Blogs / News
City of Refuge is all about providing light, hope, and transformation for people living in Atlanta's Westside, where the ongoing effects of systemic inequality remain profound. Read about how we are breaking barriers and building momentum in the lives of 30314 residents so they can thrive once again in their community.
Blogs
From Chaos to Hope: Tiffany’s Story
Tiffany’s journey to City of Refuge was marked by years of hardship. After enduring a traumatic childhood, including sexual abuse and addiction, her life spiraled downwards. “Life was chaotic,” Tiffany recalls. “I didn’t know what love was. I started using drugs at 14, and it got more chaotic from there.”
From a Life Sentence to a Life Restored: Quinknoca’s Journey
When you’re a young man, a life sentence can feel like a death sentence.
At 18, Quinknoca Owens was sentenced to life in prison for a crime that shattered his future. Growing up in a turbulent home with a mother battling addiction, Quinknoca found himself caught in a spiral of poverty and poor choices…
A Mom and Her Twin Boys Find New Beginnings
For twenty years, Amanda struggled with addiction, a period she describes as “complete darkness.” In that time, she lost both her parents and custody of her daughters. “My life was in complete shambles…
Behind the Backpack: Savion’s City School Story
We can’t believe that we are already planning for back-to-school! As we look to school starting in August, we wanted to share this City School student’s story with you.
Before joining City School in the sixth grade, Savion Walker describes his life as “bland.” He rarely ventured outside, never rode a bike, or played with…
Luther’s Story
Luther Aaron was in a bad place. His life had been marked by hardship, from growing up in poverty on Atlanta's Westside to losing loved ones to drugs and generational poverty…
How a 19-Year-Old Found Community and Purpose
Isaak’s high school years were marked by constant trouble. Suspensions were frequent, and expulsion was always a looming threat. His troubles peaked in his junior year with a significant run-in with the law. Fortunately, the charges were dropped, allowing him to graduate high school. Yet, after graduation, Isaak found himself at a crossroads, uncertain of his future.
From Felon to Freedom: How Justin “Changed Dramatically”
Born to parents who immigrated from Mexico in search of a better life, Justin’s childhood was filled with hardship. His father was absent, leaving his mother to play both parental roles…
How an Alcoholic Veteran Got His Life “Back on Track”
Travis had hit rock bottom.
Up until that moment, his life had been a whirlwind of chaos and despair. He struggled with alcoholism, having relapsed after a period of sobriety. Personal tragedies, including the loss of two sons in 2016, friends in the military, other family deaths, and the recent passing of his father, compounded his struggles.
How a Cybersecurity Course Became “A Life Raft” for Don
How one recruitment text from our Tech Transformation Academy team transformed the trajectory of Don’s life…
Baking Dreams Come True: From Culinary Grad to Pastry Chef
Growing up, Charmain had “a rough life.” At 16, she ran away from home. A few years later, she was in a terrible car accident that left her bedridden for months...
From Tech Academy Graduate to Atlanta Entrepreneur: Jillian’s Story
Jillian used her driving background and refreshed knowledge in web development to identify a problem worth solving: women’s safety in rideshare.
“A Bridge to Heaven”: Ms. Carolyn’s Story
Ms. Carolyn’s life has been far from easy. “It’s been a hard road,” she said. “But City of Refuge gave me a chance to live again.”
Transforming their Trajectories: Monique & Lexi’s Story
I told Lexi, "This program will change the trajectory of your life. Just commit to nine months, and then if you don't like it, you can always go back home."
From Corporate Travel to Coding: Cassieon’s Career Pivot
As a child growing up in a small, rural town in Southern Mississippi, Cassieon never imagined she would one day become a coder.
Surrounded by Support: Dondrea’s Story
“Homelessness doesn’t always look crazy,” Dondrea said. “It can happen to anybody.”
Home At Last: Jenice and Mireya’s Story
When Jenice fled to Atlanta with her daughter to escape an unhealthy relationship, God had more in store for her than she imagined…
What happened when Jerry got a second chance…
Jerry Torres was stuck in a job he wan’t passionate about. He decided to enroll in City of Refuge’s NAPA Automotive Technician program, but things didn’t go as planned…
Hope Takes Flight: The Story of Two Brothers Redefining their Futures
“My life has completely changed.”
Advent Devotional 2023
A season of spiritual waiting…
“Everything is coming together.”
Tybrina had been working in the fast food industry since 14 years old when she realized she was meant for more. That’s when City of Refuge came along.
“I had to go to prison to live.”
How God helped Jennifer through 17 years of prison into a life of sobriety, family reunification and hope for the future…
“No More Uber”: How On the Road Lending and City of Refuge Give Back Control and Peace of Mind
Although Kirk secured a stable job in a growing career pathway, he still struggled every day to get to work. He needed to save precious time and improve his quality of life. He needed a car.
3 Ways to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re sharing three ways you can support a survivor from the point of view of one of our staff members who does so every day.
From Plumber to Tech Business Consultant: Rodrigo’s Story
Growing up in Brazil, Rodrigo Baptista da Silva never imagined he’d one day experience what can only be described as a Hero’s Journey of epic proportions.
“I Learned What Love Truly Is”: Wendy’s Story
At the age of 22, Wendy faced a double tragedy. She gave birth to her son, but within a week, he tragically passed away. Shortly after, she received the devastating news of her brother's suicide…
From on Her Own, to Never Alone: Kaylee’s Story of Transformation
Since she was 16 years old, Kaylee has been completely on her own. After her babies' father got incarcerated and her family no longer supported her, Kaylee and her daughters left home...
“With God, all things are possible”: Stephanie’s Transformation
Before City of Refuge, Stephanie only knew a life of homelessness, addiction, and loss…
“Love in Chaos”: Preston’s Journey from Incarceration to Reentry
Preston grew up in the inner city of Atlanta, which he described as a “bittersweet” experience. “I didn't know that I was poor,” he said. “But I knew something was wrong at a very early age…
New School Year, New School Name, New Principal!
Welcome to City School, Ms. Yvette Buoy!
The Power of Healing: Tiffany’s Journey to Overcome Homelessness
After 18 months of healing, growth, and transformation on our campus, Tiffany and her daughters graduated from our housing program…
Home Sweet Home: How Mike Found Community and Hope
After growing up in an orphanage and struggling through the foster care system, Mike had an extremely challenging start to life…
Creating Light from Darkness: Dyamond’s Story
27-year-old Dyamond was living in her car, burdened with depression and anxiety, when one prayer changed her life…
Fixing Cars and Building a Future: Haley’s Story
As a high school graduate with little work experience, finding stable employment was tough for Haley…
“Never Give Up”: How a Cybersecurity Course Gave Kirk New Life
Kirk Northrup was working as a security guard on the Las Vegas strip when the anxiety attacks first began.
From “Stuck” to “Successful”: How CoR’s Tech Academy Transformed Joel’s Life and Career
Joel was stuck in a dead-end job. “I felt stagnant,” he said. “I wasn’t living the life I knew I could be living.”
Rising from the Ashes: Danyale’s Story of Redemption and Hope
In 2020, Danyale was forced to resign from her job at Wendy’s for not having adequate transportation…
From Stalled to Cruising: How City of Refuge’s Auto Training Program Gave Isaiah a Fresh Start
Growing up with a single mom, Isaiah faced many challenges. He didn’t have much of a relationship with his biological father.
From “Downhill” to On Track: Shay’s Inspiring Story of Diligence and Reentry
Before she came to City of Refuge in December of 2022, Shadamieon (Shay) Williams’s life was going “downhill.”
Bringing Justice to Justice
Growing up, Justice’s mother wasn’t around much. She sold drugs and was in and out of jail…
“I Want Everyone to Know It’s Possible”: Deborah’s Story
Deborah was working as a paralegal when COVID hit. During the lockdown, her two youngest children started struggling in school…
How Our Cybersecurity Program Gave Nick a Reboot
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for Nick…
An “Ocean” of Opportunities: How Our Tech Academy Launched a Young Woman’s Career
Growing up on the eastside of Atlanta, Ocean had to move around a lot, which gave her a maturity beyond her years. “I felt like I had to grow up a little bit faster than most people,” she said. “I had to learn a lot of things the hard way.”
Impact Reports
In the News
Press Release: City of Refuge to Add Welding Program to Workforce Development Platform
Urbanize Atlanta: Fresh renderings: Unique Bankhead development officially a go
11Alive: City of Refuge breaks ground on Transformation Center
AJC: Atlanta's City of Refuge breaks ground on new transition center, expanding program with 7th project
NASCAR driver Zane Smith visits Atlanta nonprofit ahead of Ambetter Health 400
City of Refuge Partners with Zane Smith for Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta
Citybiz: City of Refuge Raises $1.3 Million at “The Gathering”
Rough City Draft: City of Refuge raises $1.3 million at The Gathering fundraiser
Metro Atlanta CEO: City of Refuge Raises $1.3 Million at “The Gathering”
Reporter’s Notebook: Atlanta BeltLine breaks ground on Westside Segment 4, City of Refuge completes second affordable housing project, Morehouse receives $4.2 million federal grant for digital health equity project
City of Refuge completes renovation of second affordable housing project, The 345
City of Refuge offering training that is changing people’s lives
Georgia Natural Gas Day of Service made an impact in one of Atlanta's more challenging neighborhoods
Images: Blighted hotel officially reborn as affordable housing