History

/History

Who We Are

Founded in 1986 by the Junior League of Atlanta and located in the North Avenue Presbyterian Church, Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter provides free high quality early childhood education alongside comprehensive, focused social services for parents.

Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness, including domestic violence and job loss, Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter focuses on the long term self sufficiency of the family with the hope of an Atlanta where homelessness is defeated.

Since 1986, Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter has cared for almost 8,000 children and provided services for more than 5,000 families.

Our HISTORY

2020’s

  • The agency changes its name to Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter and adopts our new logo featuring two gears (2024)
  • Cameron Turner Hired as new Executive Director (2023)
  • Executive Director Sandra Holiday says farewell after over a decade of service (2022)

2010’s

  • Inauguration of Early Childhood Education Kindergarten Classroom
  • Early Childhood Education Program becomes Three-Star Quality Rated
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award
  • Georgia State University Partnership Award
  • President’s Award by the Concerned Black Clergy
  • Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters Spirit Award (2014)
  • Bright from the Start Early Childhood Education Licensure Awarded (2013)
  • ACS Renovates adding classroom, healthcare exam room and parent training room (2012)
  • The Home Depot Foundation Building Better Communities Award
  • Glenn Family Foundation Awards $100,000 to ACS (2011)
  • Executive Director Dr. Brown Retires (2010)
  • Sandy Keating–Holiday Hired as new Executive Director

2000’s

  • Atlanta Women’s Foundation Sue Wieland Embracing Possibilities Award
  • SPANX Empowering Women Award
  • Community Foundation Managing for Excellence Award (2005)
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation Awarded (2000)

1990’s 

  • Hire Up Employment Program Established (1997)
  • Steps2Success Program Established
  • UNICEF Jean Childe Young Survival Award
  • Capital Campaign Raised $1M to Renovate Midtown Location (1994)
  • Playground Built (1993)

1980’s

  • NBC Evening News with Tom Brokaw features ACS (1989)
  • Junior League of Atlanta Founded ACS (1986)
  • North Avenue Presbyterian Church Donates Space for ACS