FEBRUARY 2026 | Agape 365 Newsletter

THE HEART OF ATLANTA

Agape empowers and supports underserved families to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential.

FEBRUARY 2026

WELCOME NEW 2026 BOARD CHAIR & MEMBERS!

We are happy to welcome our new 2026 Board Chair and members! We are grateful to John Mori, who served as Board Chair for two years. John continues serving as a board member as he passes the baton to our new Board Chair, Chip Thompson. In addition, we welcome our new board members, Louise Garcia, Talley Lambert, Andrea N. Thompson, and Dr. John Waller. Thank you to our Board Members and Advisory Council for your continued commitment to serving our students and families, and for believing in our mission to empower students to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential.

Chip Thompson, Board Chair (Mercer Thompson, LLC)

“In Greek, ‘agape’ is the highest form of unconditional, selfless love. Our community’s Agape Youth & Family Center embodies this love, putting it into action every day. By addressing critical needs in childhood education, as well as food security and economic stability, Agape does an amazing job of helping build pathways to opportunity for our students and families, lifting up our community in the process. As the Chairman of a Board filled with so many talented and dedicated members, I’m honored and truly looking forward to being a part of the team effort that is ‘love in action’.”

Louise Garcia (UPS)

“I want to join Agape because I was once a teenager with a lot of untapped potential and little direction on how to use it. My involvement with organizations like Agape comes from understanding how care, guidance, and support can transform a student’s future. I want to help be that steady presence for someone else, just as someone once was for me.”

Talley Lambert (KPMG, Retired)

“Agape’s model of intensive and longitudinal support has a proven record of enabling children to thrive and realize their fullest potential. Helping Agape help our kids and families is the best way I can think of to strengthen our community.”

Andrea N. Thompson (West Paces Advisors)

“Agape’s mission aligns closely with my own story. The opportunities I have been given were rooted in education and shaped by divine connections of people who saw my potential, opened doors, and invested in me at critical moments. Because of that, I understand firsthand how access, guidance, and the right support can transform one’s mindset and change the trajectory of a life and an entire family. I’m honored to serve Agape and I’m committed to stewarding this role to create opportunities that will continue to uplift the youth and give them hope for a bright, prosperous future.”

Dr. John Waller (Atlanta Public Schools, Retired)

“As a former Atlanta Public Schools principal, I have witnessed Agape’s positive impact on students, families, and schools. Agape’s academic, social, and emotional supports enable students to be more successful in school and in life. I am thrilled to be a part of such a consequential change agent.”

URVINI AGAPE GOLD PROJECT

Congratulations to our third graders who recently completed a 10-week Mental Health & Gardening program led by Urvini Naidu , a junior at The Westminster Schools. Students learned how the benefits of gardening bring them patience, responsibility, and mindfulness. Urvini, a longtime Agape volunteer and Senior Girl Scout, chose this initiative as her Gold Award Project . Inspired by her strong connection to Agape, she centered the program on mental health using gardening as a hands-on tool for learning, reflection, and growth. Thank you for your time and dedication to our students! Interested in volunteering or leading a program for students in our After-School Program? Reach out to Hunter Blair, hblair@agapeatlanta.org .

CONGRATS 2025 AGAPE TEEN LEADERS!

We are proud to announce the successful completion of our Agape Teen Leaders (ATL) 2025 Cohort ! Led by our Parent Liaisons, Millar Freeman, Lacy Hernandez, and Suja Katarya, 81 high school students from 18 schools volunteered 1,084 hours and raised a total of $148,355! During their four months of service, they learned invaluable lessons about philanthropy and volunteerism. They were visited by guest speakers including Georgia Supreme Court Judge Sarah Hawkins Warren and Heart of the Home Founder Allison Hill, who both joined us to share their stories and offer words of encouragement during their learning sessions.

ATL AWARD-WINNERS:

Sydney Wszolek – The Westminster Schools, Senior | The Influencer Award honors the student who engaged the greatest number of donors.

Olivia Wei – The Westminster Schools, Junior | The Heart of Agape Award honors a student who uplifts others, participates actively, and embodies Agape’s values.

Ryan Liu – The Westminster Schools, Junior, & Piper Millans , Lovett, Senior | The Spirit of Service Award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional dedication to Agape’s mission through consiste nt service, creativity in bringing awareness to Agape and its mi ssion, and going above and beyond the required volunteer hours.

Dev Katarya – The Westminster Schools, Junior | The Most Valuable Philanthropist Award recognizes the student who raises the most during the fundraising period and meets their service goal.

Nate Ugwonali - Deerfield Boarding School, Junior | The Legacy Award Recogniz es a student who inspires peers, exemplifies strong leadership, and makes a lasting, positive impact as an Agape Teen Leader. [Launched and lead program across 4 boarding schools!]

YOUR 2026 SPRING BENEFIT CO-CHAIRS

We are excited for Andi O’Bryan and Kathryn Howell to serve as our Co-Chairs for the 2026 Spring Benefit. Both have served on the event committee for many years and bring infectious energy and enthusiasm to shaping this event. We invite you to sponsor and/or donate to our auction at www.agapespringbenefit.org. For further inquiries, please contact, Nichole Alexander-Thornhill at nalexander@agapeatlanta.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to volunteer in many capacities - serving dinner, tutoring children after school, volunteering at the annual Holiday Gift Store, and participating in the Spring Benefit for the past three years…I am excited about being a part of an event that will profoundly impact the lives of so many in our community.” - Kathryn Howell.

In five years, Agape Teen Leaders have raised near $450,00 towards Agape’s mission.

In May 2026, Agape will reach a significant milestone graduating more than 100 high school students from our program since 2009. We invite you to be part of this impact, history, and achievement with your ongoing pledge of support to our Road to 100 Graduates Annual Fund at: www.donatetoagape.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, February 10

Ragtime Seniors’ Galentine’s Day Luncheon

Friday, March 6

After-School Program’s Black History Month Student Showcase

Thursday, April 16

Spring Benefit 2026 | A Night of Hope

JOURNEY WITH US

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