Volunteering Around Atlanta

I have lived in Atlanta on and off since 2017 and if you know me, you know I always like to be volunteering somewhere. There are 3 non-profits here with which I've done stints that are near and dear to my heart, all related to very different causes.

Concrete Jungle

This forging and farming group runs a produce farm and identifies underutilized fruit trees around the city. Everything they harvest or glean goes to the Atlanta Food Bank! I've done both farm days and fruit tree hauls and both are a blast.

In one pear pick we can easily glean over 1,000 lbs of fruit

A big apple pick in North GA

After a day of volunteering we often go to a local watering hole, like this stop at Toccoa Falls

Harvested a ton of carrots for the Atlanta Food Bank this day!

Battling kudzu on Concrete Jungle's produce farm

New American Pathways

This refugee support and resettlement agency offers a full continuum of services like legal aid and education. I tutored a pashto-speaking family in English for 6 months through their group.

With one of my English language students in her home, she always shared a spread of treats

Representing the group at Red, White, & Do fundraisers

With fellow volunteers at New American Pathways events

Lifeline Animal Project

Lifeline is the non-profit that runs Atlanta's county animal shelters. I walk dogs at the shelter nearest to my house every Sunday, and this has been so rewarding. Returning weekly means I get to know the dogs and really root for their success.

I make a little collage with my dogs of the week each Sunday

Took Sugarloaf out for a weekend adventure

Got Kaz and Blu to sit in my lap at the same time, that was a proud moment

All of these activities make me feel so much more connected to Atlanta; especially as a remote worker who doesn't go into an office.

If you need help getting started, I always recommend the Hands On calendar. I've used this in Atlanta and Hong Kong and they connect you with many different organizations for volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering is good for you, the community, and the planet, so I highly recommend dipping your toes in the water and seeing if you can't build some great relationships with a local group.