WESTSIDE IMPACT CENTER OPENING DOORS THIS SUMMER

The Westside Impact Center, conceived and developed by Quest Community Development Organization (Quest CDO), is nearing completion. After a brief slowdown in construction due to the pandemic and weather delays, the three-story, 30,000 square foot building is on track to open later this summer. Once complete, the Westside Impact Center will house Quest CDO’s headquarters as well as offices for nonprofit partners like On the Rise Financial Center. Some will know the Center’s location near the corner of Joseph E. Boone and Joseph Lowery as home to Family Dollar, which served as a vital community resource for over ten years. This summer, the Family Dollar will return, occupying space on the first floor of the Center. Other plans for the Westside Impact Center include community amenities like space for meetings and other gatherings, creative co-working space for individuals and small teams, and “incubator” space for entrepreneurs. This exciting project is an example of Quest CDO’s vision and dedication coming to life through collaboration with Westside Future Fund, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, CD Moody Construction, and others.

Currently under construction, The Westside Impact Center is set to open summer 2020.

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FAMILIES FIRST EXPANDS COUNSELING SERVICES

Between COVID-19, our long period of social isolation, job losses, and other challenges, many people need someone to talk to and help navigating these difficult times. In response, Westside-based nonprofit Families First has expanded its virtual counseling services with seven new counselors who are available, via secure video or telephone, to offer individuals support when needed. Families First is offering sliding scale payment options to those who need financial assistance and, thanks to donors, can offer counseling free of charge in some cases. View the video below featuring Families First client, Elizabeth. Families First’s professional counselors offer non-judgmental, empathetic care for adults, children, and families. To request a counseling appointment, or get more information, contact Families First at 404-853-2844 or counseling@familiesfirst.org.

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ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER OFFERS NEW “AC MAKES” INITIATIVE TO WESTSIDE KIDS

With students out of school for the summer and much of the usual activity on pause due to coronavirus concerns, Atlanta Contemporary Art Center has stepped up to take art and art making beyond its walls to children on the Westside. Starting in July, the Art Center will be distributing activity books or “zines” along with art supplies to Westside families. The effort, called “AC Makes”, is a hands-on enrichment initiative that extends Atlanta Contemporary’s Contemporary Kids program. Nisa Floyd, Program Coordinator for the Art Center, is spearheading the initiative. She says, “Since our temporary closure in March, Atlanta Contemporary has provided an array of virtual programming. But as we know, some of our communities lack access to digital technology and resources to continue education outside of the classroom. My hope is that these zines can help children engage with contemporary art, so they can see their beautiful ideas manifested.” Each zine release will be based on the art and artists featured at the Art Center at that time. For the first distribution of zines and kits, Atlanta Contemporary Art Center plans to collaborate with youth-serving organizations including Parents Prosper, Project Healthy Grandparents, Raising Expectations, and YMCA of Metro Atlanta.