OCTOBER 2025
“Our first ATL meeting was well-planned and informative on Agape’s mission. It was interesting meeting those from other schools and learning more about what we will do as leaders throughout the program. I’m excited to be part of it!“
- Samantha Z., NAHS Class of ‘27
AGAPE TEEN LEADERS 2025
September marked the fifth cohort of the Agape Teen Leaders (ATL) initiative. Over 90 students have committed to participate this year, making it our largest cohort to date. ATL students recently participated in a workshop that took a deep dive into the mission of Agape and their role in making a true impact this school year.
Each ATL student has committed to raising $1,500 and volunteering at Agape for one hour per month. The funds raised by ATL support our After-School Program (ASP) , specifically providing tutoring, enrichment activities, and dinner services to students in grades K–12.
In addition, ATL participants gain an understanding of the importance and impact of philanthropy and community service within their community. By participating in monthly seminars, students learn about our programming and engage with leaders in the nonprofit sector. We are especially thankful for our parent leaders and liaisons who volunteer their time to guide and teach ATL: Lacy Hernandez, Suja Katarya, and Millar Freeman.
For more information about ATL and how you can support the initiative, please contact Hunter Blair at hblair@agapeatlanta.org
MIGGY MAKES HIS MARK AT AGAPE!
On September 17, Almirón made a surprise visit to the Agape Youth & Family Center, where he spent the afternoon connecting with our students during their After-School Program. Affectionately called Miggy by fans, he took time to sign jerseys, backpacks, and shoes creating a day full of smiles, cheers, and unforgettable memories! For our students, it was a powerful and encouraging moment to meet an idol in the very hallways they walk every day. In addition to the visit, Almirón donated $25,000 to Agape, choosing the organization as one of several local nonprofits to support.
Nell Benn, CEO of Agape, shared: “We are deeply honored to be chosen and seen by one of Atlanta’s finest athletes and a global soccer star. Miguel’s generosity and presence made an extraordinary impact on our students and families, reminding them that they are valued and their dreams matter.”
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2024, our high school juniors and seniors toured 20 colleges and universities.
THE PAUL MITCHELL SCHOOL ATLANTA PROVIDES DIGNITY
On September 20, The Paul Mitchell Hair School Atlanta hosted a free haircut event, led by Agape Teen Leader(ATL), Ethan Kittredge. This special opportunity provided 29 of our students and their families with professional haircuts at no cost leaving with a fresh cut and a renewed sense of dignity. In addition, the school provided 12 vouchers for future services and Ethan fundraised for PM’s ongoing community outreach efforts.
SIGHT MATTERS
What can a chicken sandwich teach you about leadership? For our leaders and staff, a behind-the-scenes visit to Chick-fil-A Support Center offered the answer, through a journey from the 1941 Chick-fil-A Hapeville Dwarf House to their Core 4 of service. Our takeaway? When you lead with purpose, serve with heart, and work better together, excellence isn’t just an act, it’s a way of life.
We continue to see our families supported by our neighbor, Dr. Katerin Ortiz at Westside Eye Center, and the GA Lions Lighthouse Foundation, who ensure our students receive free glasses. This amazing partnership meets an essential need for daily success at home and especially in the classroom.
Pictured: Agape student, Issac A. smiles with pride.
THANK YOU FOR IGNITING JOY!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our co-chairs, sponsors, committees, and volunteers who made this event possible, we couldn’t have done it without you! Because of YOU, our inaugural Flourish Empowerment Luncheon for Women raised over $225,000! Your generosity is making an impact by providing college scholarships, STEM programming, and empowerment workshops for Agape moms. We were inspired by alumna Knoketta Ibidapo Obe’s powerful story, uplifted by Helen Mitchell’s reminder to make space for joy, motivated by alumni, Stephanie G.’s accomplishments and Susan Cimbalo Award, and honored to celebrate Allison Hill with the Woman of Distinction Award for her Heart of the Home Initiative! #agapeFLOURISH
STEERING COMMITTEE:
Melissa Adams Kristy Anderson
Susannah Balish
Katherine Creek
Lea Gilliland
Lacy Hernandez
Amanda Johnson
Amy Kim
Lys Paulhus
Sunda Uzzell
EVENT CO-CHAIRS: Lisa Dwyer, Andrea N. Smith, and Andrea Thompson
HOST COMMITTEE:
Elizabeth Hawk
Emily Heimermann
Molly Jackson
Catherine Jaxon
Saira Colombowala
Corrie Crews
Joy Dyess Farrah Fang
Millar Freeman
Jennifer Godfrey
Tina Gupta Patel
WHEN: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 8:00 am -11:00 am
WHERE: Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park)
NEW THIS YEAR!
* Tot Trot for children 5 and under (Cost: FREE!)
* Kid’s Zone for children 10 and under.
* Fun Run for children ages 6-10 (cost: $10/child)
Susan Kosko
Elizabeth Lear
Nicole Mackin
Tish McDonald
Betsy Meacham
Kavita Mistry
Lindsey Myung
HOST COMMITTEE:
Helen Haddad Nugent
Lauren Petcho
Holly Portier
Hannah Powell
Lizzie Ross
Emily Sauterteig
Chelsea Ulrich Tarnoff
USTA Atlanta
Macie Thompson
Anna Wick
Christy Ziglar
Join our Agape Run 4 Love 5K to run or walk and raise awareness and support for Agape’s mission to empower students to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential. We are grateful to announce this year‘s Co-Chairs and Board Members, Yendelela Neely and April Tesmer. www.agapeRun4Love.org
SCAN TO REGISTER
* ATL Neighborhood Challenge (gather your neighbors to form a team!)
A LEGACY OF LOVE FROM PRINTPACK
Printpack held its 30th Annual J. Erskine Love, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament this year, awarding Agape with a gift of $250,000 toward the futures of our students and families! We are beyond grateful for the generosity of the Love family this year and since our inception. [L to R Dennis Love, John Mori (Agape Board Chair), Danielle Boyd (Agape CDO), Carol Anne Jennison, Nell Benn (Agape CEO), Jimmy Love and David Love]
2025 AGAPE CALENDAR
Thursday, October 23 | Agape’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Sunday, November 16 | Agape Run 4 Love 5K
Friday, November 21 | Agape Young Professionals: Game of Growns
Friday, December 18 | Holiday Gift Store
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