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: Courtesy of Cassidy Windsor

‘Pure happiness’: Roswell QB passes homecoming king honors to team assistant

Jake Jeffries, a Roswell High senior who has Down syndrome, has helped the football team since 2020, most recently as part of the athletic training staff.

Credit: Ben Gray

Mind over matter

Ocean Gorecki, a top swimmer, was seriously injured in a car crash. His recovery led to training his mind to deal with pain -- and sparkied his interest neuroscience.

Credit: spec

Atlanta Ballet opens doors for young dancers

The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s community engagement program draws 1,200 students of diverse backgrounds into the world of dance.

Credit: Jenni Girtman

INSPIRE ATLANTA

Woodstock teacher’s classroom heart attack changed his life

River Ridge Spanish teacher and coach Keith Hooper suffered a heart attack at school in January, and doctors said he was close to death because of severely blocked arteries.

Credit: Phil Skinner

Mableton cafe is welcoming space for special needs community

Glenn's Café in Mableton provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and fosters a welcoming, accessible environment.

Credit: Sarah Peacock/AJC

Sweet Tea: A tiny place for big wishes

Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal

Kate’s Club was born from loss, built on community

In 20 years, the program has helped 15,000 grieving youngsters.

Credit: Courtesy of Emma Mathews

Sweet Tea: An elite meat

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

‘A blessing’ to the community, Carver coach on cusp of 150-win club

Myles, who took over the program in 2005, has been more than a football coach. He means a lot to his players and the community.

Credit: spec

Alpharetta nonprofit helps America’s heroes find work

Hire Heroes USA takes anxiety out of job search for service members re-entering civilian life.

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Spencer Strider named Braves’ nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

Pitcher created VIP program for kids and families in the foster care system.

Credit: Michael Johnson/AP

Sweet Tea: Strike up the band

Plus: Howard Finster's folk art church reopens; there is a Tuskegee pilot again

Credit: Photo courtesy of Northside Hospital Atlanta

Turning a cancer diagnosis into a mission

Ernie Strauss and Ron Wakefield share their stories as survivors of prostate cancer in hopes of encouraging other men to take a potentially life-saving blood test.

Credit: Abbey Cutrer/AJC

Sweet Tea: Let’s kick it

Credit: spec

Cherokee reaches out to veterans in need

The Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program offers food, cars, therapy and creative outlets to help Georgia veterans get back on their feet.

Credit: Phil Skinner

Judo studio offers unique safety training for older adults

Seniors learn the art of falling to minimize injury.

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Sweet Tea: Wet, soft and soggy

Find out more about the Hardy family who has been growing their peanut stand business for 25 years and how the central Louisiana town of Bunkie is getting the last laugh.

Credit: spe

Atlanta mass media class for kids gains national attention

Students at The 411 Brand Saturday School create winning video on food justice

Credit: Phil Skinner/AJC

Sweet Tea: Counting bats

Credit: Phil Skinner

Hall County’s Santa Randy’s faith leads him to feed the homeless community

Gainesville’s “Santa Randy” Smith runs a faith-based outreach for the homeless community in Hall County, delivering food, clothing and prayer with help from volunteers.