best,” shares LaTonya Conner, Family and Children’s Services Leader.
When a child feels physically and emotionally safe, their hopes and dreams can come alive so they can flourish. This is good news of great joy you proclaim at Christmas to kids in our community. Thank you!
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” — Luke 2:10 NIV
Holiday Healing
Last winter, Aleah came to Atlanta Mission after her husband unexpectedly passed away. She and her two girls were struggling after experiencing devastating loss. But they were welcomed with safe shelter, nutritious meals, counseling, and stability to get back on their feet. Surrounded with support, hope began to rise for Aleah and her daughters.
The joyful Christmas festivities were good for the family’s hearts. “My girls were able to laugh and play and be kids for the first time in a long time,” Aleah shares. “I know we’re in the right place because our family is finding healing and we have hope for a better tomorrow.”
Teaching Hope
Hope is a learned skill that involves optimism, motivation, and strategy. Research shows that higher levels of hope predict future physical, social, and emotional well-being for young people. That’s why Atlanta Mission educators work with students to help them understand that they have the ability to become high in hope through:
- Setting goals. Both big and small.
- Staying motivated. Believing that good things come from action.
- Problem solving. Roadblocks are inevitable, so keep trying until you find a pathway to success.
Christmas at atlanta mission
You’re restoring hope at Christmas
Christmas at Atlanta Mission really is the most wonderful time of year. Your support means children spending the holidays with us get to experience hope and joy. From festive decorations to special meals to gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning, you’re making the season merry.
“Hope is the belief that tomorrow will be better than today, and that you have the power to make it so. It is a fundamental element of our capacity to live life well.” — Chan Hellman, Ph.D., author, psychologist, and hope researcher
You can help kids believe for a better tomorrow
When a child first walks through the doors of Atlanta Mission, their mind is often filled with worry. They may wonder where they’ll get their next meal, if they’ll have a bed to sleep in, or if those around them can be trusted. Homelessness is a traumatic experience that can make it difficult for a child to feel safe.
Yet this Christmas season, you can show children at Atlanta Mission the hope and joy that comes through Jesus.
With your gift today, invite families into the fullness of the holidays through a warm meal, secure shelter, and loving care. Meeting these urgent needs is the starting place of stability.
Your support can then help address children’s emotional needs through creative spaces to play and learn, uplifting teachers who invest in their potential, and trusted counselors and coaches who help kids feel safe and empowered.
By partnering with Atlanta Mission, you can give children healing this holiday so they can hope and dream once again. Thank you!
