January 2026 | Issue 13
H AV I N G A N I M PAC T A L L Y E A R LO N G
THE HEART OF ATLANTA COMPASSION IN ACTION
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church has been hosting our families for Christmas Kindness for over a decade. Volunteers gather to wrap gifts for over 200 students.
Our dedicated board members gather for an end-of-year luncheon meeting.
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Agape empowers and supports underserved families to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential.
JANUARY 2026 WITH GRATITUDE...
Dear Friends, As I reflect on 2025, I want to pause and say thank you. Last year was defined by generosity, by the donors who gave faithfully, the volunteers who showed up time and again, and the partners who believed deeply in our mission. Because of you, families were supported during unimaginable challenges, children were given opportunities to learn and thrive, and parents were able to work toward stability with confidence and hope. Behind every number is a story. Stories of children discovering the joy of reading. Stories of parents knowing their children are safe, cared for, and learning. Stories of families who feel seen, supported, and not alone. These moments are possible only because of your commitment and compassion. Your support, whether through financial gifts, donated time, advocacy, or encouragement, has made a tangible difference in our community this year. You are not just supporters of our work; you are partners in creating brighter futures. As we look ahead to the new year, we do so with deep gratitude for all that we have accomplished together and with optimism for what lies ahead. We are excited to prepare for our 2026 graduating class as we celebrate a major milestone at Agape, surpassing 100 high school graduates since 2009. Thank you for believing in this mission and for walking alongside us every step of the way. On behalf of our board, staff, and the families we serve, thank you for making 2025 a year of incredible impact.
With sincere love and appreciation,
Nell Benn Chief Executive Officer www.agapeatlanta.org
COMMUNITY COMPASSION IN ACTION
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Over 40 volunteers helped distribute food to the Fulton County families.
(L to R) Volunteers, Andrea N. Smith, Cynthia Roman, LAA Marketing & Communications Manager, Laura Estefenn Diazgranados, and Agape Deputy Director of Family Engagement & Outreach, Marie Cruzado Jeanneau.
In December, Agape partnered with the Latin American Association of Atlanta to distribute food to 250 families across our community. Funded through a Fulton County grant supporting families affected by the government shutdown, the collaboration provided essential dry goods, fresh produce, and frozen items. Grant funds also supported Agape’s Holiday Gift Store through the purchase of Street Charity gift cards, continuing to benefit families into 2026.
DID YOU KNOW?
Agape marks a milestone in May of 2026 with over 100 high school graduates since 2009.
NCL BRINGS COMFORT AND CARE TO AN AGAPE FAMILY Agape’s Extreme Bedroom Makeover, led by the Buckhead National Charity League (NCL), provided the Williams family with a fresh start at home. They endured a challenging year marked by health issues, housing insecurity, and an ongoing disability process. Thanks to the support of Agape and community partners, the family secured stable housing. NCL served the family with dignity and compassion, recognizing the unique challenges faced by low-income and underserved households. With the generous sponsorship of major furniture pieces from Rooms To Go, the team not only transformed both children’s bedrooms but also went above and beyond by refreshing the family’s living room and organizing their bathroom to support comfort, stability, and pride in their new home. The thoughtfulness and personal touch of the volunteers meant everything to the family, giving them a true sense of home.
www.agapeatlanta.org
THANK YOU HOLIDAY GIFT STORE 2025 SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS Through the generosity of sponsors, in-kind donors and volunteers, over 840 children and 375 families from our community were given the opportunity to celebrate their holidays with dignity and joy. The results are in for what we accomplished together:
HOLIDAY GIFT STORE RECAP VIDEO LINK
* Over 660 NEW books * Over 2600 Street Charity gift cards * Over 120 NEW pajamas
HOLIDAY GIFT STORE PHOTO ALBUM LINK
* Over 2500 NEW toys * 700 NEW coats * 500 NEW winter accessories
*106 volunteers * Over 400 volunteer hours
HOW TO SUPPORT AGAPE IN 2026 * Volunteer as a Homework Buddy: Support students during after-school academic sessions. * Sponsor & Serve Dinner: Provide a warm meal to students during after-school and summer programs. * Sponsor Lunch for our senior adults’ program, RagTime. * Corporate Volunteer Days: Engage your company in hands-on service that strengthens our community. * Support a Fundraising Event: Help with power events like the Run 4 Love 5K or our annual Back-2-School Bonanza. * Contribute to the Annual Fund: Sustain the programs our families count on most as we head into a milestone year.
Share our Agape 365 Newsletter subscription LINK. Did you miss last month’s newsletter? Click HERE. www.agapeatlanta.org
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