LOCAL SALUTE

Staff members Tammy Patterson, Executive Director Adrianne Hamilton-Butler, Resident Advocate Belton Burton, Derwin Davis and Mary Wesley.

One of a Kind

Night and day

Founded in 1984 to create a place where homeless couples could remain together, The Zaban Paradies Center for Homeless Couples at the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation (known as The Temple) was—and is— the only one of its kind in the Southeast. Beginning in September, the residential services program will be open 24 hours a day year-round to help the community’s most vulnerable, says Executive Director Adrianne Hamilton-Butler, a Sandy Springs resident.

Originally called The Temple Night Shelter for the Homeless, it was renamed in 2015 to honor generous contributions from Atlanta philanthropists Erwin Zaban and Rick Paradies. In the early days, the shelter was run by scores of volunteers from The Temple and other faith-based organizations. It provided 20 separate rooms and meals for couples from mid-October through April from late afternoon to early morning when couples had to leave.

Today, a small permanent staff helps a rotating group of 10 to 15 couples move toward self-reliance via a 90-day program that includes assistance finding permanent housing and jobs, as well as financial education, online job training and referrals for mental health, etc., who can remain as long as necessary. Extensive community outreach programs help the homeless find permanent housing or assist financially so they can continue staying with family members. This year, a total of 444 individuals have been served.

“Eighty percent of our residential and community support services residents who stay in the program for 40 days attain or maintain independence,” says Hamilton-Butler.

ZABAN PARADIES CENTER • 404.872.2915 zabanparadiescenter.org • @zabanparadiescenter

Founder Chad Harlan and Executive Director Caroline Lombard with the $25,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual.

Dream Becomes Reality

Broadening kids’ horizons

The late Julie Muir Harlan was passionate about nonprofits such as Agape that serve underprivileged kids. In 2017, she had just begun developing plans to create a faithbased organization focused on getting Agape kids outdoors when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer. She died 35 days later.

Devastated by the loss, her husband, Chad, mentioned her desire on the nonprofit CaringBridge’s site, and friends urged him to carry out Julie’s plan. The result was Julie’s Dream, which recently received a $25,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual as part of the company’s Community Service Awards honoring the work of wealth managers like Harlan in their communities.

“In 2018 we raised $250,000 and had kids going on trips almost immediately,” says Harlan, whose Northwestern Mutual office is located in Buckhead. “During the last four years, we’ve raised $1.9 million and served 500 kids.”

Referrals come from Agape, PAWKids and Field Camp Ministries, and the adventures are planned and led by the staff at Julie’s Dream with the help of volunteers. Experiences include shooting the ’Hooch, overnight camping, zip lining, white water rafting, horseback riding and more.

“We’ve led trips to New Hampshire, Jekyll Island, Washington state, Colorado and even Puerto Rico. As a result of the outdoor program, Agape’s retention rate for high school kids has soared.” says Harlan.

JULIE’S DREAM • 470.427.3166 juliesdream.org • @julies.dream

Smiles for Charity Keep it local

A child of Iranian immigrants, Dr. Andrew Kokabi of Brookhaven Family Dentistry grew up with parents who believed in giving back to the community that had helped them when they came to America. “Their generosity was not lost on us,” he says. “We believe that businesses don’t just exist to make money but to help the community.”

The practice has always donated to local schools and their patient’s pet nonprofits but had no set strategy. “My wife suggested that we develop a more cohesive plan by selecting a local nonprofit every month and encouraging patients to help contribute,” Kokabi says. He named it “Brighten Your Smile, Better the World,” and for a donation of $150, patients receive a custom set of teeth whitening trays valued at $400. “It’s a win-win because they’re supporting a good cause and improving their smiles,” he says.

Recent recipients have included Chamblee Middle and High schools; Huntley Hills, Montgomery and Ashford Park elementaries; the Kyle Pease Foundation; Chattahoochee Riverkeeper; and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. The practice also continues to sponsor individual school events.

Dr. Andrew Kokabi of Brookhaven Family Dentistry got creative to give back.

Another of the practice’s community projects is the Spotlight on Small Business Initiative, a free service that helps promote businesses owned by clients. “Big box stores did well during the COVID-19 lockdown, but small businesses faltered,” Kokabi says. “To help promote them, we produce slideshows that are featured in the office and on our website.”

BROOKHAVEN FAMILY DENTISTRY 770.451.0611 • brookhavenfamilydentistry.com @brookhavenfamilydentistry