About Shirley C. Mitchell
The Inspiration Behind Shirley’s Haven
Shirley C. Mitchell
Shirley’s Haven is named in honor of the late Shirley C. Mitchell, a devoted single mother who raised two children in East Point, Georgia. After being laid off from her long-time position as an accountant at Pittsburgh Paint & Glass Company, Shirley courageously transitioned into the field of Early Childhood Education. She attended Georgia State University, where she completed her studies and earned certifications in both Early Childhood Education and Social Work.
Shirley’s passion for uplifting underserved communities led her to become a teacher—and later the Director—of the East Point Child Development Center, located in Martel Homes. This center served as a critical resource for families, offering subsidized childcare that allowed parents to attend school or maintain employment. When funding became scarce, Shirley often sacrificed her own salary to ensure the center could remain open and continue serving the neighborhood.
She was deeply aware of the social determinants of health that affected the lives of East Point residents—the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, shaped by systemic disparities in the distribution of money, power, and opportunity. With compassion and resolve, Shirley regularly provided food, clothing, education, and protection to families in need. She was a source of light and hope in a community facing significant challenges.
Shirley’s Haven was founded to honor her legacy and carry forward her vision: to bring healing, resources, and renewed hope to underserved communities. The organization is committed to making neighborhoods like East Point more viable, safe, healthy, and thriving, just as Shirley dreamed.
