September 2022 • Helping Neighbors in Need in Sandy Springs & Dunwoody Since 1987 | |
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James (name changed) came to CAC in mid-May, needing assistance with his rent. He was a soldier when he suffered a severe leg injury, which ultimately resulted in a medical discharge from the US Army. James had been working odd jobs that, combined with partial VA benefits for medical assistance, allowed him to make ends meet. Unfortunately, his leg injury flared up; in March 2021, his right leg was amputated just below the knee. This limited his ability to work, but his rent still needed to be paid. We worked with a nonprofit partner in the area to get his rent paid in full!
But the best part of the story is: as he was waiting to finalize his paperwork, James actively engaged other clients who were sitting in our waiting area with him. They were sharing stories, exchanging contact information, comparing thoughts and ideas, and laughing! This, to me, is community working as it should; this is community being built. Come help us build community.
- Francis, CEO
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We're bringing Bavaria to Atlanta for our
20th annual Vintage Affair fundraising gala!
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Don't miss out on Vintage Affair, an amazing gala benefitting CAC's mission! We'll be hosting an Oktoberfest party on Saturday, October 22 at Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters, with food, drink, silent & live auctions, and more. Learn more and get your tickets today! | |
Curious about auction items? | We've got our featured auction items up for preview on our website! Get ready to bid on luxury vacation retreats, unique professional sports experiences, thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry, and more - all benefitting the CAC's mission. Great items are being added every day, so keep an eye on the website and get ready to bid! | Only VA ticket-holders and raffle ticket-holders can bid in our auction, so get your tickets today! | |
Win an amazing trip in our raffle! | The winner chooses between two amazing trip choices - a luxury cruise tour on the Rhine River in Germany, or a multi-city Pacific Northwest experience via rail! You don't have to attend to participate in the raffle - plus, buying a raffle ticket gives you access to our amazing online auction. Multi-ticket packs are available at a discount. | | |
Can't make it to the party? | Show your support of CAC by donating to our mission and help us prevent homelessness and hunger while promoting self-sufficiency and empowering them to thrive. | |
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URGENT DONATION NEED: Coats for Kids | |
With the help of Knights of Columbus, the CAC gave our younger clients over 400 new coats in Fall 2021. This program makes sure that, as the weather turns colder, our community's children are comfortable in coats that fit. This year, demand is through the roof, and we'll need to source 300 new coats for kids ages 0-18, along with scarves, hats, and gloves. | |
We hope to serve over 600 children this fall. Can you help? | | | |
Donations needed in-hand by October 13 for distribution. | |
We're helping save HOW MUCH on food?! | |
Our food pantries make a difference to our neighbors' bottom lines. | |
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Earlier this month, we went shopping at the CAC Mini-Market and 'bought' staples like milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, and shelf-stable items - exactly the amount that a family of four can receive every week. The total cost to that CAC client and their family? Zero dollars.
We then went shopping at local grocery stores to see how much the same items (same brands, cuts of meat, etc.) would cost. Our total receipt was over $177 for one week's worth of food! In an average month, that's over $758 in our client's budget that could go towards other needs. When you support CAC's food efforts, you are directly helping our neighbors afford basic necessities. Contribute today!
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April: provided food to 475 individuals
May: provided food to 1041 individuals
June: provided food to 1134 individuals
July: provided food to 1187 individuals
August: provided food to 1169 individuals
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How's our newest branch doing?
We opened a new CAC branch in South Sandy Springs in April 2022 to serve our neighbors in the area more conveniently. With a beautiful new mini-market and brand-new interview rooms for financial assistance, this location serves an average of 1150 neighbors a month.
We're always looking for more
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New volunteer opportunities at CAC | |
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We're looking for:
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Drivers to pick up food, if anyone has a pickup truck or feels comfortable driving our van/truck
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Computer teachers for Microsoft Office Suite software, Canva, and Quickbooks
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Greeters and administrative help in our game-changing Career Center
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Food pantry help and welcoming clients on Wednesdays and Fridays in South Sandy Springs
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October 15: Distribution of coats to children, 8:30am- 12:00pm (contact coatsforkids@ourcac.org)
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Jan-Apr: VITA program tax preparers (training provided)
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CAC's Career Center is helping neighbors find new jobs | | |
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Over 50 qualified jobseekers attended the CHOA Job Fair!
CAC recently hosted a dedicated job fair for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the country's premier children's hospitals. CHOA recruited for over 20 job types, including entry-level positions, helping applicants get a foot in the door to a medical career. CHOA's HR department was very pleased with the level of applicants, and has stated their intention to hire several attendees.
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CAC Career Center services are open to everyone!
You do not have to be a CAC client to attend events or seek help on your job search.
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Create a Winning Resume Workshop
Wednesday, October 19, 11:00am-12:00pm
Come learn how create a new resume or make your existing one stand out at this FREE workshop. You have about fifteen seconds for your resume to grab the attention of an employer. This workshop will help you make sure your resume rises to the top of the pile.
| Hosted in parternship with : | |
Coming in November:
Mastering the Interview
Wednesday, November 9, 11:00am-12:00pm
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Career Programs Information Session
Tuesday, September 27, 6:00-7:30pm
Increase your salary with career and certification programs offered through Goodwill. Training opportunities include medical billing and coding, construction, cyber security, logistics and more! Attend the meeting to get an overview of available programs and enrollment. These training programs are free, and Goodwill assists graduates with career placement.
| Career training provided by: | | |
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Share your professional skills!
We're looking for Career Advocates to help jobseekers get ready to find their new career path. You might help with resume writing, interview skills, industry connections, and more!
- Use your skills
- Flexible commitment
- Remote or in-person
- Training provided
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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
HOURS:
Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
The first 3 Saturdays of the month,
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
ADDRESS:
8607 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
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October 21 is FABULOUS FRIDAY!
25% OFF FURNITURE • 50% OFF EVERYTHING ELSE
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New fall fashions on the floor now! | | |
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SPIN-TO-WIN MONDAYS
Try your luck at the wheel every Monday. Spin the wheel for your chance at discounts on your purchase!
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TWO-FOR-TUESDAYS
Each Tuesday features different 'buy one, get one free' deals. Come by on Tuesdays and see what's on sale!
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What's new at Upscale Thrift? | |
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Helping our neighbors!
In August, CAC gave $9,000+ worth of thrift store items to 250+ families in need, helping them stay clothed and furnishing their homes.
Upscale Thrift sold $26,500+ of items. All of that money is put back into CAC programs that directly address our mission.
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Most-needed donations
- Athletic Shoes (every size for every family member!)
- Towels
- Sheets
- Fall Children’s clothes
- Large shopping bags (for use at check-out)
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Winter coat event starts October 24
Shop the first week for the best selection!
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New Adult Education classes starting soon
All classes are free! Registration required.
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My Financial Goals 1
Monday, September 26 • 6:30-8:30pm
Monday, October 17 • 6:30-8:30pm
SPANISH Tuesday, October 20 • 6:30-8:30pm
Monday, October 31 • 6:30-8:30pm
Learn to track your money, understand your income and expenses, and set a budget for your immediate financial health.
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My Financial Goals 2
Monday, October 19 • 6:30-8:30pm
Monday, November 14 • 6:30-8:30pm
Understand how the credit system works, avoid common pitfalls, and take action to improve your credit score.
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Registration required for all classes. Email education@ourcac.org for more information and to register. |
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CAC Mini-Market
Upscale Thrift Store
8607 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Adult Education
Career Center
1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
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South Sandy Springs Branch & Mini-Market
120 Northwood Drive, Suite 150 & 160
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Dunwoody Branch & Mini-Market
5 Dunwoody Park South, Bldg 5, Suite 113, Dunwoody, GA 30338
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Funding for CAC is provided in part by the City of Sandy Springs, Fulton County Human Services
and the United Way of Greater Atlanta.
The Community Assistance Center (CAC) brings together the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody communities to provide compassionate assistance to neighbors in need by providing financial support, helping to meet basic needs and promoting self-reliance. CAC works to prevent homelessness and hunger locally with the support of 28 congregations of all faiths, public and private grants, civic organizations, schools, businesses and individuals. Supporters provide financial resources, in-kind donations and volunteer manpower.
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Help today: Shop • Donate • Volunteer | |
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