Community Assistance Center Celebrates Expansion

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — City leaders and community supporters on Tuesday marked a new chapter for the Community Assistance Center's mission of uplifting less fortunate residents in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. The organization held a building dedication and open house to celebrate its expansion.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul cut the ribbon with CAC Executive Director and CEO Tamara Carrera. Rabbi Ron Segal of Temple Sinai delivered the invocation followed by keynote speaker Milton Little, president of the United Way of Greater Atlanta. The Rev. Dan Brown of Dunwoody United Methodist Church issued the closing prayer. Guests were provided with guided tours of the building to learn about the services provided to their neighbors in need.

Two areas of the building were dedicated in the name of volunteers: Laura DeLong, a previous CAC board member, president and volunteer; and Carol Beckman of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, a long-time volunteer and liaison to the church that originally housed CAC.

Following CAC’s purchase and renovations of the building at 8607 Roswell Road, the 14,000-square-foot facility now houses the CAC Boutique Thrift Shop and the food pantry, which provide clothing and food services to local individuals and families in need.

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With the basic needs services of food and clothing operating out of the Roswell Road building, CAC will now build upon the promoting self-sufficiency piece of the nonprofit’s mission with the expansion of the adult education program and the addition of a career center at its facility at 1130 Hightower Trail. The Hightower Trail building will also be used to manage season programs like school supplies and Adopt-a-Family. Client interviews for assistance will remain at Hightower, as do the organization's business offices.

Future plans to reach more neighbors in need call for opening a satellite office on the southern side of Sandy Springs, a second satellite in Dunwoody and a community garden to generate fresh produce and community engagement.

CAC brings together the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody communities to provide compassionate assistance to neighbors in need by providing financial support, helping to meet basic needs and promoting self-reliance. It works to prevent homelessness and hunger locally with the support of 28 congregations of all faiths, public and private grants, civic organizations, schools, businesses and individuals. Supporters provide financial resources, in-kind donations and volunteer manpower.

Funding for CAC is provided in part by the city of Sandy Springs, Fulton County Human Services and the United Way of Greater Atlanta. For more information visit www.ourcac.org.

Images via Community Assistance Center