Hopeful: the Ceremony of H.O.P.E via Congressman Hank Johnson celebrates the impact of nonprofits and the continued call for community

On Saturday (August 16, 2025), the Lou Walker Senior Center provides the setting for the greater community.

It's a celebration of the impact of nonprofits in the 4th Congressional District, but a continued heeding of the call to community and making an impact on matter which impact all across the board. Under the leadership of Congressman Hank Johnson, the Ceremony of H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Elevate) caps off his efforts in supporting National Nonprofit Day and related programming which includes a 4-series Grants Workshop (August 11-14, 2025) and volunteering at a food pantry for "A Day in My Shoes" to highlight food insecurity and importance of doing so despite recent cuts due to the passing of last month's bill (click HERE for our May 2025 article as a point of reference).

Complimented by the Towers High School Color Guard (Presentation of Colors) and Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra along with the Welcome (by Eric Hubbard), Occasion (by Kandice Williams, who plays a central role in the planning and execution of the event), and Introduction (by Kathy Register), the stage is set for the highlighting of this year's recognized organizations, and their focus areas.

The First African Community Development Corporation (FACDC) is based in DeKalb County; via their partnering with local churches, schools, and related service organizations, they help address food insecurity as they distribute an estimated 2 million pounds of food annually to those in need. Along with their programming including (but not limited to) the Healthy Living Project, they lend assistance related to health access and furnishing homes for those transitioning out of homelessness or related crisis (you may watch the presentation video below):

The First Senior Center of Georgia (FSC) is based in Norcross, GA: their areas of focus for the elderly Vietnamese community ranges from bilingual social services, transportation programs, a food pantry, and crisis support which expands to the Asian and immigrant community. They are the second largest partner of the Atlanta Community Food Bank as they continue their efforts (you may watch the presentation video below):

The efforts of the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) evolves from their start as the Atlanta Bar Asylum Project. Their efforts in training and supporting pro bono attorneys who represent asylum seekers and immigration survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual abuse results in serving more than 1,000 clients and their families per year, making them one of Georgia's leading provides of free immigration legal services (you may watch the presentation video below):

When it comes to art and entertainment mentorship for those seeking careers in these fields, the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation (HBIYD) is a key presence as they have served more than 1,000 students (along with hosting multiple performances and providing scholarship opportunities within the field). Via their partnership with DeKalb County Parks & Recreation and their programming at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, their year-round programs empower young people via the lens of the arts (you may watch the presentation video below):

For more than 25 years, the Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. (Support) focuses on supporting, educating, and providing resources to individuals and families impacted by autism. Having served more than 2,000 families, their array of programs (i.e. education-based, access t resources, family-support groups, and social skills workshops), they provide critical services to help address the needs of this demographic and related community (you may watch the presentation video below):

For the past 10 years, the Mosaic Health Center (Mosaic) addresses the lack of accessible healthcare for those in Clarkston, GA and the related community. Guided by the principle of healthcare being a human right, their efforts are focused on addressing the social and systematic inequalities within the United States healthcare system. In working closely with partners including Emory University, DeKalb Public Health, Islamic Relief, AEC Trust, and others, their goal of bringing best and better practices is paramount to their efforts (you may watch the presentation video below):

Their efforts, along with those of others, help make the district and greater community places in which more can live, work, and flourish. Despite the current landscape, the efforts remain and are even more focused in doing what is needed to reach back and help others.

There's still rays of H.O.P.E.

Notes: All video is recorded via @asnortonccs; you may watch the full playlist for additional information (click HERE).