Our Mission
The mission of Shirley’s Haven is to provide, locate, and support programs that directly improve the quality of life, health, and welfare of underserved communities.
We provide the following services to the community.
Hunger
Apart from oxygen, food is the most basic human need. In fact, the scarcity of food and hunger has risen even more with the onslaught of COVID-19. With as many food banks that exist in the metro Atlanta area, there is always room for more food banks.
We do not presume to have a way to solve the food crisis, but our goal is to join in on efforts to alleviate hunger by providing food to individuals in need. Thus, we have partnered with Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School to form a food pantry from which groceries will be distributed once a week to individuals in the community. Such grocery items will be donated by hundreds of donors.
We currently partner with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, through Fulton County Schools, the City of East Point to eradicate hunger and food deserts. We will increase the availability of fresh produce by the following methods:
- Engaging local farmers to increase produce items in Fulton County.
- Creating Urban Gardens in underserved communities.
- Addressing transportation challenges through mobile markets.
- Incentivizing participation in nutrition education programs.
Clothing
As we partner with the Fulton County School System and the East Point Housing Authority, our major clothing objective is to provide clothing to students in underserved school communities. We will serve as an onsite resource for counselors at schools where there is a high demand for clothing from the underserved student population.
While most of us don't give a second thought to whether or not we have enough clothes to wear, the truth is that many in our communities members struggle to clothe their children suitably for school. In addition to struggling to clothe children, many struggle to clothe themselves. Our closets that will be located in schools will give children, teens, and their families the ability to choose clothing that they will want to wear. Our closets will provide each individual at least one week's worth of new and gently used clothing, shoes, socks, and undergarments. This will remove the stigma that is associated with worn out and old clothing. Adequate and proper clothing instills children with confidence, reduces the chances for bullying, and helps alleviate financial pressure on those unable to purchase clothing.
We will serve K-12 schools in the public and private sector in Fulton County and the surrounding Metropolitan Atlanta area.
Education
Alongside other social determinants of health, education plays a major role in a person's overall health and well-being. Education can affect us throughout our lifetime and has been shown to increase healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes, including obesity rates.
Higher educational attainment can also play an important role in health by shaping employment opportunities, which are the major determinants of economic resources. Individuals with more education will experience lower rates of unemployment, which is strongly associated with better health outcome and lower mortality.
Our intention is to continue to partner with Asa. G. Hilliard Elementary School, Parklane Elementary School, Fulton County School System and with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. by continuing to volunteer in classes, tutoring, guest speaking, chaperoning field trips, purchasing PPEs, school supplies, and providing gifts for teacher appreciations.
Safe Communities
Homelessness, crime, and violence experienced by individuals living within a community are important public health issue. Studies have found that people who perceive their environment to be less safe may also have higher body mass index scores and higher levels of obesity due to reduced physical activity and reluctance to go outside.
Whether one is homeless, recently evicted or facing other housing crisis; experiencing domestic violence; battling addiction issues; or dealing with trauma related to being a victim or witness of a crime, we will try to help them locate a homeless shelter or other temporary housing to provide them with food and lodging while equipping them with the resources and support needed to regain stability; likewise, we will also provide referrals to public health and legal services.
Our goal is to continue partnering with Fulton County and Metro Atlanta Cities Public Safety in advocating for our citizens.
Other charitable activities
As Shirley’s Haven grows and expands its outreach, it hopes to provide more services to underserved communities in Fulton County and the metro Atlanta area in an effort to eradicate the Social Determinants of Health.
Our Vision
The vision of
Shirley's Haven is to build healthy communities by improving the quality of life for the underserved through combating the inequities of the Social Determinants of Health.
Why Partner with Shirley's Haven?
We are dedicated to provide opportunities for all people to live a better life. Our donations are given to all in need, without regard to their race, religion, or background. We strive to create a better world, and we thank all of you for helping us to achieve that.
Take Action
Volunteer your energy, talents and resources to bring inspiration and hope to those who need it.
LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO →
Shirley's Haven is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization Tax ID # 85-2979280
Designed by: WSIBiggs Digital