MAC Honored with MLK Jr. Service Award
Midtown Assistance Center Honored with a 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award from Emory University
The Rollins School of Public Health and the Goizueta Business School of Emory University Presented Nine Awards to Atlanta Nonprofit Organizations
ATLANTA (January 27, 2015) – Emory University honored the Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) with a 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award at a recent ceremony held at the Goizueta Business School. Dorothy Chandler, Executive Director of MAC, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The Rollins School of Public Health and the Goizueta Business School at Emory University have sponsored the awards for more than 20 years. The program consistently recognizes and celebrates people and organizations in greater Atlanta whose work exemplifies the legacy of Dr. King. This year, awards went to nine nonprofit organizations, including the Midtown Assistance Center.
“MAC provides assistance to low income working residents of Atlanta,” said Dorothy Chandler. “Most of the people we serve live in the neighborhoods where Dr. King grew up, attended school and preached. MAC is a great example of the world that Dr. King envisioned because we are supported by people of many faiths and backgrounds, all working together to improve the community, We recognize that without adequate food and shelter, it is difficult for a person to move out of poverty.”
For 28 years, the Midtown Assistance Center, with the support of donors and volunteers, has helped over 120,000 people and provided more than $7 million in financial and food assistance. Hard working families have received basic necessities such as rent and utility assistance, groceries, work clothes, transportation to employment and interviews, job search and resume-writing assistance, counseling, even referrals to other services. MAC has allowed Atlanta’s working poor to maintain or regain their self-sufficiency.
Over 5,941 requests were met in 2014, preventing eviction or homelessness for 353 families and preventing the disconnection of utilities in 469 households. Volunteers at MAC logged over 6,000 hours of service. This extensive volunteer network exemplifies the MAC vision to value each person who comes through the door – both clients and volunteers.
“MAC has made a tremendous difference in the lives of the working poor of Atlanta,” said MAC board member Charlotte Shields. “It continues to serve a vital role in the community.”
For information or to volunteer, visit the website at www.midtownassistancectr.org
The Midtown Assistance Center, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to the working poor of Midtown Atlanta to forestall homelessness and poverty during periods of personal crisis. Located at 30 Porter Place, just off Peachtree Street in facilities provided by Atlanta First United Methodist Church, MAC is a collaborative effort of ten Peachtree corridor congregations. In addition, MAC receives private and public funding.