Who We Serve
Let's Overcome Homelessness Together by Serving and Empowering Two Generations—Parents and Children
At the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter, we are committed to supporting and empowering families as a unit and helping them overcome the challenges of homelessness through our comprehensive and compassionate programs. Empowering Parents for a Brighter Future. Since 1986, we have served over 5,000 families and cared for nearly 8,000 children fostering a better tomorrow for the children and families of Atlanta.
Innovative Early Childhood Education Program
For over 30 years, the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter has offered high-quality Early Childhood Education to children facing homelessness in metro Atlanta. During this time, the Early Childhood Education Program has continuously evolved its services to include STEM curriculum and enrichment activities that create a full-fledged learning facility focused on providing every child with quality care and the solid educational foundation required for lifelong learning. Parents are also given the ability to stay involved with their child’s educational progress through an online system which allows them to view lesson plans and track their child’s progress in the classroom.
Our Curriculum
Creative Curriculum© Cloud: This hands-on learning approach encourages active thinking and exploration, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills essential for lifelong learning.
7 Mindsets Social Emotional Learning Curriculum: Recognizing that emotional well-being is vital for academic success, this curriculum strengthens relationships, addresses behavioral challenges, and enhances academic performance by promoting positive mindsets and social skills.
The Early Childhood Education Program Program is dedicated to always providing children in its care with a healthy, safe and nurturing environment.
Nutrition, Wellness & Enrichment
At the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter, we are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for children facing homelessness in metro Atlanta. Thanks to the generous support from the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation, we ensure that every child receives proper nutrition through our daily program, offering two healthy meals and two snacks.
Nutrition: Through a generous grant from the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation, and the assistance of numerous community partners, the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter created an Early Childhood Nutrition Program focused on ensuring each child enrolled receives two healthy meals and two healthy snacks each day enrolled at the Shelter.
Wellness: We prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our children. Through partnerships with Active Resilience Counseling & Coaching, we provide mental health screenings, trauma recovery support, and onsite play therapy. These services help children heal and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Enrichment Programs: We offer a variety of activities to enhance learning and growth, including music therapy, physical education, and educational field trips. These experiences stimulate creativity, promote physical health, and broaden horizons.
Family Support Services
Our holistic Family Services Program aims to empower parents facing homelessness by addressing their immediate needs and laying the groundwork for a brighter, self-sufficient future. Through a range of services, including mental health support, employment assistance, and educational opportunities, we strive to help families achieve lasting stability and success.
Parent Mental Health Support
The Family Services Program provides holistic support to parents facing homelessness. Through partnerships with Active Resilience Counseling and Coaching and the Training and Counseling Center, we offer cost-free therapy both onsite and virtually. These services include case management and mental health support, ensuring parents receive the care and guidance they need to rebuild their lives and not feel owned by their hardships and trauma.
HireUp Employment Program
The HireUp Employment Program is designed to create sustainable job opportunities for parents. By collaborating with corporate partners, we offer professional workshops and one-on-one sessions with our Family Services Coordinator. Our goal is to help parents secure high-paying positions, providing them with the financial stability they need to support their families.
Pathways to Education Program
Our Pathways to Education Program, in partnership with Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, enables parents to further their education tuition-free. By equipping them with essential skills and qualifications, we enhance their job prospects and empower them to achieve long-term success.
Continued Support and Long-Term Stability
Steps2Success Program
Our commitment to families extends beyond securing housing and employment. Our comprehensive program ensures ongoing support for clients that ensures long-term stability and growth for children and families.
The Steps2Success Program is designed to help families sustain their achievements and continue progressing towards self-sufficiency, ensuring ongoing support for clients who have achieved these milestones, providing wraparound services to maintain stability. This program offers comprehensive support, including:
Continuous Case Management: Regular check-ins and personalized guidance to address any emerging challenges.
Skill-Building Workshops: Ongoing education and training to enhance professional and personal development.
Community Resources: Connections to local services and resources to support various aspects of life, from healthcare to childcare.
