The 2023 Agape Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

As I reflect on my 20 years at Agape, I think about how grateful I am to have been blessed with such an amazing opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

During my 20 years at Agape, I think of the tremendous impact we’ve had in the community and the many lives we’ve positively influenced over the years.

I think about the girls and boys who were in elementary school when I started, who have now graduated from college and are self-sufficient adults. Many of our students are not only first-generation college students, but first-generation high school graduates.

There are many friends and supporters of Agape I’ve met along the way, who have unselfishly given their time, talent, and treasure to help children and families in their community. I am grateful for those men and women. Agape’s success over

NELL BENN, AGAPE CEO

Atlanta Mayor’s Year of the Youth

In 2023, Agape received a $50,000 Youth Development Grant from the City of Atlanta in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. This grant initiative was offered to youth-serving community-based organizations and aimed to increase the organizational capacity and expand service to City of Atlanta students. Agape was honored to be included in the first cohort of grantees and actively participated in many “Year of the Youth” events with peer organizations and Urban League staff.

Measurable Outcomes

2022-2023

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE

Goal: 100% of our seniors graduate High School with a post secondary plan

Actual: 100%

Our graduation rate is 95% since 2009

STUDENT WELL-BEING

Goal: 90% of our students report growth in social and emotional skills

Actual: 85%

RETENTION

Goal: 90% of students

Re-enroll for 2022-2023

Actual: 83%

Our retention rate is 89% excluding students from Scott Elementary

READING AND MATH PROFICIENCY

Goal: 35% of students score on

average or above on their MAP Tests

Actual:

Math: 34%

Reading: 40%

STUDENT GPA

Goal: 80% of our students

achieve an 80 GPA or better

Actual: 85%

Student Success

Britany’s Story

Britany is a 2023 high school graduate of Atlanta Classical Academy and began participating in Agape programs in fourth grade. Britany benefitted from Agape’s travel opportunities and unwavering support for social and academic development throughout the nine years.

Reflecting on her experience, Britany attributes her success to Agape’s investment in her academic progress and social development. “I am a testament to Agape’s commitment – time curated with love, strategically invested, and utilized to empower students like me.”

During the Spring of 2023, Britany received a $25,000 a year scholarship through one of Agape’s partners, the Student Aid Foundation. Britany is a freshman at Oglethorpe University.

In addition, Britany seized the opportunity to intern with one of Agape’s corporate partners, Reduce, during the summer months and continued as a part-time employee, while pursuing her degree at Oglethorpe University.

Britany is Agape’s 2023 Monarch Award Recipient.

Malachi’s Story

Malachi, a member of North Atlanta High School’s Class of 2023, was part of our program for 12 years, starting as a first grader at Bolton Academy. Having been accepted to eight colleges, Malachi began attending the Georgia Institute of Technology in Fall 2023, becoming the first member of his family to attend college.

Malachi’s own words share the impact of Agape, “Agape came through at a time when I needed them the most...Agape did not give up on me.” Malachi’s story is a testament to the power of education and is proof that Agape’s mission to provide our students with opportunities to reach their full potential is more critical than ever.

Julie’s Dream Partnership

During Spring Break, Agape students traveled to Jekyll Island for the annual fourth grade milestone trip. The UGA Camp Jekyll 4-H trip is an opportunity to invest in the development of a child’s world view and well-rounded growth. Agape students spent two nights and three days learning about beach ecology, salt marsh ecology, as well as a participating in a dolphin boat tour. This opportunity was funded by Julie’s Dream.

Outdoor Experiences

As a result of our partnership with Julie’s Dream, our Agape students and families have been transformed through life-changing travel and experiences in the outdoors. We have traveled across the continental United States to view mountains and streams, hiked within peaks and valleys, and camped under the glimmering stars of our galaxy. What would have otherwise been unreachable became lasting memories because of Julie Harlan’s dream for everyone to know and experience the beauty of God’s creation around us.

JULIE’S DREAM TRIPS

2023

AMELIA ISLAND- SENIOR TRIP

COLORADO-NOAH’S ARK

NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER

LAKE ACWORTH- BEACH DAY

CAUBLE PARK LAKE- BEACH DAY

RED TOP MOUNTAIN- CAMPING TRIP

SILVER COMET TRAIL-BIKE RIDES

SWEETWATER STATE PARK- HIKING

CAMP TWIN LAKES - FAMILY OUTING

Agape Community Initiatives

Our newest initiative, the Back 2 School Bonanza was amazing! The support that we received from strong community partners makes a big difference in Agape’s ability to serve our families. That support sends a powerful message to our families that they are not alone and that they have friends to assist them on their journey to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential.

Agape provided high-quaity backpacks, school supplies, sneakers, Old Navy gift cards, among other neccessities to prepare our students for the school year.

In 2023, we collected and distributed over 1,500 new and unwrapped toys, winter coats and accessories for families in need in our community. The Agape Youth & Family Center transformed into a holiday gift store staffed by volunteers for two days of family holiday “shopping” from gift donations.

Agape provided gifts for over 600 children. While Agape’s after-school programs serve the academic needs of students, the Holiday Gift Store provided support to families in need within our community during the holiday season.

In partnership with The Works Atlanta, Agape hosted a Stuff the Bus toy drive to benefit over 600 children in the Atlanta community. The Works marketed this event to each of the tenants and businesses to support our goal of collecting over 1,500 toys for children in need.

AGAPE Class of 2023

Volunteer & Youth Volunteer of the Year

Lacy Hernandez

As a board member and long-time volunteer, Lacy has served Agape through dinner service, tutoring and mentoring, including summer camp. Lacy is amazing and gives back to her community through Agape in countless ways.

Chloe

As a fan favorite in the 2nd Grade classroom, Chloe has a warm and welcoming spirit that the children are instantly drawn to each time they meet her. She takes initiative to assist whenever and however necessary to support the kids academically and emotionally.

Chloe’s youthful spirit in the 2nd grade classroom always uplifts the children and gives them an idea of how they too can give back to their community.

Teen Leaders

10 schools represented 48 students  $82,426 raised

In its third year, there were 48 Agape Teen Leaders (A.T.L.) accepted into our cohort with a goal of creating impact, and serving the community while fundraising for Agape.

In 2023 the teens who represented 10 high schools across Atlanta raised $82,426 in support of Agape’s after-school programs.

Atlanta International School

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

The Lovett School

Midtown High School

The Mount Vernon School

Pace Academy

St. Pius X Catholic High School

George Walton Comprehensive High School

The Westminster Schools

Woodward Academy

Partnership Highlights

Atlanta Falcons Tight End Jonnu Smith and UnitedHealthcare warmed the hearts and bodies of youth and senior citizens of Agape Youth & Family Center during the holiday season. More than 150 students and senior citizens involved in Agape’s year-round programs received a new winter coat and a hot, festive meal.

Agape Seniors Celebrating the Holidays

During the month of December, the RAGTime Senior Citizens enjoyed a trip to Forks & Flavors Restaurant for their holiday luncheon. After lunch, Forks & Flavors sent each Senior home with dinner. Seniors also enjoyed a game of bingo, complete with fun prizes. They finished their day with a private tour of the Southern Museum in Kennesaw.

Capital Campaign Update

2022 Campaign Goal: $2.5 million

Total Pledged: $2,752,590

2023 Purchases

2 New 72 Passenger Buses

3 Chromebook carts

20 new iMacs

New Murals

New furniture in STEAM and Tech Lab