The fragrant scent of waffles filled St. Paul AME Church on November 11 as FCS staff and supporters streamed in for our Breakfast on the Block event. Although it was rainy and cold outside, the warmth and joy in the fellowship hall was palpable. People helped themselves to steaming plates offered by SoulFull Catering, a South Atlanta business and Start:ME Southside alum.
“What a morning!” said Joi Jackson, the Director of Development while everyone was settled in, “We’re filled with grace and gratitude. We’re thankful for the ways all of you have opened your hearts to our neighborhood and this work.”
President Jim Wehner rose to share about the ways FCS’ work has changed over the last year, and the thresholds of growth that South Atlanta stands upon now.
“I learned really quickly that FCS is successful because of the people who come alongside this long, hard, slow work. We can do hard things, and we should do hard things,” he said. He noted gains in capacity like the Housing Team being able to work on 20-24 single family homes per year and Carver Market and Community Grounds welcoming more than 300 customers per day.
“When I started in this role, I never could have predicted the size and footprint we’re having now. Every person in this room has played a role in making change in South Atlanta possible.” he said, his throat catching a bit.
As part of celebrating the many hands working with South Atlanta neighbors, we unveiled our new award: The Florida Ellis Community Champion Award. This award recognizes an individual who has dedicated unparalleled time, heart, and effort into helping South Atlanta thrive. It was named after long-time board member and philanthropist, Florida Ellis. She recalled meeting Bob Lupton back in 1980 when he wanted to use the basement of a church to serve local youth.
“I had the keys,” Florida said with a smile. She talked about how opening the door to Bob’s work also opened the door to her heart. She saw how FCS grew from a counseling service into a holistic model that could transform lives by transforming the entire neighborhood. “It was a magical key,” she said before welcoming the award’s first recipient to the stage: Katie Delp.
Katie walked to the podium and hugged Florida. Florida handed Katie a beautiful custom award, a tree etched in glass, and said, “Katie Delp has also been a key. She opens doors to possibility, to flourishing. Thank you for your commitment to living and loving others in South Atlanta and for creating new pathways of growth.” The crowd cheered wildly when the tributes of Katie were read.
A few were wiping their eyes, as FCS Board Chair Chris Gray walked onstage with a surprise. We had one more award to share. It was the FCS Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a person who had spent years pouring into the work of FCS. Much to Florida’s surprise, her daughter came to the front to present her mother with this award.
She said, “My mother has dedicated 30 years nurturing this organization. She is loyal, committed, discerning, and a wise and grace-filled woman. I am so glad to honor her with you all, and the many ways she’s helped lead FCS.”
Florida and Katie are two of a wide web of people who have helped South Atlanta thrive. As a reminder of this and a token of appreciation, Joi pointed towards the back of the room. On a table sat rows of tiny olive tree saplings.
“We all are here because people before us decided to plant seeds. Now, we get to sit in the shade of the trees they planted,” she said. “You all are planting seeds with us that will bless generations to come.”
We are so grateful to the many people who are willing to plant seeds in Historic South Atlanta, including people like you. Many thanks to all who came out to our Breakfast on the Block event, and for those who show up in big and small ways every day.
