As the capital of Georgia and one of the largest cities in the United States, Atlanta offers non-stop excitement. Beautiful gardens, historical museums and several professional sports teams are major attractions. But like many urban areas, poverty and homelessness are far too common. Your group will have many opportunities to serve the city’s homeless population, and facilitate activities for children and the elderly.

Demographics

As the birthplace and home to many prominent leaders of the Civil Rights movement— including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—Atlanta is a progressive city, its fascinating history honored through many local museums and memorials. The city has great ethnic diversity; with 61 percent of the population African-American, 33 percent white and 5 percent Hispanic or Latino. Atlanta offers many multicultural attractions including the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame and the African American Sports Museum. In the past two decades Atlanta has experienced unprecedented growth with a city population of 420,000, and metro population of 4.1 million. Atlanta is an international travel hub, home to the nation’s busiest airport and numerous international businesses. While the big city offers plenty of fun and excitement, there are socioeconomic concerns as well. Twenty-four percent of the residents live in poverty. On an average night, Atlanta’s homeless population is estimated to be 11,000, with 65 percent of them women and children. Local social service organizations, however, offer several opportunities to partner for change. Join with these organizations to make a difference in this community.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Possible evening/cultural activities include: visit Centennial Park; visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site; attend a local church service; and attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries

Mileage

Atlanta is located in north central Georgia and is home to Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Atlanta can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Atlanta and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out these local travel and tourism Web sites: http://www.atlanta.com/ or http://www.atlanta.net/visitors/index.html.