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Dr. Audrey Arona - District Health Director for Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton (GNR) Health District (Margie Gill) 

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Dr. Audrey Arona - District Health Director for Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton (GNR) Health District (Margie Gill) 

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It was an honor and privilege to shadow Dr. Audrey Arona and observe her leadership, experience, and knowledge. Dr. Aroma shared with me a thorough and vivid account of working, living, and leading through a global pandemic. I was so impressed to hear about the process she completed to qualify for this position. She is so passionate about serving and providing the best possible care to the community! I was also shocked to hear that she had been in this role for less than a year when the pandemic began. One would never know because she leads effortlessly.

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Apartments where we were helping relocate residents.

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Jen Young - Impact46 & Lawrenceville Response Center

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Jen Young - Impact46 & Lawrenceville Response Center

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Recently, I spent time shadowing Jen Young of Impact46 as she and her team were helping residents of a Lawrenceville apartment complex relocate.
The apartment complex was purchased and will be eventually torn down for a large/new residential development.
I toured some of the units with Jen. She wanted me to see firsthand what people get for an apartment that rents for $800-$1,000 a month. The condition of the units were disturbing. On one hand, we need low cost housing and apartments at this price are very rare. On the other hand, what you get at that price point creates an entirely new set of problems. Living in these conditions would be very hard. I have more photos but didn't see a way to post more of them with this recap.
Jen and her team did an amazing job of helping the residents  navigate the process and provided assistance wherever it was needed. They provided interpreters (a majority of the tenants at this complex spoke Spanish). They were prepared to provide job assistance, set up banking accounts etc. The residents were also given a stipend ($2,800) to assist with any moving expenses..... and Impact46 made sure the money was going to the right people (the tenants that were living there). All of the residents worked and had transportation, but in many cases needed help overcoming a barrier to improve their quality of life (language, lack of education, lack of financial literacy etc). This is where Jen and her team of experts jumped in. It was wonderful to see them in action.
I learned a lot about the challenging housing market and the difficulty/impossibility of finding decent affordable housing. I learned about all the ways Impact46 assist people in need and help to maker our community better. I also felt that the vast majority of people in Gwinnett have no idea about the good work and services provided by Impact46. They are truly unsung heroes.

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I spent part of an afternoon discussing community engagement with Norwood Davis from 12 Stone Church. He is in many ways a local legend with this commitment to service and wide-reaching influence. We discussed engagement from a non-profit / church perspective, and I got many helpful thoughts, potential directions and advice going forward.

Several Highlights:

1. Influence takes time.

2. Influence is often messy. Get in it and enjoy the journey.

3. Make and maintain friends that challenge your assumptions, paradigms, politics and even at times your theology.

4. Remember everyone is invited to the table by a friend.

5. Intentionally seek out friends that look, act and believe differently than you.

6. Engage widely and openly.

7. Personally invest in the lives of others…consider having them in your home for a meal.

Norwood has served tirelessly and has used his time, talent, and treasures to make Gwinnett a better place to Live, Work and Play. His engagement has been both personal and corporate as 12 Stone has been an integral pillar in the community. I am better for my time with him and look forward to influencing in the days to come.

Mike Daniels

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Today I attended the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District’s planning session to discuss the mall site redevelopment. The session was facilitated by the lead consultant Allison Stewart-Harris of VHB Consulting who spoke to us at Econ Day. There were also various consultants present from different companies and different states. We discussed other mall redevelopments, city redevelopments, and the demographics surrounding Gwinnett Place Mall. There are two days of open meetings starting tomorrow which the public is invited to attend. The study will conclude in late August and the CID will present the findings of the study to the county leadership. I also had lunch with Joe Allen and Glenn Wisdom from the CID and discussed their work and career path. All in all it was a great day.

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Nick Masino - Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (Farooq Mughal)

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Nick Masino - Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (Farooq Mughal)

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I had an awesome opportunity and privilege to shadow Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce President Nick Masino. It was a great chance to learn more about the vital role by Gwinnett Chamber in rendering useful services to local diverse businesses and government in the region. The mission of Gwinnett Chamber is to serve the interest of members and the business community by providing programs, services, and leadership to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in our community. Also, Gwinnett economic development is a critical component that drives economic growth in our economy in Gwinnett County, creating high wage jobs and facilitating an improved quality of life. The role of today’s “president of the chamber” evolves continuously. Today, the president is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing economic development strategies, engaging the staff, businesses, corporations, elected officials, as well as acting as a key liaison between public and private sectors and the community. This is a challenging role in the most diverse county in the Southeast. We must credit Nick Masino for implementing servant leadership and focusing on engagement. His engagement leadership style connects, strengthens, and inspires staff to increase their work commitment.

Farooq Mughal.

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Life of a Legislator: Before and After - Cole Porter

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Life of a Legislator: Before and After - Cole Porter

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Perspective from candidates who will potentially be in the legislature compared to former legislators’ experiences in office.

I wanted to see what the differences might be between expectations and reality and also what all of them had in common.

I asked:
1. Why are you running? / Why did you run?
2. What do you expect to be your biggest challnege(s)? / What we’re your biggest challenges?
3. How do you anticipate or how did you work with your own party?
4. Same questions for opposite party.
5. Finally, I asked former legislators what their advice for prospective legislators.

I learned that in legislating - as in our LG experience - building bridges, empathizing, and listening will really serve us all well as we try to affect positive change in our communities.

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I focused my dive into local agriculture in Suwanee, and began with a walking tour of Harvest Farm - Georgia's largest organic community garden.  It was fantastic seeing all of the effort poured into the amazing garden, and I loved the size, allowing so many people a place to produce their own food in a sustainable way.  I also loved how the majority of the gardeners went well beyond utility food production and into beautiful aesthetics as well.

The orchard next to it, connected by a nature trail, gave me lots of good ideas for projects to do at home!

I got some groceries and snacks from Living Well Farmers Market, where I got all sorts of great information from Maya.  Living Well adds so much to having local, sustainable healthy foods by providing a fantastic outlet for marketing and sales.  I was very inspired, and got the names of several other farms in the area which I hadn't heard of but would like to network with.

I wrapped my Engageship up with a phone interview with Amy Doherty, Events & Outreach Manager for the City of Suwanee.   Amy dropped all sorts of knowledge on me regarding what makes a vibrant farmers market with long term success.  Thank you Amy (LG 20)!

I wanted to learn more about the availability of local, sustainable food in Gwinnett.  I learned so much, but at the end of the day realized that I was only scratching the service!  I look forward to learning and engaging more!

Phil Bonelli

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I had the awesome opportunity to shadow a Gwinnett Superior Judge during an armed robbery case. The case was suspended back in March 2020 and was just now starting over again. I had an opporutnity to talk with the judge about what it's like to do that work.

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Promoting the establishment of a crowd funding website in support of Gwinnett County Schools in a joint collaboration between the GCPS Foundation and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, with Georgia United Credit Union as the website sponsor.

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I spent the morning with Buffy Alexzulian, Gwinnett County's Director of Financial Services, discussing the countless areas under the umbrella of Financial Services.  We discussed how the county is utilizing federal grants such as CARES Act funds and ARPA funds.  We discussed the philanthropic efforts of the county such as funding for the  warming stations, the summer meal plan for children, Project ReSet funding, Parks and Recreation and various other social and community projects/programs.  Buffy explained in laymen's terms the three most important tenets of her department: 1) take care of the citizens' money 2) hold people to their budget and 3) don't do anything dishonest. She also explained the checks and balances put in place to safeguard the citizens' money.  An interesting takeaway from our conversation was that by law, unlike the federal government, county government is prohibited from operating at a deficit and must operate with a balanced budget. I appreciated this in depth behind the scenes look at county finance and the opportunity to ask questions.

~Tiana Garner

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Level Creek ES Media Center (Anna Pearce)

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Level Creek ES Media Center (Anna Pearce)

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One thing that has stuck out to me during Leadership Gwinnett was the overlap of Economics Day and Education Day. One reason our economy here in Gwinnett is so strong is because we have a thriving pubic education system. One of the most interesting things I learned at Economics Day was the link between 3rd grade literacy and the economic stability and success of a community.

As a parent to two young children, I want my impact to be in the place where I am both passionate about and where I can connect with my kids, and that is where they are most of the time -- school! I have enjoyed the time I have spent volunteering in the Level Creek ES Media Center. Almost every student visits the Media Center every week, so it is a very busy place! Shelving books (and the Dewey Decimal Classification system) is almost therapeutic. The students often ask for book recommendations or to help them find a specific book, and it is so rewarding to see the big smile on their faces when you find exactly what they were looking for!

Volunteering in the Level Creek Media Center has been incredibly rewarding, especially because I think it's important to make sure these kids know that the community is there to help them succeed, feel loved, and feel supported. I am excited about continuing to support my community and the kids at Level Creek ES through volunteering in the media center (and I would encourage all of you to, as well -- see if your local elementary school media center needs some helping hands!).

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GA Filming -- & YES, OFS is going to be a digital entertainment hub!

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GA Filming -- & YES, OFS is going to be a digital entertainment hub!

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I spent the evening volunteering with Harvest Gwinnett, a program run by Live Healthy Gwinnett. I along with several other volunteers helped to plant a community garden at E.E. Robinson Park.  In 2021, Harvest Gwinnett harvested 2,886 pounds of food for community donation.  The food from the E.E. Robinson community garden is used at the North Gwinnett Co-operative and sometimes feeds seniors at Gwinnett’s senior centers.  We planted tomatoes, squash, and peppers.  We also moved 3 cubic yards of compost into a greenhouse for a new garden program that is federally funded.  We had fun and learned a lot about how to plant specific vegetables and responsible, sustainable gardening practices.
~Buffy Alexzulian

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I had the opportunity, thanks to Lisamarie who is one of the busiest people I know yet still took the time to arrange, to attend a session of drug accountability court. It was inspiring to see people from all walk's of life getting an opportunity to turn their lives around. I was not aware of this program previously and it was great to see an avenue for those who had made mistakes to be able to work to rehabilitate themselves. I stayed after for another hearing and ended up listening to a plea hearing for a teen on trial for a drive by shooting of a toddler. It was so tragic and so eye opening. I heard the story of two lives that were destroyed in one day and saw the impact that it had on the families. The teen went to jail for 13 years that day after already service 4 and a mother wailed over her lost child. It was such a devastating scene to watch. It so reinforced for me the importance of prevention.

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Davis, Associate Executive Director of Prevention at G.U.I.D.E because of my new appointment on the Board of Directors. G.U.I.D.E.’s mission is to improve community conditions by utilizing collaborations, promoting positive youth development, delivering specialized training and resources, and preventing substance use and abuse. Michael and I discussed how G.U.I.D.E. goes about its work with prevention for underage drinking, vaping/nicotine use, and marijuana while engaging their coalition/community partners. Engagement comes in many forms, from information gathering to funding, and most importantly those willing to adapt the skill sets needed to aid in community prevention.

Logic Modeling
Recently Michael was in Tampa for logic model development, which is a way to provide an approach for program planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation towards mitigating substance abuse in the community. The first model addressed during his travel was the nicotine model. Recently 7.5% of GCPS students admitted to nicotine use. These uses were determined to stem from both access and/or a favorable disposition to the use.

G.U.I.D.E seeks outcomes
Outcomes are sought on the short term like maybe we see a reduction in cases at schools; and on the long term where youth using altogether has decreased throughout the community. It takes a long time, sometimes another generation, before success is realized.

Are we in a cycle?
There was 50% use of alcohol in the late '90s and early 2000s. In 2006 alcohol use was at an all-time high in GCPS. Recently, in 2020, use has dramatically been reduced to 9.8%. G.U.I.D.E. and other community partners obviously had such a positive influence that eventually G.U.I.D.E. became ineligible for some of their future grant money in this area. However, without grant money, is their influence in the community is diminished, hence risking an uptick in use?

What if G.U.I.D.E. had an open checkbook?
If funds were unlimited, Michael would place youth prevention teams at every school in GC.

What does success look like at G.U.I.D.E?
Reaching youths and empowering them to do their own prevention work with their peers. Youth to youth peer prevention works best.

Final thought:
We want our children to be the very best versions of themselves that they can be, and this involves eliminating the peer pressures of drug use while increasing self confidence and care.

Thank you so much Michael Davis! You are a gem.
- Melissa Miele Miller

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With the quick online request of a free toolkit, GUIDE provides all the tools necessary for you implement this campaign in your home community.

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I had the pleasure of spending time talking with Marina Peed with Mosaic Georgia.  Despite having had several conversations with our class member Lindsay Ferreira, I learned there was so much I didn't know.  Mosaic is an organization helping individuals of abuse, mostly individuals who have been raped or sexually assaulted in some manner.  Most of the individuals who come into their center are not necessarily looking to have someone put in jail, but in many cases looking for help in having the actions stopped.  A high percentage of the individuals are young kids, most below the age of 12.  At Mosaic, they do help with testing victims for analysis, which can be sent off to crime labs.  Additionally, they can be called into courts to testify or help police in various situations.  I learned less than 1/3 of all sexual assault incidences are actually reported and of those a very small percentage are prosecuted and even smaller percentage of cases where an individual is found guilty.  Most incidences, approximately 90% of the cases coming into Mosaic are from someone the victim knew.  Additionally, alcohol was a driving factor, especially in high school and college age individuals.  Alcohol is a factor for both the victim and the individual committing the act.  For the victim, they may be overserved or have their drink spiked and find themselves unconscious or unable to react or respond.  For the perpetrator, they may be more willing to do things they wouldn't normally do or they may miss clear signs due to their intoxication.  At Mosaic, they are there to help and support these individuals.  This group deals with difficult situations on a daily basis and act as counselors, nurses, friends, support system, the list goes on and on.  They are true heroes with the work they do in helping everyone who walks through the door.

Brandon Hartley

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Larry Pettiford's Great Engageship with The Gwinnett County Public Library Systems Jason DiFranco
https://flipgrid.com/s/SVvxLjekJwfD

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Monday in Magistrate Court with Judge Anna Pearce (and team)

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Monday in Magistrate Court with Judge Anna Pearce (and team)

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Meth, Masturbation and Mountain Dew - all words found in my notes from a day spent observing Magistrate Court at the Gwinnett County Jail.

However, it was the empathy, fairness, patience, respect, and desire for justice shown by the judges and their phenomenal court staff that made the the most lasting impression.

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Thanks to Lindsey Jorstad, I was able to connect with Tori Burkholder, Deputy Director of Human Resources for Gwinnett County Government.  I was interested in Employee Assistance Programs since our Health and Human Services Learning Day.  Several speakers spoke about EAP, and I realized Gwinnett County Public Schools did not have as robust of a program as many organizations that presented to us.  Tori was able to give me great insight on the county government's program.  I will now propose some of these ideas to Gwinnett County Public Schools to ensure our teachers and staff are able to secure the necessary support they so deserve.

~J.W. Mozley

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GUIDE, Inc with the amazing Michael Davis

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GUIDE, Inc with the amazing Michael Davis

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I had the privilege of shadowing our classmate, Michael Davis, as he educated our youth through his work with GUIDE, Inc.
BACKGROUND ON GUIDE:  GUIDE is a recognized leader in the substance abuse prevention field in Georgia. GUIDE was formed in 1986 as a joint effort between the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and the Gwinnett County Board of Education. They wanted to have a comprehensive, coordinated and proactive approach to reducing and preventing substance use and abuse. In 1989, the first Georgia Teen Institute was conducted for middle schools in Gwinnett. This program went statewide in 1991, with programs for high school and middle school youth action teams. The Gwinnett Mobilizing for Change in ATOD initiative evolved in 2004 to provide an umbrella approach for strategies to achieve community level change in alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues. The Gwinnett Alcohol Prevention Program began in 2011, under the GMCA umbrella. This initiative, funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), focuses on reducing underage and binge drinking among 9 to 20 year-olds in four communities in South Gwinnett.
I am sure everyone adores Michael like I do.  How could we not after spending the last 8+ months learning and growing with him on our LG journey?  It is easy to see Michael’s passion when you hear him speak about his work with GUIDE, but seeing it is something totally different.  Watching Michael “in action” will cause your adoration for him to grow to new heights. I observed Michael give a presentation to a college class at GGC.  GGC is one of the many schools that ask Michael to speak to students multiple times each school year. If you are envisioning the presentations we all sat through as students where everyone is called into the gym or into a big classroom so that someone can scare you to death about the dangers of alcohol or drug use by telling you that you will die or spend the rest of your life in prison if you ever drink or do drugs, you would be wrong.  Michael told me before he started that he likes to treat his lectures as conversations and that he goes where the conversation takes him.  That is exactly what he did during my observation. Michael is truly masterful in the way he can get a group of college kids…that may or may not be too concerned with the risks associated with substance use, misuse, and abuse…to pay attention.  They were not just paying attention, they were engaged.  Michael’s presentation is non-judgmental, inclusive, and of course informative. It would be difficult for anyone to walk away without absorbing some of the content. Even though I was there to observe, I too felt empowered with new information after Michael’s presentation. The knowledge that Michael and GUIDE provide to the community is truly invaluable and one of the best tools we have in keeping Gwinnett great. Knowledge is power and it is organizations like GUIDE with people like Michael that are arming our youth with the power to make smart decisions for themselves. Gwinnet is so lucky to have GUIDE right here in Gwinnett.  - Katie Armstrong

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I had the opportunity to volunteer at the launch of Building Brains Anywhere’s new program, Garden Tales. Held at the Peachtree Ridge Park Community Garden in Suwanee, this free early learning and literacy program targets ages six and under. Participants and their caregivers experienced in an interactive storytime, nature sensory exploration, STEAM activities, group collaboration, and scavenger hunt. I was amazed and the varying age groups, confidence in participants as the activities went on, and how independent they became throughout the program. During the water table sensory game, early learners started squeezing water at each other, however we were able to redirect them to the garden share rows to help water the spinach, strawberries, and cabbage thus explaining about what plants need to grow like water, sun, and soil. I appreciated seeing different teams leverage our public lands; though this program was for early learners, we had multiple community members visit the garden during the program to learn more about B² Anywhere, Live Healthy Gwinnett, and other community services available to them.  - Lindsey Jorstad

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Change the way you think about Affordable Housing!

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Change the way you think about Affordable Housing!

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We have heard in many of our education sessions about to need for more affordable housing in Gwinnett. Click the link above to watch a short video to help you change the way you think about Affordable Housing. Thank you, Aysha Cooper

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1 on 1 w/LG Alum & Former GA State Senator P.K. Martin

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1 on 1 w/LG Alum & Former GA State Senator P.K. Martin

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1 on 1 w/LG Alum & Former GA State Senator P.K. Martin

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I decided to do a one on one with P.K. Martin to gain knowledge and insight from his experience as a former GA State Senator.

-Markell Bryant

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Foster & More - Creative Community Services

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Foster & More - Creative Community Services

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My husband and I made the decision to explore becoming Foster Parents with the State of Georgia. We began the process in late 2021 directly with DFCS. After talking with friends and attending the initial DFCS orientation, we decided that we needed more support than we thought DFCS could provide. We began researching agencies to assist us in becoming and to support us as foster parents. Our research lead us to Creative Community Services (https://ccsgeorgia.org/).

Creative Community Services provides services directed toward to the Foster care system, but also works with those with Developmental Disabilities to help them live independent lives and find host homes.

In working with Creative Community Services ("CCS") over the last 2 months, it has become evident that the demand for the services they provide is far exceeded by the capacity of CCS and other agencies offering similar services.

In its Foster program, CCS operates a Therapeutic Foster Care program.

This program focuses on the needs of children with behavioral challenges and/or developmental disabilities that simply cannot be met effectively by traditional foster parenting. Tragically, the children served by CCS typically have lived through 15 to 30 unsuccessful foster placements by the time they reach CCS. Additionally, CCS has a DEI program geared to help and support LGBTQIA+ youth. LGBTQIA+ youth are 40+ more likely to be homeless than their counterparts.

We are excited to be working with an agency like CCS to make a difference in lives of marginalized and underrepresented communities. CCS offers foster and host home services as discussed above. CCS also offers a SOAR program and Teen Parent Connection program. If you haven't heard of CCS, check out the wonderful work they are doing and consider if/how you can help.

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Our Mission

Creatively Transforming Lives

Creative Community Services Inc., challenges the "norm" by creating initiatives to nurture critical needs and community based support for marginalized and underrepresented communities.....and, if a program is not already available, WE GET CREATIVE!

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CREATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICES - Transforming the lives of children, adults and families

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Our Mission Creatively Transforming Lives Creative Community Services Inc., challenges the "norm" by creating initiatives to nurture critical needs and community based support for marginalized and underrepresented communities.....and, if a program is not already available, WE GET CREATIVE!

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Developing a new model to combat food insecurity.

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Developing a new model to combat food insecurity.

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Our team spent time developing new ideas for capturing wasted food at restaurants and redirecting it to families struggling with food insecurity. We are collaborating with Goodr and several technology partners to bring resources together to implement a pilot project to Gwinnett County.

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GRIP Program- How to galvanize your network. 

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Wrap Around services with many agencies- A convo with Pat McDonough

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Wrap Around services with many agencies- A convo with Pat McDonough

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-Lisamarie Bristol

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GRIP Program- How to galvanize your network!

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My Day at Gwinnett Tech with VP of Continuing Education, Melvin Everson

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My Day at Gwinnett Tech shadowing Melvin Everson, VP of Continuing Education

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My Day at Gwinnett Tech shadowing Melvin Everson, VP of Continuing Education

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I had the pleasure of shadowing my former boss and mentor, Melvin Everson to learn more about Gwinnett Tech, his role as VP of Continuing Education, and how he serves and impacts Gwinnett County.

-Allona Lane Cross

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My Day at Gwinnett Tech with VP of Continuing Education, Melvin Everson

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Making a positive impact for our communities through The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG) - Randy Redner's vision

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Making a positive impact for our communities through The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG) - Randy Redner's vision

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It was an honor to have three meetings with Randy Redner (the CEO of The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia - CFNEG). and gain his insights & direction. Leadership Gwinnett has given me the knowledge of needs and increased my desire to help our community further. Through talking with Randy Redner, whom I respect as a phenomenal leader, I was able to gain his opinion as to where I was needed. Since then we have begun the process. This is my 5th year on the Board of Directors for CFNEG and now, with Randy Redner's direction and request, I will become even more involved with carrying out the impactful goal of  increasing in size, foot print and helping others. This will include the exploration of rebranding, to let the communities know we are here to assist.

-Jill Kersh

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Making a positive impact for our communities through The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia

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---Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful---                                              I recently took on the role and was inducted as Engagement Chair for Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful's Citizens Advisory Board.   I am tasked with getting the CAB members more engaged in events, planning meetings and projects in order to more effectively carrier out the mission of the GC&B organization.   Work has already started.   - Trent Spake - 

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---Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful---                                              I recently took on the role and was inducted as Engagement Chair for Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful's Citizens Advisory Board.   I am tasked with getting the CAB members more engaged in events, planning meetings and projects in order to more effectively carrier out the mission of the GC&B organization.   Work has already started.   - Trent Spake - 

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Community Foundation of NE Georgia and Gwinnett Coalition

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Community Foundation of NE Georgia and Gwinnett Coalition

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I had the pleasure of shadowing Randy Redner, CEO/President of the Community Foundation of NE Georgia. We started the day at a meeting of the Gwinnett Coalition with Renee Lewis Byrd, Paige Havens, Matt Elder, our own Lindsey Jorstad, Tina Fleming, Shannon Candler, and Regina Miller. Before we joined the meeting, we had the pleasure of watching as multiple trucks were loaded with fresh food to be taken to distribution points throughout the county for those in need. During the meeting, Matt shared a very sobering report on the state of affordable housing in Gwinnett County. There was planning discussion about the upcoming Gwinnett Coalition Summit, and many other interesting items.  It was, for lack of a more professional term, just awesome watching these amazing leaders from different organizations working together to solve some of our county's major issues. After the meeting, Randy and I met Britt Ramroop and one of the CFNEG's newest board members Debra Potter (LG alumna) to talk about her experience at her first board meeting and learn more about her.  I was so impressed to learn more about Perimeter Church's outreach program which Debra has led for approximately 17 years.  What an amazing way to provide love, healing, and help to the community.    I am so very proud to live in Gwinnett County (even if only for a little over 2 years) and I am looking forward to finding my place to plug in and join the work being done to maintain and improve the Gwinnett Standard.
Holly Lisle

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I had the opportunity to spend some time with Demi Oche, founder of 1PowerHouse, and learnt how they are assisting Gwinnett’s youth and their families. The range of programs that are offered span from providing outreach to underserved areas to mentorship programs for our youth. Through collaborative efforts, 1PowerHouse has worked with GCPD and the Gwinnett County school system to assist families (including seniors) with stable housing, furniture, food, clothing, bills, school needs and mentorship opportunities. On the day we spoke, Demi had just met with a school official to begin the process of piloting a mentorship program called ‘Gem and Gents’ in a Gwinnett middle school. It is inspiring to see a small organization have a huge impact on our community.
- Lindsay W. Ferreira

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Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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I went the non-profit route and met with Randy Redner who is CEO & President of Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia. Randy scheduled lunch at the Gwinnett Chamber with Bruce Hardy (Cross Point Church), Melvin Everson (Vice President of Economic Development Gwinnett Technical College) and Allona Cross was also with Melvin for her Engageship. I listened and learned from leaders in our community who know how to connect people who care with causes that matter.

After lunch I shadowed Randy on a Zoom call with Emory Morseberger + about 25 others discussing a Digital Media Incubator Project using available space in the OFS site creating an accelerator to nurture and support jobs in this area of the county. They were laying the framework for a center for entrepreneurships and education in film and digital media.

The focus is to support jobs and companies engaged in film and digital media and to match startup companies with business expertise, collaborators, facilities, and funding. Also to be a pathway for young people to college programs, jobs and careers in film and digital media in collaboration with Georgia Gwinnett College, Gwinnett County Schools, and the Georgia Film Academy.

The proposed site for the center lies in one of the Atlanta region’s strongest concentrations of Hispanic and Latino residents as well as families living below the poverty line. The goal is to create a pathway for educational and career opportunities for local residents.

- Brandon Thomas

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I spent a morning at NCM working intake and some additional time in the back helping with Food distribution. Every family or individual I met requiring help had unique circumstances, and it really shows how easy it is for families to be in need of assistance especially as we recover from the pandemic.

I was glad I was able to support this organization and their mission.

-Matt Myers

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Spent a Friday morning volunteering at the Peachtree Christian health Adult Day Center. -Bob Downs

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For my engagement, I had the opportunity to speak with Lejla Prljaca with the Lawrenceville Housing Authority and the Gwinnett Housing Corporation. Leijla began working with the Lawrenceville Housing Authority in 2004 and has been the Director since 2007.  I was unaware that these two entities existed. The Lawrenceville Housing Authority was created in 1950 and can only manage public housing units.  The Gwinnett Housing Corporation is a non-profit that offers more options to meet the needs of more people.  Lejla explained that currently those residing in extended stays are paying around $3000 a month.  What is interesting is that Gwinnett collects about 5 million dollars a year from hotels and extended stays.  This money has been earmarked for Gas South.  So, those staying in extended stays are funding Gas South.  So, what are the options to obtain homeownership?  There are several levels of help that Gwinnett Housing Corporation can provides.  1. Emergency Rapid Rehousing for those who need immediate assistance;  2. Short term rentals which are 2 year rentals; 3. Affordable housing for rent; 4. Owner occupied rehabs -where they provide needed renovations; 5.  Homeownership.  Lejla explained that one of the most rewarding things is when a citizen goes through each of these phases and ends up contributing to our community.  She told the story of one citizen who started in phase one and over the years has transitioned through each stage and now is a homeowner.  This individual went from poverty to now completing nursing school.  Each phase she was able to find employment that was a little better than before.  All of this because she had the assistance and SHE put in the work.  I am currently on the board of Nana Grants which offers funds for single mothers attending school.  I am excited to share this organization with Lejla and hope that together we can help these mothers transition to homeownership.  If you have not met Lejla, she is fascinating and has so much to share.  The attached photos show just a few of the programs successes.  I encourage you to reach out!
Christa Kirk

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I talked in depth with the folks at the Gwinnett One Stop For Help. -Buzz Brockway

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I spent about one half day at NCM and am really heartened by the people working and volunteering there. After meeting a few of the recipients who were served by NCM it is clear to see why NCM identified a top strategy of 2021-2022 is to attract bilingual staff and volunteers.  - John Khan

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Let us know about your experiences with your engageship!
Wow - very impressive class of 2022.