Supporting Local Clarkston Organizations

When we first began working in Clarkston, one of the leaders in the community told us directly, “For all the ministry work happening in Clarkston, there is very little fruit.”

Unfortunately we’ve seen this happen all too often: a lot of activity, but very little impact.

Against the odds, there are several organizations that are making an incredible impact in Clarkston’s vast refugee population.

Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorites– the organizations we believe in so much so that we support them with 10% of our profits.

 

The Lantern Project

The Lantern Project center provides hands-on instruction for construction industry skills. Their training consists of an 8-month night course in useful trades such as welding, carpentry, pipe-fitting, electrical and masonry.

We have had the privilege of working first-hand with the Lantern Project and can testify to their excellent stewardship and leadership.

 

IAFR

IAFR helps asylum-seekers and refugees recover from forced displacement and rebuild their lives in Atlanta. Sharon Tonzo, the local ministry leader, has a tremendous influence in the community and serves selflessly by giving of her time and energy to develop strong relationships. She is a change agent who is passionately fostering unity and love that surpasses religious beliefs and stereotypes. Sharon has generously used her platform to help connect us with several employees.

 

Refuge Coffee

Refuge Coffee exists to serve the global community in Clarkston through coffee-related job creation, job training, social networking, and commerce. This vibrant coffee shop, located in the heart of Clarkston, is fostering new excitement and unity like nothing else before. Their vibrant red coffee truck is diversity on full display.

Along with good coffee, Refuge is serving up pivotal job training classes for the refugees they employ. In fact, we’ve been able to place two refugees with Refuge Coffee since their inception, and hold regular meetings there as it has become a community landmark.

 

World Relief

World Relief stands with the vulnerable, partnering with local churches to end the cycle of suffering, transforming lives and building sustainable communities. One of several resettlement offices in town, World Relief works hard to ensure the refugees they serve are gainfully employed. Phil, Sergio, and the others on their employment team consistently go above and beyond the call of duty and have even been known to check in on refugees on Sunday nights to make sure they are ready for work the next morning. That’s the kind of passion we love to support!

 

New American Pathways

Another prominent resettlement office, New American Pathways excels in professionalism, while expressly caring for those they serve. NAP provides invaluable resources and opportunities to refugees while being a constant cheerleader and advocate in our efforts to find work for the Clarkston community.

Their dedication to partner with us in seeing our mission succeed is evident by the countless meetings, phone calls, and emails they have taken part in.

 

Cafe Clarkston

Cafe Clarkston is not your typical coffee spot. A ministry of Friends of Refugees, the cafe provides help with resumes, job counseling and even prep classes for hundred of refugees that resettlement agencies are no longer able to serve.

We have experienced first-hand the impact the Cafe has had on so many people who simply desire to provide for their family. We have had the opportunity to place more people from the Cafe into jobs than any other organization in Clarkston.