Financial Assistance

Based on available funds, the Center services 75-100 people per month. Clients will need to meet with an assigned Case Manager to identify their current financial situation and provide the necessary documentation to administer aid. Admittance to the Financial Assistance Program is based on the following requirements:

1. Applicant must be a resident of Fulton or Dekalb County

2. Applicant does not receive Section 8, Habitat, HUD, Hotel/Room, or Transition Housing

3. Applicant needs documented proof of unexpected situation or crisis

4. Applicant seeking assistance with utilities has lived in their own house or apartment for the last six months

5. The lease and utilities must be in the applicant's name

6. Applicant has lived at current address for six month's

7. Applicant needs proof of ability to pay the balance of rent not covered by the center

Following the application and acceptance process, clients will receive financial help upon completing:

Life Skills Learning

This four-week course includes lessons in:

1. Nutrition

2. Financial Planning

3. Budgeting

4. Employment skills

5. Legal Aid

6. Advocacy regarding utility bills

7. Voter registration

8. Health Education

Financial Planning

Clients will meet with an assigned Financial Instructor to complete their personal budget.

Earn Benefits

Earn Benefits is a program designed to help people get benefits that can free up money to handle other bills and costs. The program is free. Simply provide the following items to apply:

• Identification for the applicant and the people in applicant's household.

• Proof of Social Security number for the applicant and all others in the household.

• Proof of where the applicant lives.

• Proof of citizenship or immigration status for the applicant and the people in applicant's household. (birth certificate).

• Proof of households income (include TANF,SSI, etc.).

• Proof of household's resources (include money in your checking account and/or savings account).

• Proof of household's expenses ( rent, utilities, etc.).

• Proof of applicants child or dependent care expenses.

Soulstice Program

The Soulstice Program is a comprehensive youth agency offering unique programs for young people 16-21 years of age. The mission is to motivate and empower those who have dropped out, or have been expelled from school, to reach their education and career goals. By providing programs that broaden education and cultural experiences, the Soulstice Program will create opportunities for the youth to make positive contributions to their communities. The Soulstice Program will maintain an environment that nurtures personal bonds to encourage the young people to develop positive group affiliations and a sense of family. In return, those served will provide support for their families in an environment of trust and respect. The Soultice Programs include:

• Adult Education, will provide GED Instruction

• Weekend and Summer Programs

• Arts Education

• Career Development

• Financial Literacy

• Learning Service Activities

• Support Services for the youth and their families

• Leadership Development

• Counseling Services

• Legal Services

• Health Services

Other Prevention Programs

The Sullivan Center offers additional progrrams designed to prevent clients from falling into poverty including:

• Legal Aid Counseling – Legal Aid is offered periodically by the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Group seminars and individual assistance help clients understand tenant rights, and how to prevent unjust eviction.

• Transportation Assistance– MARTA has played a significant role in assisting clients with transportation. Because of the discount tokens and MARTA cards program, the Center is able to assist people who have recently become employed. Tokens are issued for verified job interviews and medical appointments.

• Clothing and Furniture Referral – The Sullivan Center often refers clients in need of new work clothes or additional furniture to partner organizations such as Dress for Success.

• Food Pantry – Food is distributed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (except holidays) at 9:30 a.m. to residents living within zip code areas of 30310, 30311 and 30315. Food is available once every six months to persons within the service area. For more information about donating or volunteering to the Food Pantry please contact us.

Set up an appointment at the Sullivan Center by calling 404-753-0531, or come in to make an appointment.

Our education programs provide our clients with a set of skills needed to obtain employment and the incentive to stay employed and become self-reliant.

Employment

Clients can participate in workshops in:

1. Job Searching skills

2. Resume Writing

3. Interview Skills

Sullivan Center clients who are receiving financial assistance and are unemployed are required to attend one employment workshop. Following an in-depth assessment and individual financial counseling, clients are given job leads and Internet sites to search and apply for jobs. The Center provides computers for job searches and resume postings.

The Sullivan Center also provides employability training for inmates who are getting ready do be released from The Fulton County jail. An off-campus workshop presentation includes qualities of success, communication skills, time and stress management, and business etiquette.

Other education programs include:

Financial Planning & Budgeting

Clients receiving financial assistance and other community individuals can meet with a Case Manager and Financial Advisor to discuss their particular financial situation and plan functional budgeting and savings programs.

Nutrition

Learning how to put food on the table is just as important as learning what foods to put on the table. The Center provides programs in nutrition and wellness to help educate families on the necessities of a balanced diet to prevent future health problems.

Tax Preparation

The Sullivan Center is a designated VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) site. The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. In addition to tax assistance the sullivan center offers individual banking assistance.

Computer Training/MS Office

Readily available computers with internet access are available for Computer/Microsoft Office training. The Sullivan Center encourages and values computer knowledge and word processing as a vital tool in job preparation.

In addition to our programs that promote self-reliance and financial independence, we also hope to inspire our clients and other youth to assist in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Sullivan's Summer Camp

Our Technology Summer Camp Program is primarily for youth residing in the area and those attending neighborhood schools. Occasionally, youth from other areas in Fulton and Dekalb Counties are accepted into the program.

For six weeks during the summer, campers explore various aspects of technology, including an in-depth focus on consumer marketing. As such, the students take part in hands-on activities aimed at helping them both to understand and critically analyze marketing strategies meant to influence their purchases. Campers also learn about the inner-workings of computers and receive their own computer at the camp's conclusion…if they can put it together!

In addition to time spent at The Sullivan Center, campers embark on a variety of field trips, including visits to Atlanta area college campuses and IT companies in order to learn just how far a college education can take them. Students will also take classes in writing, chess, etiquette and other youth empowerment topics. If you or your child is interested in The Sullivan Center Technology Camp for 2010, please call us at (404) 753-0531.

Christmas Program

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration and giving but can be quite overwhelming for those families in need. The Sullivan Center offers two distinct ways of helping those in need during Christmas with the Sullivan Center Christmas Program. The first way organizations, families, or individuals may choose to spread Christmas joy is to adopt a deserving family and their Christmas needs. This is a great way to learn more about other families in the community as well as make a huge impact in individual lives.

The second way of contributing is to the general Christmas program fund. Donated toys and/or monetary gifts will be happily distributed at the center to many deserving families.

For more information about our Christmas program please email the program manager Carol Patron at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Organic Garden growing and maintenance

WIC Farmers Market Program

For more information about our inspirational programs please email the Section Director at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).