April/May 2008

Reflections: Coffee and Dessert with the Women of Gilgal

Reflections, our first official fundraiser, was a wonderful success! Spoken word, poetry, other arts. Our residents were overwhelmed with the love and support they received as they stood on stage and risked baring themselves by speaking openly about their journey. Our invited guest, Kay Flowers (EMCEE), Didymus Swann (Rose in a Cesspool), Sheila Jackson (The Forest), Hillary Roy (Journey's of Love Voices of the Heart), Traneisa Caldwell (They Said You Wouldn’t Make It), Kyara Smith (His Eye is on the Sparrow), Theresa Howard (Original Dance) and Rev. Tricia McClendon (Phenomenal Woman) were excellent and tremendous encouragements to our residents. Azizi Blissett shared her creative collages entitled The Redefinition of Me. The silent auction was fun and the desserts were plenteous and delicious. We could not have done it without the support of our sponsors, Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Gourmet Services, Inc. (Ray McClendon). Thanks also to the many friends of Gilgal that provided items for the silent auction.

Mother’s Day

The residents of Gilgal were treated to a wonderful spa pampering session by Latarsha Williams and Love & Compassion of Christ Outreach Ministry. Latarsha and her friends made our residents feel like royalty with their pampering. This was followed by a southern style dinner prepared by Asia Thomas and her friends. What a treat! What a day!

Gilgal Family Day

Dr. Kareem Jordan, Clinical Director of Westcare, spoke to the group of 59 friends and family members who attended the Gilgal Family Day. Recognizing that addiction has an impact on our families and community, Dr. Jordan talked with family members about their role in the healthy recovery of their loved ones.

Impact Fulton Industrial

The residents of Gilgal joined forces with several other Christian organizations at Impact Fulton Industrial on May 3. I Impact Fulton/Maximum Impact is much more than a worship service. As its name implies it is a community impact event. Food, clothing and hygiene supplies are given to the impoverished and representatives from a multitude of social service organizations are present to offer assistance in getting one's life back on track.

Impact Fulton/Maximum Impact serves as one of the many examples of proof that God, through his disciples in Christ, can help you overcome daily life-issues. The residents and staff of Gilgal were blessed to be a part of this event. Learn more about it here

Volunteer Wedding Shower

Lynn Moorman and Andy Schneider have been regular volunteers with Gilgal. Lynn is a member of CREW Atlanta (Commercial Real Estate Women of Atlanta) and has organized many volunteer opportunities with CREW and Gilgal. On May 3, dozens of friends joined Lynn and Andy to celebrate their upcoming nuptials (in Chicago on July 5) at a wedding shower. In lieu of gifts, Lynn and Andy asked that their friends make a contribution to Gilgal. Thank you Lynn and Andy (and all of your beautiful friends) for your generous donation!

Volunteer Appreciation

April 26, 2008. Volunteer to Change the World was the theme of National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Gilgal recognized its volunteers with a program and luncheon celebrating their involvement. Maybe you can volunteer your time to prepare a meal, answer phones or teach a craft. If so, please contact us to express your interest.