On October 1st, we hosted our first-ever Virtual Gala. The theme was community – a word that holds so much value to us at Atlanta Mission.

Community is all about coming together and being unified. It’s something that not only our clients need every single day as they work through life transformation, but it’s something we all need.

This year, in particular, we saw our Atlanta Mission community come together like never before, even amidst COVID-19 and the uncertainties of the year. While COVID-19 was new, the feelings we’ve all felt this year is something that our clients have felt as they experience homelessness. It was a chance for us to understand some of the things they’ve gone through. 

We’ve all had fear around food insecurities, relational insecurities, isolation, wondering when this COVID-19 stuff is going to end, and more. From President and CEO, Jim Reese, “What some of us have felt for the first time on a small scale during this lockdown/quarantine, all the insecurity that’s come with that, that’s just a glimpse of what the men, women, and families we serve feel every single day of their lives.” 

“My son and I were traveling in Chicago. One afternoon, we were walking downtown and there was a homeless man. I don’t know why, but it just grabbed me. I thought to myself, that could be me; that could be my son. That could be somebody’s dad, somebody’s brother.” – Crawford Loritts

Atlanta Mission provides not just a community of care, but a community of relationships for our clients experiencing homelessness. That addresses the heart behind what’s going on. It’s a relational issue. Atlanta Mission becomes their family. We are a community.

“It’s community like I’ve never felt anywhere else.” – Jeff Foxworthy 

A few highlights from the Virtual Gala:

• Jason Eskridge played some incredible music for us.
• Jim Reese shared what it’s looked like at our shelters these last few months.
• Chris, Emily, and Darius – Atlanta Mission clients – shared their stories. 
• Andy Stanley and Crawford Loritts shared what community looks like in the Bible, including the story of the Good Samaritan.
• Jeff Foxworthy joined us to share his perspective on community.

“When I think of Atlanta Mission, I think of life-giving hope.” – Crawford Loritts

Watch a replay of our Virtual Gala here:

Join our community, partner with us, and make a difference in the lives of others here: https://atlantamission.org/unity