SOFU, GA June 2023

Cool Dudes!

Trap Music Museum is an interactive experience that uses art to showcase the rich culture of trap music, one of the most popular genres of music today.

“TRAP MUSIC MUSEUM ISN’T JUST ABOUT MUSIC BUT ALSO ABOUT THE CULTURE THAT INSPIRES.”

404-367-0860 | TRAPMUSICMUSEUM.US 630 TRAVIS STREET, NO RTHWEST ATLANTA

HOURS : MONDAY - WENDESDAY: CLOSED

THURSDAY: 4:00PM - 10:00PM (SIP AND TRAP HAPPY HOUR)

FRIDAY: 4:00PM - 12:00AM | SATURDAY: 12:00PM - 12:00AM

SUNDAY: 12:00PM - 10:00PM

CHECK OUT OUR ESCAPE ROOM | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Presenting the Cool Dudes!

Hey Y’all, I know I say this all the time but this is my favorite issue! It’s our pleasure to present some really #CoolDudesofSoFu this month. It is so much fun to celebrate the men in our community. In the feature, we highlight the guys that are serving our community and looking suave while they do it! Additionally, we showcase some great area artists, from the stage to the silver screen! I hope you really enjoy this issue as much as we loved crafting it for you! Take a moment this month to do something special for the cool dude in your life! Whether he’s a dad or not, here are some great ideas on treating your guy:

Spend some quality time together!

Show some gratitude and share life-giving words!

Shower him with positive actions and meaningful gifts!

Have a great June and a Happy Father’s Day!

Here’s a pic of my #CoolDude at the Georgia Aquarium!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kyra Hatter | Kshatter@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stevie Peterson, Shandra Hill Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Boris Martin, Becca McCoy, Chris Mitchell

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

COMPASSIONATE CARE. INNOVATIVE MEDICINE.

COMPASSIONATE CARE. INNOVATIVE MEDICINE.

Cassandra R. Treadway, MD Internal Medicine

Cassandra R. Treadway, MD Internal Medicine

Certi ed by the American Board of Internal Medicine

Certi ed by the American Board of Internal Medicine

W O

W O RLD CLASS C AR E IS RIGHT HERE I

MOREHOUSE HEALTHCARE physicians are world-renowned for their clinical expertise and compassion in serving diverse populations. We are one of the state’s premier primary care and multi-specialty medical practices, including Ob/Gyn, bariatric surgery, cardiology and internal medicine.

MOREHOUSE HEALTHCARE physicians are world-renowned for their clinical expertise and compassion in serving diverse populations. We are one of the state’s premier primary care and multi-specialty medical practices, including Ob/Gyn, bariatric surgery, cardiology and internal medicine.

Your overall health is important. Drs. Cassandra R. Treadway and Tawian M. Livingston o er state-of-the-art treatments to help keep you healthy.

Your overall health is important. Drs. Cassandra R. Treadway and Tawian M. Livingston o er state-of-the-art treatments to help keep you healthy.

Trust your primary care needs to Morehouse Healthcare.

Trust your primary care needs to Morehouse Healthcare.

For your convenience, Drs. Treadway and Livingston are located at:

Tawian M. Livingston, MD Internal Medicine

Tawian M. Livingston, MD Internal Medicine

Certi ed by the American Board of Internal Medicine

Certi ed by the American Board of Internal Medicine

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

455 Lee Street SW

SOON***

***COMING SOON*** 2nd Floor 3885 Princeton Lakes Way Ste 300 Atlanta, GA 30310 Atlanta, GA 30331

Call 404-756-1404 to schedule today.

morehousehealthcare.com

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Black Womens Film Network, in its 26th year, hosted a sold-out summit honoring Gina Prince Bythewood, Danielle Deadwyler, Tabitha Brown, Tammy Williams, Latasha Gillespie, and Cas Sigers Beedles. The event was sponsored by Amazon Music, Amazon, Fulton Films, Aspire TV, NBCU Launch, Amazing Stories Foundation, Kaleidoscope, and CVent.

Photography by Chris Mitchell

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Zeta Phi Beta Presents "Lifting the Legacy: The Essence of Finer Womanhood"

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated - Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter of East Point hosted their Biannual Hall of Fame Gala at GICC.  Since 1992, the chapter has selected two members for this high honor and other members for upholding the sorority's principles.

Cindy Givens, a 2003 initiate of Zeta, has held many positions in Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter and serves as First Vice President. Cindy was inducted alongside her chapter sister, Cheryl Johnson.

“Water for Elephants” at Alliance Theater

Based on the critically acclaimed and best-selling novel, “Water for Elephants” takes you on an adventure filled with romance, deception, and a little bit of magic, all under the big top of a traveling circus.

Brought to theatrical life by an internationally acclaimed and innovative creative team, “Water for Elephants” will reignite your dreams of running away with the circus. It will be presented on the Coca-Cola Stage, June 7–July 9, 2023.

Atlanta Music Project Announces Cellist Sterling Elliott as Artist-in-Residence

Atlanta Music Project announces cellist Sterling Elliott for the 2023 AMP Summer Series. Elliott’s residency at AMP will culminate with his performance as soloist in the Cello Concerto in A Minor by Camille Saint-Saëns. Elliott’s residency at the 2023 AMP Summer Series will be comprised of performing, teaching, mentoring and curated talks on June 8-9. Most parts of the residency will be ticketed events and open to the public.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SOFU

local experiences

12

Grab your bros and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males. There’s no shortage of fun with friends in SoFu.

THE EASTERN: For the Music Bros: Hosting a diverse roster of international acts.  Coming soon: Killer Mike with Run the Jewels. 777 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30316

DICK LANE VELODROME: For the Cycle Bros: This velodrome features green space and a creek.  Race, take a cycling class! 1889 Lexington Ave, East Point, Georgia 30344

COCHRAN MILL BREWING COMPANY: For the Beer Bros: Fairburn’s exceptional craft brewery just celebrated 3 years! Grab delicious fare from food trucks.  27 Word Street, Fairburn, Georgia 30213

ATLANTA UNITED FC: For the GOOOOAL Bros: Averaging one of the highest crowd attendance figures in the league!  861 Franklin Gateway SE, Marietta, Georgia 30067

DELANO PARK: For the Hoops Bros: A City of South Fulton Park, amenities include an outdoor basketball court and multi-purpose field. Delano Rd, South Fulton, Georgia 30349

Atlanta United FC

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Becca McCoy

Becca McCoy is co-founder and CEO of Leafmore Studios, LLC, a fine art creative business she shares with her partner, artist Justin Groom. She is the new creative director here at #SofuLifestyle.

As an award-winning photographer, she has exhibited in galleries such as Atlanta Photography Group and Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Her photographic travelogue, The Year of Extraordinary Travel, was published by St. Petersburg Press in 2021 and adapted for the stage in a 2022 world-premiere production. She is a veteran stage actor, with 60 professional credits from theatres in nine states. Learn more at beccamccoy.com and leafmorestudios.com

Tax Mitigation Strategies for Dads

It is important that fathers understand income tax and tax mitigation strategies for several reasons.

Financial Responsibility: As a father and head of the household, it is important to have a clear understanding of your family's finances, including taxes. Understanding tax laws and mitigation strategies can help you make informed decisions that can positively impact your family's financial health.

Maximizing Income: By utilizing tax mitigation strategies, dads can potentially reduce their taxable income, which can result in more take-home pay. This can help dads provide better for their families and improve their quality of life.

Planning for the Future: Understanding income tax and mitigation strategies can also help dads plan for the future. By maximizing retirement contributions and taking advantage of education credits, for example, dads can prepare for their family's future financial needs.

Avoiding Penalties: Failing to comply with tax laws can result in penalties and fines, which can be financially devastating. By understanding income tax and mitigation strategies, dads can ensure they are in compliance with tax laws and avoid penalties.

In short, understanding income tax and income tax mitigation strategies is an important part of being a financially responsible father and head of the household. It can help dads maximize their income, plan for the future, and avoid financial pitfalls.

Here are some tax mitigation strategies for dads:

Maximize Retirement Contributions: If you have access to a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA, contribute the maximum amount allowed by law to reduce your taxable income.

Claim Dependents: If you have children or other dependents, make sure to claim them on your tax return to take advantage of tax credits and deductions.

Take Advantage of Education Credits: If you or your children are in college, you may be eligible for education credits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit.

Use a Flexible Spending Account: If your employer offers a flexible spending account (FSA), take advantage of it to pay for medical expenses or dependent care with pre-tax dollars.

Donate to Charity: Charitable donations can be deducted from your taxable income. Consider donating to a charity that you support.

Invest in Municipal Bonds: Municipal bonds are exempt from federal income tax and may also be exempt from state and local taxes.

Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA): If you have a high-deductible health plan, you may be eligible for an HSA, which allows you to save money tax-free to pay for medical expenses.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements: If you make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as installing solar panels or upgrading your HVAC system, you may be eligible for tax credits.

Structure Your Affair via a Business Entity: Doing so potentially reduces tax liability and presents certain tax benefits.

For example, if a dad operates a side business, he can form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or S Corporation to structure his business affairs. By doing so, he can potentially reduce self-employment taxes and take advantage of business deductions and credits.

Another benefit of operating through a business entity is that it can provide liability protection. If a business incurs debt or legal liability, the business entity may shield his personal assets from being seized to pay off those debts.

However, forming a business entity involves legal and financial considerations, such as filing articles of incorporation, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and creating separate financial accounts. Therefore, it is important to consult with a tax professional and a lawyer before forming a business entity to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Remember to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are taking advantage of all available tax mitigation strategies and to ensure compliance with tax laws.

Flying by Faith

“On a Wing and a Prayer”

When Atlanta-based writer Brian Egeston learned of a real-life incident involving a passenger safely landing a plane after its pilot died mid-flight, he was what he describes as “stunned.” When Egeston dug deeper into the story to learn more, he was intrigued and saw an incident that was bigger than the events that played out that Easter Sunday in 2009.

“It was more than a person landing a plane,” said Egeston, a screenwriter who would turn this true-tolife story of a pilot who had never flown a twin-engine plane into one to be told through film. The result: “On a Wing and a Prayer,” which debuted in April on Amazon Prime. It features Dennis Quaid in the role of Doug White, who safely landed the plane, and Heather Graham as his wife Terri.

White’s story, Egeston said, “was about someone going through their own personal crisis and wrestling with faith. To me, that’s a universal theme. We all wrestle with failure, crises and giving up at some point. The plane and the turbulence is symbolic of life’s roller coaster. Sometimes all we can do is keep going and believe. That’s why I knew this movie had to be made.”

The movie gained wings when Atlanta Producer Autumn Bailey-Ford got the script to “Touched by an Angel” star Roma Downey, who took to Egeston’s work, convincing MGM, which is now owned by Amazon, to greenlight the project. On an $18-million budget, the film was shot in a soundstage in Covington, Georgia, and at the Fulton County Airport.

Actor Jesse Metcalfe plays the pilot who helped White land the plane in Florida, with White’s wife and two children aboard and the deceased pilot still in the cockpit. Metcalfe has had roles in such productions as “Desperate Housewives” and “John Tucker Must Die.”

“I really gravitated to this project because I thought it was really well-written and that the character Kari Sorenson had a really nice emotional arc that I could sink myself into as an actor,” said Metcalfe, who describes the script as a “really compelling script, which ultimately made for a really compelling movie.”

Metcalfe says the movie is “really inspirational,” and largely about having faith in the people around you, the people closest to you. Doug White really leans on his wife and family in the movie.

“Ultimately, my character, Kari, opens up to his girlfriend, Ashley, and then their relationship seems to be able to go to the next level. It’s about having faith, having faith in the people around you.”

He summed up faith as “believing in something bigger than yourself, whether that’s believing in the people you’re closest to who love you the most or believing in a higher power, but believing that things are going to get better when you’re experiencing hard times.”

It’s White’s story of believing and holding on that appealed to Egeston when he learned of White during one of his first flying lessons where White’s actual flight recording served as an example of the importance of knowing how to communicate with air traffic control.

“There were so many miracles that transpired behind the scenes, and I knew the world had to witness this story,” said Egeston, who has written for Producer, Director and Writer Tyler Perry, including for Perry’s long-running “House of Payne” series.

For Egeston, the movie also sends a message that individuals aren’t “in control of our journeys. We just have to go through that turbulence and believe we’re going to make it.”

White’s story, Egeston said, “was about someone going through their own personal crisis and wrestling with faith. To me, that’s a universal theme. We all wrestle with failure, crises and giving up at some point. The plane and the turbulence is symbolic of life’s roller coaster. Sometimes all we can do is keep going and believe. That’s why I knew this movie had to be made.”

COOL DUDES OF #SOFU!

When we made a request via social media to our readers, we asked for stylish, smooth guys. We are so pleased with the results! We hope you enjoy reading about the secret sauce that makes up each guy’s individual cool.

Fabian Simpson

Passionate. Original. Creative.

Hailing from Bartow, Florida, Fabian lost both parents when he was young, but he has an older brother and sister and a big extended family. He graduated in 2010 from Bartow High and continued his education at Iowa Western, where he played football and served as student body president. Later transferring to the HBCU Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he finished his BA in studio art. After graduating college in 2015, he moved to SoFu. Shortly after, Fabian created his brand Twenty-Eight Flavors. He got accepted at SCAD in Atlanta but decided to try another route to further his career in technology, pursuing a master’s degree in information technology.

“I am known for the storytelling of life events, the naked truths of the knowledge of self, self-improvement and self-help therapy… Art is the power of creating something to generate connection between my deep dark emotions with yours!” says Fabian, who specializes in acrylic on canvas, graphic design and mixed media work. He also makes his canvases from scratch. He is focused on growing his network to have his art in more homes, debuting his artist podcast and painting with family.

“What sets me apart from my peers is my pride in craftsmanship, being competitive to learn more every day to be a better artist and the love of creating with other like-minded people.”

William is a decorated Army veteran, chief operations manager of Feeding GA Families, a photographer (WillJPhotography.com) and an actor. Originally from rural middle Georgia, he is married to Ali and moved to the City of South Fulton with his wife, who has family in the area.

“What I like about the City of South Fulton is that it strikes a perfect balance between convenience and peace. Being close enough to Atlanta to be convenient, yet far enough to remain quiet and peaceful, the City of South Fulton offers a unique blend of urban and rural living,” according to William.

“As a photographer and actor, I value creativity and am not afraid to take risks. I’m also unapologetically outspoken about my beliefs and stand up for what I believe in,” says William.

William credits his success to his willingness to take risks and his passion for creativity. Whether he is behind the camera or on the stage, he tries to bring a unique blend of creativity, boldness and outspokenness to everything.

“As chief operations manager of Feeding GA Families, I’m using my talents to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.”

When it comes to his personal style, he likes to keep it traditional but with a twist.

“I’m not afraid to mix up accessories and add a touch of boldness to my outfits with designer ties, creative cufflinks and limited-edition watches.”

William Joyner, III

Creative. Bold. Outspoken.

A native of Bolton, Mississippi, Walter is the director of government affairs for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). In this role, he is responsible for developing positive and productive relationships with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels of government. During his tenure, his lobbying efforts have led to the funding of various projects to improve the overall efficiency of ATL’s operations, infrastructure and security. Prior to joining ATL, Walter was the legislative administrator for Fulton County Government after leaving Capitol Hill, where he served as legislative director for U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, as well as senior professional staff manager for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

A double HBCU grad, Walter obtained a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Alcorn State University and a Master of Public Administration from Bowie State University. In his spare time, Walter is a football official for Georgia High School Association, but his favorite role is being a father to his 15-year-old son, Walter, affectionately known as Trip.

Walter moved to Atlanta from Washington, DC, shortly after 9/11. Since coming to the Atlanta area, he has been involved with South Fulton. He had the pleasure to witness and be a part of the development and continued growth of this part of the county.

“I can’t wait to see what opportunities are in store for the future,” he says. “Working at ATL has allowed me to serve as chairman of the Board of Directors for the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Being a part of the chamber has given me a chance to interact with business owners, civic leaders and, most of all, young people who are amazing. South Fulton is very welcoming to each and all who visit, whether to work and/or live. It truly is an untapped area of possibilities.”

Walter’s style is comfortable enough to adjust to any situation while remaining classic.

Walter Vinson Engaging. Entertaining. Trustworthy.

“Being a part of the chamber has given me a chance to interact with business owners, civic leaders and, most of all, young people who are amazing.

South Fulton is very welcoming to each and all who visit, whether to work and/or live.”

Aaron Johnson

Committed. Thoughtful. Caring.

As an almost 20-year resident of South Fulton, Aaron has worked in politics and government on all levels, including working with the group that created the City of South Fulton. Aaron is married to Alanna Johnson, an administrator at Westlake High School, and he is the father of three children, including one college graduate, one in college and one attending Fulton County schools. He is very active in his community, participating in his children’s schools, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and on various boards.

Originally from Moultrie, South Georgia, Aaron and his wife came to Atlanta to attend college.

“When we were looking for a community to raise our family, we looked for an area in the Fulton County school system that offered a sense of community where our kids could grow up seeing people like them doing great things,” he says. “South Fulton offered those things.”

“My style is classic, clean and quiet,” says Aaron. “I don’t like loud colors and try not to be too trendy. Nice enough to notice, but not too much to overshadow the message.”

Carlton Riddick

Ambitious. Outgoing. Classic.

Carlton is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Harlem. He is a graduate of the “world’s greatest HBCU,” Johnson C. Smith University, in computer science. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Carlton has been married to LaKisha for 25 years and they have three children: Josiah, Justin and Keren. He is an entrepreneur that has worked for over 20 years with the federal government.

“Over the many years, I have lived in Metro Atlanta, I have lived in almost every area, and South Fulton was the only area that felt like home. I love so many aspects about it, from the wonderful neighborhoods, the sense of community and the quality of life,” he says.

Carlton’s personal style is “urban classic.” He is the definition of versatility, whether wearing a nice business suit or a hoodie with jeans and Timberlands.

Swinging and Dancing With Matthew Kelly

If you ever meet Matthew Kelly, you might get a glimpse of the rose tattoo on his arm. The rose symbolizes the moment he realized that he wanted to pursue theater. Kelly can dance, sing and act—in other words, he is a triple threat.

Though his mother will say she knew of his potential when he was in elementary school in Phoenix City, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia, Kelly says he recognized that he really had talent during middle school. As he matriculated through school, he worked with vocal coaches and auditioned each year to be a part of the drama team. Each year he gained more confidence and solidified his love of the art.

Kelly’s powerful vocals were what landed him at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kelly advises aspiring future drama scholars to understand that pursuing a theatrical degree is not for the faint of heart. Though he fondly remembers the role of the baker in “Into the Woods,” he also admits that being a student of theater requires true commitment to the craft.

“I loved that film. I love the way the writer gives life lessons, and I really liked that I played the lead role,” he says.

Kelly’s love of his art is apparent, and he describes learning what he needed to do to keep his body healthy and learning what foods to avoid to keep his voice strong, for example, he will not drink certain coffee before singing as that may impact his vocal cords.

Drink Water and Mind Your Business. Now that he is a graduate, Kelly tours with the number one national tour company, performing “Hairspray” as a swing. The schedule of a traveling show can be demanding. Kelly spent 3 weeks in New York rehearsing, one week in Kentucky for technicals, and one week in Oklahoma for the opening. As you can imagine, he has spent countless hours on a tour bus, traveling through different time zones and battling the dreaded pollen. He leans on doing what he knows works for his body and voice, using the aisle of the bus to stretch and finding a more recognized establishment for food options. He of course drinks lots of water to stay hydrated.

And We Are Swinging. As the play was just launching, the actor portraying Gilbert contracted COVID, and so with only an hour before show time, Kelly was tasked to perform. As a swing, it is his job to learn all lines, singing numbers and dance routines. Kelly only had a few minutes to run through the show and be fitted before the audience arrived.

Ever the professional, the show went on. The director was so impressed that Kelly is now the swing for three characters and the assistant dance coach.

“I love the challenge. I have swing brain now,” he says. “I have had to step in a few times, even doing a split track” (playing two characters at the same time).

We cannot wait for “Hairspray” to stop in the metro Atlanta area! Catch it at the Fabulous Fox Theatre May 30- June 4.

Every treatment is always optimized for all skin tones. For lasting results, complete your treatment regimen on a monthly basis. Find your skincare and hair removal solutions here. Now is a perfect time to start your chemical peel process for the year!

Pursuing Perfect Power

With

Last year alone, crews trimmed a record 700 miles of vegetation around power lines to prevent outages from ever occurring.

Remote system monitoring, satellite and drone imaging allow team members to detect where repairs and vegetation management need to be addressed.

The cooperative has upgraded many miles of power line with a version that’s better able to withstand adverse weather conditions. It’s also installed stateof-the-art technology that can prevent outages and reduce outage times.

GreyStone Power.

Pursuing perfect power for the people we serve.

FOCUS ON CHILD WELL-BEING

United Way introduced 14 metrics in the initial launch, and these metrics spanned three categories: the child, the family, and the community. The metrics included measurable items that could be used to direct resources where needed the most. Data are available at the zip code level. The zip code data plus a heat map provided a visual for directing investments. South Fulton investments included a focus on college and career readiness along with economic stability.

UNITED WAY OF GREATER ATLANTA

United Way of Greater Atlanta, one of Atlanta’s oldest and familiar nonprofits, is focused on the well-being of children. In 2017, United Way launched its initial vision. Like the Masai warriors, United Way asked, “How are the children?” The Masai warriors asked this question to learn about the health and well-being of the village. If all of the children are not well, then neither is the community. Collaborating with partners and agencies around Atlanta, the collective answer was that all the children are not well. With partners, United Way launched the child well-being movement to provide resources and support to help children (and families) thrive regardless of where they live.

For a child’s well-being to be successful, awareness and participation from the community is essential. The goal:

“To create a movement where we capture the hearts and minds of leaders, partners and the community to uplift the well-being of greater Atlanta’s children as a personal calling and shared responsibility—one that requires us to act now as a collective force for positive change.”

Then came COVID-19! United Way raised over $28M to help the metro Atlanta area. Over 14,000 South Fulton residents received assistance during the pandemic, with $650K in investments spanning several areas, including food security, housing and financial assistance. COVID pointed out key needs that were significant, such as food security, broadband access and student mobility.

The Child Well-Being Outlook 2023: Insights for Impact Report was released in May 2023 to provide the latest information. The child well-being outlook 2023 modified the initial metrics to reflect the impact of the pandemic.

Child well-being is not about the numbers, but about identifying the challenges that children and communities face that prevent them from reaching their potential. It is about providing resources based on quantifiable data to inform and guide investment strategies. A critical shift for 2023 was to look at census tract data versus zip code level data. Census tract data allows for more granular views at the neighborhood level.

Join United Way and partners as they work to provide measurable, sustainable improvements for children and families. South Fulton is a key focus area, and individuals and businesses are needed to get involved and support children’s well-being with United Way.

For more information on metrics for South Fulton and how you can support children’s well-being, contact Vanessa Roussell, vanessaroussell@unitedwayatlanta.org.

MOVING WITH INTEGRITY

During COVID lockdowns, many dental offices closed permanently. While other dental professionals locked their doors for the final time, Rob Dinker’s Integrity Dental Services expanded. In just 2 years, his practice has grown to over 100 employees. How? Integrity and a genuine heart.

Dinker has always been aware that life for some people just is not fair. Not everyone has the pleasure of growing up in a two-parent household, access to quality education or what some may

refer to as the basics. Dinker wants to change that; he wants to help even the playing field, or at least minimize the obstacles. He founded a nonprofit, the Rob Dinker Foundation, 2 years ago to focus on unhoused children and families and young scholars who may have an incarcerated parent or a parent that due to working multiple jobs may not have the luxury of spending the time needed to guide their children.

The Rob Dinker Foundation donated money to a local charter school to help build a safer updated playground and donated meals and school supplies to over 400 local scholars. In 2021, the organization paid rent for 10 families of sole-parent households who were the winners of an essay/letter campaign.

This year, the goal is to partner with other community advocates like restaurants to feed the unhoused and host a back-to-school drive complete with a DJ, face painting and bookbags filled with everything a young student will need to hit the ground running.

Want to help? The foundation wants to know who they can help next. Connect with them online at DinkerFoundation.org to recommend someone who could benefit from the service this organization offers.

“To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that’s sincerity and integrity,” says Rob.

The Rob Dinker Foundation seeks to lend a helping hand to children and families in need, especially the socio-economically challenged. The foundation participates in efforts to encourage educational success, mitigate the effects of poverty, and aid in the mission to decrease the number of children who experience homelessness.

Goals and Focus The Dinker Foundation is laser-focused on helping those who are in need. They are deeply committed to helping students, children in need, families, and distressed parents.

MORE ABOUT ROB DINKER

Rob Dinker attended college at Terry College of Business–University of Georgia, gaining a Master of Business Administration and a minor in economics. He obtained the Hope Scholarship to pay for his schooling.

After working in the dental industry, Rob gained extensive business and dental knowledge from his positions. He founded Integrity Dental Services in 2019.  He has secured major DSO (Dental Service Organizations), also referred to as significant group dental practice agreements, expanding to four locations around the U.S.

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Poems

BEYOND THE FOUNDATION

This is beyond the foundation

Elevation

Another level Of battling the devil

SO FAR

We’ve come so far together, but I've got so far to go

There are things I've yet to go through that You already know

I've been through peaks and valleys, but have not yet seen the top You remind me that I will get there if I keep faith and refuse to stop

The cards may be stacked against me, but You are stacked against the cards

Your provision was established before me, before my journey even starts

But I have to be bold and courageous and look adversity in the eye

There are so many excuses that could be made—so many reasons not to try

But in You, there is only victory when paired with the will to win You put purpose in all existence and reveal it to the hearts of men

You reveal Your truth to me, though there are many things I do not know We've come so far together, but I've got so far to go.

Of pedal to the metal Of learning and earning

This is beyond the foundation

That has already been laid By the soldiers before us who braved Circumstances that required improvement

Like ours today

And they made a way

For us to build past the foundation

And go beyond

And individually I have been the victim of my own limitations

Until I realized they are not limitations

They are factors in these equations

And I must find a way to win

Utilize chess moves for the master men

Deliberately embody the balanced master blend

To build on what you’ve been through To another level

Elevation

Beyond the foundation.