UPS announces 20,000 job cuts
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — United Parcel Service announced April 29 it plans to cut 20,000 jobs and shutter 164 storefronts nationwide amid ongoing changes at one of the world’s largest package delivery companies.
UPS is executing the largest network reconfiguration in its history. In January, UPS announced a deal with Amazon, its largest customer, to lower delivery volume by more than 50 percent by the second half of 2026. When its contract came for renewal, CEO Carol B. Tomé said it was time to reassess margins. The layoff affects fewer than half a percent of all estimated 490,000 UPS employees.
“While our building footprint is changing, our record of reliable pickup and delivery is not,” a UPS spokesperson wrote April 29. “We remain committed to providing industry-leading service to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.”
The company’s first quarter revenue just beat Wall Street’s estimate at $21.55 billion, which was a slight decline from last year.
CEO Tomé told investors April 29 that uncertainty in global trade markets led to a drop in consumer confidence and some muted demand in February and March. Tomé also said the company’s reconfiguration is on track with 73 buildings expected to close by the end of June.
See UPS, Page 12
Hispanic community celebrates youth
Los Niños Primero party attracts hundreds for fun, food, entertainment
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Hundreds of Latino families from Metro
Atlanta gathered at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church April 26 for four hours of fun during Los Niños Primero’s fifth annual Día del Niño. El Día del Niño, or Children’s Day, is typically celebrated across
Mexico on the last day of April. While the United Nations recognized Nov. 20 as World Children’s Day in 1954, Mexico had already been celebrating the young for nearly three decades.
In 1924, Mexican President Alvaro Obregon signed the now defunct League of Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of the Child. The signing’s anniversary the following year became the first
annual nationwide Día del Niño in Mexico.
Modern day celebrations are focused on ensuring children feel special and loved. Across the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church campus, hundreds of smiling faces and children playing made the celebration’s purpose clear.
See CELEBRATION, Page 12
RACHEL PROVOW
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Amanda Gonzales cracks a smile while getting her face painted with some butterflies and flowers at the 5th annual Día del Niño April 26. Volunteers with the Workday Platform’s Unidos program painted faces throughout the day.
Sandy Springs Education Force honors supporters in community
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Education Force on April 22 held an annual appreciation breakfast at Riverwood International Charter School celebrating the individuals and organizations helping power its mission.
The Sandy Springs Education Force is the city’s leading nonprofit focused on enhancing learning opportunities and preparing students for a successful future. It delivers free programs to all 11 public schools in Sandy Springs.
Gonzalo LaCava, chief Human Resources officer for Fulton County Schools, said the Education Force is “ensuring every student has an opportunity to thrive both in school and in life.”
He thanked the nonprofit for “creating a lasting, measurable change for our students, community and schools.”
Students shared firsthand stories, illustrating how the Education Force programming has transformed their educational journeys.
Vanesa Hernandez, a student at Riverwood Charter International High School, said she translated technical medical information from her doctors as a young child for her parents who did not speak English. She said she aspires
From left, RangeWater Impact Foundation Board member Sydney Wimberly; Sandy Springs Education Force Executive Director Irene Schweiger; and RangeWater Impact Foundation Board Chair Janice Bontempo celebrate the Sustaining Scholar Award at the organization’s April 22 Appreciation Breakfast. The RangeWater Impact Foundation is the nonprofit branch of the multifamily real estate company.
to pursue a career in healthcare and to open a clinic offering bilingual services.
At the High Demand Career Fair, Hernandez learned about a program for aspiring certified nursing assistants at Love Nursing and Medical Training, allowing her to complete her training while a student.
Hernandez described how she
works on the weekends and pursues dual enrollment college credits during the week, crediting the Sandy Springs Education Force for helping get her on a successful path to her goals.
“Someday, I hope to be Dr. Hernandez,” she told the crowd.
Education Force Executive Director Irene Schweiger stressed the importance
2025 Sandy Springs Education Force Awards
Sustaining Scholar Award — RangeWater Impact Foundation
• Carolyn Axt Volunteer of the Year Award — Lee Smith
• School Program Champion of the Year
— Sarahi Salazar
• Nonprofit Partner of the Year — Building Talent Foundation
• Dr. Ava Wilensky Board Member of the Year Award — Kristen Daddow-Rodriguez
of the organization’s volunteers and supporters to run 18 impactful programs in Sandy Springs public schools.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said city’s public schools provide students with a great education.
“You don’t have good public schools unless you have great public support,” Paul said. “This room is a reflection of the phenomenal public support that these schools get.”
For more information, visit www. sandyspringseducationforce.org.
— Hayden Sumlin
SANDY SPRINGS EDUCATION FORCE/PROVIDED
Sandy Springs builds website to lure business
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs on April 23 launched a new economic development website, Select Sandy Springs.
The comprehensive platform looks to serve as a resource for businesses, site-selectors and investors interested in exploring opportunities within the city.
Mayor Rusty Paul said the website is for existing businesses and those considering making Sandy Springs their home.
“Sandy Springs is home to seven — soon-to-be eight — Fortune 500 companies, and with this website launch, our goal is to improve accessibility and provide up-to-date information for all businesses,” Paul said. “Economic development, especially redevelopment, remains a top priority for the city, and I’m excited to see continued growth supported by the resources we’ve made available.”
Asbury Automotive Group is moving into the former headquarters of Newell Brands off Peachtree Dunwoody Road later this year.
The website offers a user-friendly interface and a wealth of information, including business climate, site selection, financial incentives, conference and meeting details and a resource directory.
The city says Select Sandy Springs provides resources to assist in identifying ideal locations for new ventures, including details on the six different business districts within city limits.
For the city’s economic incentive program, the website lays out a description of each tier and the corresponding requirements for benefits, like expedited permitting, a waiver of permit fees and a waiver of business and occupational taxes.
There is also information about available venues within City Springs and a comprehensive list of local partners to support business growth and collaboration.
Economic Development Director Chris Burnett emphasized the significance of the new website.
“Sandy Springs offers a unique blend of urban amenities and suburban charm, making it an ideal location for businesses to thrive,” Burnett said. “This new platform will streamline the process for businesses to connect with the resources they need to succeed, and we’re proud to support them further.”
To sign up for the Select Sandy Springs newsletter, visit www.selectsandysprings.org.
— Hayden Sumlin
Riverwood lacrosse tops Savannah Country to advance in playoffs
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Riverwood boys lacrosse team advanced to the second round of the class 2A state playoff tournament after a 13-11 win over Savannah Country Day School April 29.
The win sealed the Raiders’ third straight season of more than 10 wins after a 1-14 season in 2022. A strong sophomore class all but ensures the streak will continue.
The Hornets came in with an 11-5 record and a size advantage. Riverwood secured the win with the help of the offensive motor of the Parham brothers, the starting line of attack and goalie Carter Dickinson grabbing 13 of 24 Hornet shots on goal.
Sophomore two-way midfielder Cole Parham led the Raiders, stuffing the stats sheet with four goals, one assist and seven ground balls for two turnovers, now totaling 55 goals and 39 assists on the season. He went 100 percent on one attempt at the faceoff and sparked the Raiders’ dominance with their first two goals.
The four-star recruit by Inside Lacrosse put mental toughness and athleticism on display on both ends of the field.
“I like going against taller defenders,” he said. “I wanted to come out strong so we have a good foundation. We didn’t give up the lead at all.”
Senior Owen Parham put up a hat trick of his own. The brothers tallied five of the Raiders’ first six.
As Dickinson started to heat up with two extraordinary nearly back-to-back saves at the end of the second quarter,
Riverwood senior Owen Parham, center, looks to advance past the restraining line following a faceoff at Riverwood International Charter School April 29. Parham had a hat trick in the 13-11 win over Savannah Country Day School to advance to the second round of the class 2A state playoffs.
the Raiders began to pull away from a close first half.
Cole Parham again kicked off the push by completing his hat trick, which began a four-goal run by the Raiders.
The starting line of attack joined in the action. Sophomore Noah Gatch and senior Connor McDuffie each contributed two goals, along with midfielder William Beebe.
Defenseman Will Mabry forced two turnovers, including one that directly led to a goal by Owen Parham in the third quarter. The Raiders’ defense held strong on several man-down periods after penalties.
Head coach Mark Horton said the team’s focus on the bigger picture has been a big reason for their success this season.
“It’s all about these young men dialing in and understanding the importance of the game,” he said. “In that it’s not about them, it’s a bigger picture. We’re disrupting their flow so we can pick up ours.”
City plans Mother-Son Dance
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department is offering a Mother’s Day weekend dance to celebrate the special bond between moms and their sons.
The 5th annual Mother-Son Dance will be Saturday, May 10, from 6-8 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. The city says mother figures, like grandmas and other caregivers, are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The evening features dancing, games, snacks, refreshments and door
prizes. The city says each boy will also receive a souvenir photo and goody bag.
Attire is business casual to semiformal with a cost of $40 per mother and son duo. There is an additional fee of $10 for each additional son.
Attendees must preregister on the Sandy Springs Recreation and Park Department’s webpage.
Scholarships are also available by emailing recreation@sandyspringsga. gov.
— Hayden Sumlin
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Celebrating Older Americans Month
In 1963 May was first designated as Older Americans Month. Back then only 17 million Americans were age 65 or older. As we join in the celebration this year more than a fifth of the US population, or over 73 million adults, will reach age 65. Living longer has been accompanied by major shifts in how we think about aging, along with new challenges that increased longevity can bring.
One thing that hasn’t changed has been the desire to age in place in the warmth and comfort of home. For over thirteen years we’ve had a mission to deliver truly personalized home care with a difference. We’ve learned from listening to our clients that care must constantly change and adapt to meet their unique needs and provide true peace of mind - whether home is a private house, assisted living community, apartment setting or receiving additional assistance while recuperating in a health facility.
Our new Care Lead Team is one of the exciting changes that has been embraced by our clients. The “Best of the Best,” our care leads are our most experienced, skilled and exceptional professionals. They work with our dedicated caregivers from the first steps of your care journey through your ongoing care changes. A new caregiver on your team starts by shadowing with a true expert who briefs them thoroughly on
all the details of your daily schedule, care and activities. It’s our job to make any transition painless for you, whether it’s covering for a vacation or a change in skill levels as your health care needs change.
If your caregiver has an emergency, you can feel confident that you’ll be seeing one of our top care leads who knows all about your needs and has amazing skills. No worries about having to explain what your daily schedule and needs are if your caregiver goes on vacation, needs a day off for personal reasons, or if your situation changes. Our Care Lead Team is there to provide an exceptional level of worry free oversight. When the basic activities of daily life get more difficult to navigate for your older loved one or specialized care is needed for Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s support, a skilled, heart centered caregiver can manage daily personal care, help around the house and provide emotional support. The benefits that in-home care provides when recuperating after a stroke, surgery or extended hospital stay can be the key to a successful and speedier recovery, providing round the clock care for those crucial first days at home and revising your schedule as you improve.
We’re here to help, from six hours a day, several days a week to round the clock care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta at (770) 681-0323.
every
is matching the right
with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match. Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.
Celebration:
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The Community Assistance Center, a nonprofit serving families Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, set up yoga mats and a coloring table.
Live music from iHeart Latino La Z 105.7 kept everyone moving, smiling and dancing all afternoon. The biggest hit among the elementary school students was the bouncy house.
Executive Director and Cofounder Maritza Morelli read off a list of corporate sponsors, including UPS’s Crecer, Smurfit Westrock’s Organization for Latino/Hispanic Advancement and Graphic Packaging International’s Alianza, that made the celebration possible. Other Día del Niño sponsors include T-Mobile and BlackRock.
While Hispanic and Latino can be used interchangeably, one refers specifically to people with ancestry from a Spanish-speaking country while the other denotes Latin American origins.
The Fortune 500 companies, each with business resource groups designed specifically for the advancement of the community, brought in pop-up tents with activities like face painting.
Morelli, who emigrated to Atlanta from Venezuela decades ago, employs Finnish pedagogy in her educational programs, which emphasizes projectbased learning, groupwork, critical thinking and active participation. Last year, the nonprofit added two technology-focused positions to help with streamlining enrollment and improving service.
“Despite financial challenges, including a decrease in grant revenue, we closed the year strong, thanks to our dedicated team and the support of our community,” Morelli wrote in her 2024 annual report letter. “As we prepare to celebrate 25 years of service in 2025, we are filled with
UPS:
Continued from Page 1
“By modeling different scenarios, we will be able to adjust to rapid shifts in the business,” Tomé said. “Given today’s level of uncertainty; however, we are not providing any updates to our consolidated full-year outlook at this time.”
UPS Spokeswoman Karen Tomaszewski Hill told Appen Media April 30 that the closing of brick-and-mortar locations and the layoffs are not directly related and are a part of the company’s
optimism and ready for the future.”
Everything at Los Niños Primero is growing, with more scholarship money available to college-bound students and expansions into Clayton, Cobb and DeKalb counties. Nearly 1,000 Metro Atlanta children were served last year.
The loudest cheers from the crowd during Morelli’s opening remarks were for Los Niños Primero’s volunteers, some former program participants.
For more than two decades, Los Niños Primero has provided educational support to underserved Latino students and children. The nonprofit kicked off its communitycentered initiative in 2001 to provide
ongoing reconfiguration. The decision predates President Donald Trump’s onagain, off-again tariffs.
In a statement, Sandy Springs Communications Director Carter Long said the city recognizes the impact of the news and understands their announcement creates a lot of uncertainty
“We are reaching out to UPS to understand the scope of the operational job cuts and potential effect on Sandy Springs,” the statement says. “While the geographic locations of the workforce reductions are unclear at this time, our priority remains ensuring our residents have access to the resources they need through the city.”
children and their families with the resources to thrive in public schools at Mount Vernon Presbyterian. The five-week summer program is the nonprofit’s flagship, serving more than 6,200 Latino children, youth and families since its inception.
Today, Los Niños Primero provides early childhood education, youth service and leadership and family-based programs, as well as partnerships with the Alliance Theatre, GoldFish Swim and the City of Sandy Springs.
The city gave the nonprofit $27,504 out of its $150,000 budget for its 2025 Nonprofit Arts and Recreation Grants. While City Councilman Andy Bauman
lobbied for $88,000 in additional funding for all eight nonprofits in the program, other elected officials shot down the last-minute request.
Most of the declining revenue for the department is not related to federal cuts or city grants. Some one-time grants and pandemic-era endowments are set to expire, leaving the nonprofit with the choice between cutting students or dialing back growth.
The nonprofit’s annual fundraising gala is set for Sept. 20 at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North hotel at 7 Concourse Parkway in Sandy Springs.
For more information about the nonprofit, visit losninosprimerousa. org.
The United Parcel Service Global Headquarters is at 55 Glenlake Parkway in Sandy Springs just west of Ga. 400 and North Springs MARTA station. During an April 29 first quarter earnings call, UPS announced it will cut 20,000 jobs and close 164 storefronts nationwide by the second half of 2026 as a part of a companywide reconfiguration and uncertain global economy.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Los Niños Primero Executive Director and Co-founder Maritza Morelli thanks her dedicated staff and corporate sponsors for their help throwing the 5th annual Día del Niño April 26 at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. The Children’s Day celebration saw hundreds of families pack the Sandy Springs church for an afternoon of fun.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Will
Vice President of Client Programs NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Client Programs position. The Vice President of Client Programs (VPCP) is a senior leader responsible for creating and implementing the Client Services department strategy for NFCC. This includes creating programs and services, monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring funds are distributed appropriately. The VPCP also leads a team of 13 client services staff who handle client intake, case management, impact and outcomes data, education (GED/English classes) and workforce development programs.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm
