Bank of America gives $200K each to 2 nonprofits

Neighborhood Builders’ grants help groups further missions.

Through the Neighborhood Builders grant from Bank of America, two Atlanta nonprofit organizations will receive resources to further their mission in Atlanta neighborhoods. The Atlanta Music Project and The Center for Working Families received $200,000 each towards their organization, leadership development for the executive director and emerging leader and a network of peer organizations across the country.

“The bank seeks to help strengthen the financial health of the communities we serve. We created Neighborhood Builders to address issues fundamental to economic mobility and help Atlanta nonprofits more effectively address pressing needs in their communities,” said Wendy Stewart, Atlanta market president.

The two chosen organizations are making respective impact in their communities. AMP provides intensive, tuition-free music education for underserved youth right in their neighborhood.

“Practically all of metro Atlanta’s youth orchestra and choir programs are located north of Interstate 20. South of I-20 there are scores of neighborhoods lacking the opportunity for kids to join a local music program,” said Dantes Rameau, co-founder and executive director. “AMP is filling an immense void that nurtures critical holistic child development and, through youth music ensembles, contributes to neighborhood vitality.”

AMP provides all its students with an instrument, a teaching artist, classes and numerous public performance opportunities. With its grant, AMP is planning a new headquarters in the heart of the communities it serves.

The Center for Working Families supports hardworking families with soft and hard skills training, connecting residents to meaningful employment, individual coaching, financial literacy and supportive services.

“In 2006, TCWFI started as a place-based model working in the neighborhoods surrounding Turner Field with a holistic approach that included one-onone coaching, bundled services and attention to the needs of the whole family,” said Che D. Watkins, president and CEO. “As development continues on the Southside of Atlanta, it is critical to ensure that its residents have the training, access to employment and supports necessary to benefit and advance. The Each Tuesday, we write about charity events such as funruns, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event for us to cover, contact Devika Rao at doing.goodAJC@gmail.com. Neighborhood Builders grant will allow us to increase our footprint to serve even more families who share the same desires and aspirations for gainful employment and a thriving community.”

The two organizations also seek volunteers to keep their mission going. AMP seeks adults to join the AMP Street Team, help out with logistics at major concerts and run-out shows, professionals from all backgrounds to participate in the Practice Makes Professional series and high school musicians for its AMP Music Mentor program.

At TCWFI, volunteers can help through its various programs, fundraising or more to help children and families do well.

“Neighborhood Builders is an important part of our efforts to help Atlantans thrive. When Atlanta residents and the city thrive, our company is successful,” added Stewart.

First executive director of CID hired

The East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District recently named Christopher Sanders as executive director. Sanders, who most recently served as an assistant director of the Georgia Department of Revenue, will oversee the daily operations of the East Metro DeKalb CID as well as engage property owners and stakeholders to coordinate economic redevelopment projects throughout the Wesley Chapel/ Panola Road corridor.

UPCOMING

Dunwoody Household Hazardous Waste recycling event. 12:30-4 p.m. Sunday. Parking lot, Dunwoody City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center E., Suite 250, Dunwoody. Register by Friday with Andrew Russell at Andrew.Russell@DunwoodyGa.gov.

Ballethnic Dance Company: “Urban Nutcracker Wonderland Act II.” 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Dec. 18. $20 adults, $15 children and seniors. Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. 404-762-1416, ballethnic.org.

“Scrooge the Musical.” Through Dec. 18. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. $15 to $25. Onstage Atlanta, 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. A tuneful version of the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets: 404-897-1802, OnstageAtlanta.com.