A milestone is fast approaching for the Atlanta Children's Shelter (ACS), as the organization prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary on Thursday, July 1, 2021, in the parking garage of North Avenue Presbyterian Church(NAPC). The celebration will include food truck vendor "It's Go Thyme," a slideshow of ACS historical moments, a photo booth, and a birthday cake to commemorate the day.  

The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. (JLA) founded the Atlanta Children's Shelter to support the welfare of women and children, and on July 1, 1986, ACS opened its doors to homeless families in Atlanta for the first time. "The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc., in partnership with the Atlanta Children's Shelter, works to insure much-needed services are provided to women and children who need them most. The JLA has an incredible history of strong women who, through community leadership, advocacy and volunteerism have shaped the Atlanta nonprofit landscape," says Andrea N. Smith, 2019-2020 JLA President and Atlanta Children's Shelter, Board Member. "We are just as committed today as we were in 1986, to break the cycle and end generational poverty for homeless families in our community." Today, ACS continues to evolve by serving more children, strengthening family involvement, and combating homelessness through the free quality Early Childhood Education Program and the comprehensive Social Services Program for families.  

"When The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. founded the Shelter in partnership with North Avenue Presbyterian Church, they did so as a demonstration of unwavering commitment to the welfare of women and children; JLA and NAPC have remained faithful to our mission for over three decades, helping us to serve children, strengthen families, and combat homelessness," says Sandra Holiday, Executive Director of ACS. "Together, we have broken the cycle of generational poverty for thousands of homeless families and helped children to thrive."

The Atlanta Children's Shelter would like to thank Neil Phillips of Guide Outreach for donating the food truck and offering volunteers to support the event. To learn more about the programs and services provided at the Atlanta Children's Shelter, please visit the Shelter's website at www.acsatl.org.