Inspire Atlanta

We recognize a big part of our journalistic mission is to shine a spotlight on wrongdoings and to hold our public officials accountable. But we also understand the importance of celebrating our region’s moments, milestones and people. That’s exactly what we hope to accomplish with Inspire Atlanta. Each week, Inspire Atlanta will profile a person that makes metro Atlanta a better place in which to live.
Of course, we can’t do this alone: We need your help in finding extraordinary people and identifying inspiring stories across our region. Know someone who inspires you or makes metro Atlanta a better place for others? Email us at InspireAtlanta@ajc.com.

Credit: spe

Refuge Coffee expands its welcome to the world

Online coffee purchases support jobs and training for refugees and new immigrants.

Credit: Joe Kusumoto/USOPC

Reinvention of a Paralympian: Amputation wasn’t a loss – it was a life

As a teenager in Athens, Jarryd Wallace lived inside the rhythm of running. An amputation hasn’t changed that.

Credit: Photo courtsey of Purple Pansies

Alpharetta restaurateur changing the future for pancreatic cancer patients

Doctors say Marie Fundora is much more than a master of fundraising over a glass of wine and a plate of Spaghetti Cardonara or Veal Florentina at her restaurant, Casa Nuova.

Credit: spec

Three nonprofit volunteers have become ‘Difference Makers’

Gas South’s “Difference Makers” were selected based on their deep connection to the cause, their unique contributions and the initiative they demonstrated in their work.

Credit: Phil Skinner for the AJC

Widow, widower find love again, chance to give back with music

The musical duo volunteers across four Wellstar facilities, including Wellstar Hospice Care at Kennesaw Mountain.

Credit: spec

Two-time breast cancer survivor gives hope to others in the battle

Sonia Ray founded Harbor of Hope, a nonprofit that supports breast cancer patients on Atlanta’s southside. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Credit: CHRIS HUNT

NFA Burger at Avalon offers 1 table a night that benefits Giving Kitchen

The new full-service NFA Burger at Avalon has one table each day set aside where the reservation fee goes directly to owner Billy Kramer's favorite nonprofit, Giving Kitchen.

Credit: Natrice Miller

‘Silly hat guy’ fills his days crocheting gifts for the sick and homeless

Life came full circle when Johns Creek resident Penn Collins was diagnosed with cancer.

Credit: Phil Skinner

A teacher’s vision, a Falcons name and a workforce revolution

The Tommy Nobis Center -- named for the Atlanta Falcons great -- helps people with disabilities through its job-training program that now reaches 50 metro Atlanta schools.

Credit: Courtesy of BlazeSports

INSPIRE ATLANTA

BlazeSports recognized with Rings of Gold Award for its youth programs

Kids in wheelchairs play basketball, tennis and other sports at Atlanta facility.

Now is a great time to unlock premium digital access: Get 3 months for 99¢!

Where to find free food this Thanksgiving — and how you can still help

Across metro Atlanta, there are several food giveaways to help feed as many families as possible ahead of Thanksgiving.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Lovett School gets ‘historic’ $30 million gift from Rollins family

The gift honors the oldest child of Randall and Peggy Rollins, who died in 1970.

Credit: Phil Skinner

Magnolia Room: How one man saved a Southern tradition

When S&S Cafeteria closed, longtime patron Louis Squires took all its furnishings – including its famous serving line – and opened a new restaurant in Tucker.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Full circle: Sisters who were APS students now serve as APS principals

Sisters Kristy Reese and Kimberly Gibbs spent 12 years in Atlanta Public Schools and now educate others in the same system as school principals.

Credit: Grapefruit Photo

Georgia Festival of Trees shines light on human trafficking

Family-friendly annual event raises money for Street Grace.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

AJC HER+STORY