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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.
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Credit: (Photo courtesy of the Penix family)

Love and discipline: Michael Penix Jr. received both from his dad

‘My Dad, that’s my hero,’ says Atlanta's starting quarterback.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Forsyth County clinic offers free medical care with a dose of compassion

Volunteer doctors and nurses have treated everything from the common cold to cancer, with hypertension and diabetes being the most frequently diagnosed.

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Credit: Courtesy of Reel South

FROM UATL

Spelman professor wins Peabody Award for health care documentary

Anjanette Levert produced “The Only Doctor” about the sole physician in rural Clay County.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

INSPIRE ATLANTA

Standing in the Crossfire: Minister on a mission to uplift Southside children

This former teacher and pastor runs a nonprofit to help children who live at the troubled apartment complex Freedom Park.

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Credit: Emory Morsberger

I took thousands of Stone Mountain visitors’ photos as an act of kindness

Atlanta has long welcomed newcomers and rejected hate. Random acts of kindess can support that tradition.

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Credit: Ben Hendren

26 veterans to fly out of Atlanta to mark D-Day anniversary in Normandy

World War II veterans are flying a Delta plane out of Atlanta to commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day in France.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

YMCA adaptive swim program gives kids with disabilities a chance to learn

The adaptive swim program at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta uses 1-on-1 lessons to help children with varied levels of physical, cognitive and developmental abilities

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Running on faith: A Woodstock couple’s journey to health and hope

Nicole and Christopher Russell have lost more than 150 pounds with the help of Northside Hospital's Bariatric Program. Now, they're preparing for the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

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Credit: spe

Best Buddies fosters friendships

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Retiree finds her niche at food bank

Retiree Tonni Gillis wears gloves and a coat even on warm days, as her volunteer work at the Atlanta Community Food Bank is managing the facility's refrigerated goods.

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Credit: spec

Newton nurses, community send teen with cancer to the prom

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Credit: Special to the AJC

Style, sparkle and support: Prom Closet removes financial barriers for some North Springs students

This year, North Springs High School in Sandy Springs offered a Prom Closet with new and gently used gowns, suits, accessories and more — with some gowns costing just $5.

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Credit: Photo courtesy of GEM, Girls Empowerment Movement

Girls challenging girls: Let’s get physical

GEM, the Girls Empowering Movement, is a program where middle school girls help their peers to become more physically active.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Woman goes from homeless to hopeful with help from Atlanta nonprofit

‘I just knew I needed to get my kids to a safe space,’ she says after being displaced in Chicago

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Douglas County student has his choice of 60-plus colleges, offers of $1.5 million in scholarships

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Decatur rehab giving second chance to birds, purpose and fun to volunteers

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Credit: Phil Skinner

True friendship grows from senior helping seniors

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Credit: spe

Book giveaways spread hope in Marietta

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Credit: Phil Skinner

INSPIRE ATLANTA

Fayette County teen creates inventions to help others, solve problems

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Credit: SHOWAbility Inclusive Chorus hot

Atlanta nonprofit strikes a note for inclusivity in the arts