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A Fresh Start for Christina and Her Family

As we begin a new year, a time when many of us reflect, reset, and set goals, we’d like to share the recent success story of Christina.

Christina entered The Drake House with nearly every odd stacked against her. After a recent divorce, she lost her job, which quickly led to losing her housing. Experiencing homelessness was completely new to her and so was navigating life as a single mom. Facing both of those life-altering changes at once would feel overwhelming for anyone.

Fortunately, Christina didn’t have to face those challenges alone.

With the support of The Drake House, she worked closely with her Program Coordinator and engaged in each part of our program to build stability, a career, and a safe home for her children. Along the way, she faced rejection after rejection while applying for housing. When discouragement set in, her Program Coordinator reminded her that she only needed one “yes.” Eventually, that “yes” came. Christina was accepted into a two-bedroom apartment and moved into stable housing.

During her time at The Drake House, Christina made incredible progress toward self-sufficiency. She increased her income, reduced her debt, and improved her overall stability. Her “Bridge score” (a tool we use to measure progress across key areas like finances, employment, and housing) increased by 29%.

Christina also turned her passion for health into a new career, securing a job at a physical therapy practice. This career change led to a significant increase in income, from $1,325 per month to $4,093 per month. With this increased income, Christina paid off more than $1,100 in housing-related debt. As a result, her Financial Management score increased by 50%, and her Employment & Career score doubled.

Today, Christina and her family are thriving off campus.

When her Program Coordinator recently checked in to see how she was doing, Christina shared, “I am in good hopes that everything will get taken care of because I am taking action toward it!”

Our Campus is Getting a Sports Court!

Recently, we were honored to receive an $89,000 grant through Impact100 Atlanta’s 2025 Big Give.

Thanks to this support, an unused area of our campus will soon become a safe, outdoor sports court for our children and teens.

For families who face barriers to transportation and access to recreation, this space will create opportunities for movement, connection, and joy...right here at home!

We’re so grateful to the women of Impact100 Atlanta and can’t wait to see this space come to life this year.

Annual Holiday Party for our Families

Our annual holiday party was such a fun celebration for our families!

Residents enjoyed photos with Santa, hot cocoa, ornament-making, and a special Secret Santa Shop where kids and teens picked out gifts for their moms.

Thank you to our generous partners and volunteers who made this possible:

Nalley Automotive Group, North Point Community Church, First Baptist Roswell, Outback Steakhouse (Crossville Rd), NCL Milton Chapter, Alpharetta Methodist Church, Santa Ratliff from St. James Alpharetta, and Jacek Siemianowicz

Thank You, TDH Advisory Council!

For their annual Holiday Outing, The Drake House Advisory Council treated our teens to a fun-filled night at Dave & Buster’s Alpharetta. Each teen received a new Stanley cup and a custom school sweatshirt, generously designed and donated by PlayWell Merch Co.

One teen shared on the ride home, “This was the best day I’ve ever had!”

Thank you to Dave & Buster’s for providing a private room, dinner, and game cards, and to our Advisory Council for making this unforgettable night possible.

Urgent Need: Diapers & Pull-Ups

We are currently in need of diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6) and Pull-Ups for boys (sizes 3T/4T and 4T/5T).

Donations can be dropped off Monday–Thursday, from 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, at our Resource Center located at 10510 Clara Drive, Roswell, GA 30075.

Save the Date: Bootleggers is Back, March 13!

Get ready to get roaring for a great cause on March 13 at Ivy Hall at Roswell Mill.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing, a photo booth, and both silent and live auctions!

We are currently seeking auction donations, such as gift certificates, wine or bourbon, and vacation stays, to help make this event a success.

Have questions or interested in donating an auction item?

Neighbor to Neighbor Spotlight

LeitaLift Foundation

This month, we’re excited to share something new in our Neighbor to Neighbor Spotlight as we recognize the first sponsor for our Workforce Housing (WFH) Pilot Program, the LeitaLift Foundation.

The LeitaLift Foundation was established in 1956 by Leita Thompson. After facing her own challenges as a single working woman, Thompson created the foundation to help other women “lead a fuller life.” Her legacy continues today through scholarships, grants, and endowments that support women striving to achieve professional goals and contribute to their communities — work that aligns beautifully with our mission and this new program.

Our WFH Program connects stable, affordable housing with career advancement, bridging the gap between transitional support and long-term stability. Designed for current residents enrolled in higher education or training programs, the initiative allows single mothers to focus on completing their education without the full burden of rent. By the end of the program, the goal is for moms to complete their education, earn a living wage, increase their savings, and build a foundation for lasting stability for their families.

Our first Workforce Housing resident is Nicole, who is returning to school to become a surgical technician. Thanks to the LeitaLift Foundation’s sponsorship, Nicole can focus on her education and take meaningful steps toward a stable future for her family. We are grateful to them for helping make this pilot possible.

Still Looking for a New Year’s Resolution?

Our volunteers are the heart of The Drake House and The Drake Closet. Watch to hear why they choose to give their time in support of our mission.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities on and off campus. Learn more about how you can get involved using the link below. We’d love to welcome you into our TDH volunteer family.

Make 2026 the year you give back through service in your community.

Community Drives Making a Big Impact

For years, St. Peter Chanel’s congregation has organized an annual holiday drive, making sure our moms and kids have the household essentials they need during the season. We are so grateful for their continued generosity!

Thank you also to the Marietta Roswell Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for organizing a generous food and essentials drive to support our resident market.

Thank You, Swain Apparel Group!

A huge thank you to the team at Swain Apparel Group! At their Holiday Soirée, employees donated $5,000 to support The Drake House families. Swain Apparel Group generously matched it, doubling the impact to $10,000!

Thank You, Community Partners!

We’re thankful for the generous support from our community partners:

Impact100 Atlanta
North Point Community Church
Stockel Family Foundation
Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
JC Foundation Inc.
Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.
Butler Snow Foundation
Shannon Foundation
John & Mary Franklin Foundation
Atlanta Foundation

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