History

/History

Who We Are

Founded in 1986 by the Junior League of Atlanta and located in the North Avenue Presbyterian Church, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter provides free, quality day care, emotional support, an educational curriculum for homeless children, and focused social services for their families.

Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness, including domestic violence and job loss, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter focuses on the long term self sufficiency of the family – which sets us apart from other Atlanta homeless shelters.

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

Our HISTORY

Since its inception, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter has successfully assisted in stabilizing nearly 5,000 homeless families and over 8,000 homeless children by transitioning homeless families into stable housing and sustainable employment.

2020’s

  • Cameron Turner Hired as new Executive Director
  • Executive Director Sandra Holiday says farewell after over a decade of service (2022)
  • ACS Celebrates 35th Anniversary (2021)
  • Keys to Independence Transitional Housing Program Established (2021)

2010’s

  • Inauguration of Early Childhood Education Kindergarten Classroom
  • Early Childhood Education Program becomes Three-Star Quality Rated
  • ACS Celebrates 30th Anniversary (2016)
  • 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)
  • Executive Director Sandy Holiday Receives Girl’s Inc. Smart Award
  • 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
  • Dr. Brown receives Jo Cato Perseverance Award (2008)
  • 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)
  • Aftercare 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