Introduction

Celebrating 25 Transformative Years

“They tore down hell and built heaven.”

This is a quote from the late Eva Davis, former president of the East Lake Meadows Tenants’ Association. Ms. Davis had a vision that garnered $33.3 million in federal funds from former President Jimmy Carter for community improvement in East Lake. Her vision was expanded after meeting Tom Cousins, philanthropist and businessman, as were the resources for it. Ms. Davis rallied residents to vote to support the redevelopment of the East Lake neighborhood, which paved the way for Tom Cousins and then-Atlanta Housing Authority CEO, Renee Glover, to collaborate with residents and partners to make change happen.

Twenty-five years ago, the East Lake Foundation was established with the ambitious goal of transforming East Lake from one of Atlanta’s most troubled neighborhoods into a thriving community for its families. Alongside dedicated residents, like Eva Davis, and our many incredible partners, we are proud to have established the groundwork for healthier lives for residents, and a community that fosters racial equity, better health outcomes and greater economic mobility.

It is a source of great pride that the work we’ve done in East Lake has spurred a national movement of holistic community revitalization led by Purpose Built Communities, the organization now helping 26 other communities around the country implement the model we started here in East Lake.

While we celebrate this special anniversary, we are not finished. There is still more work to be done. We are focused and committed to ensuring East Lake is a place where people of all ages and incomes choose to seek new, innovative and equitable opportunities for their families. I trust you will remain a supportive and engaged stakeholder in our work.

On behalf of the East Lake Foundation Board, Staff and Partners, thank you for your support in helping create “25 Years of Possibility” for families in our East Lake neighborhood, and for the ripple felt in neighborhoods across the country.

Daniel Shoy, Jr.
President & CEO
East Lake Foundation

The East Lake Foundation provides the tools for families of The Villages of East Lake and students of Drew Charter School to build a better life for themselves and future generations through

  • Cradle-to-College Education
  • Mixed-Income Housing
  • Community Wellness

Impact

Impacting Lives of Residents

For more than two decades, we have utilized our integrated holistic approach to community revitalization to build a stronger, healthier community in East Lake and ensure lasting, sustainable success.

ELF Model

A Foundation That Works

Accelerating Change

As the Community Quarterback organization in East Lake, we work within a Defined Neighborhood to provide programs and resources to ensure access to Cradle-to-College Education, Quality Mixed-Income Housing and Community Wellness programs that benefit all residents.

The successful transformation in East Lake became the blueprint for establishing Purpose Built Communities, which continues to build strong, economically diverse communities across the country.

East Lake by the Numbers

Drew Charter School

Charles R. Drew Charter School serves more than 1,800 students in Pre-K through 12th grade with an innovative Project-Based Learning approach centered around a STEAM curriculum.

Drew Senior (#5), Junior (#4) and Elementary (#3) Academies each rank in the Top 10 in all of Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Drew consistently ranks in the top 10% in APS and top 20% in the State of Georgia.

Drew’s Elementary Academy is ranked in the top 3% in the State of Georgia according to the CCRPI.

Early Learning

Drew Charter School recognizes the importance of building a strong foundation for learning early in a child’s life. As a result, Drew works closely with our early learning partners (Cox Pre-K, East Lake Early Learning Academy and Sheltering Arms East Lake) to ensure a seamless transition as students matriculate through our cradle to college education pipeline.

RISE After School Program

RISE After School – R.I.S.E. (Recreation. Innovation. STEAMulation. Education) is a comprehensive after school program for Pre-K through 7th grade students, operating from 4:00PM to 6:00PM daily to provide students opportunities to participate in enrichment activities with their peers.

RCSP Program

The Resident and Community Support Program (RCSP) offers resources and support to residents of The Villages of East Lake mixed-income housing community, with an emphasis on economic stability, career development and community engagement.

RCSP teams with several community partners to enhance employment readiness through financial education workshops, including: financial education, entrepreneurship, homeowner education and career coaching. Residents also receive access to job resources, financial tools, small business start up assistance and much more.

The First Tee® of Metro Atlanta

In 2019, The First Tee® of East Lake and The First Tee® of Atlanta consolidated to become The First Tee® of Metro Atlanta, now serving children and youth in 8 Metro Atlanta counties.

This year-round golf instruction and mentoring program uses the principles of golf, including discipline, hard work, sportsmanship and integrity to enhance academic achievement and life skills for youth participants (ages 5-17).

Golf instruction also provides access to college scholarships, business connections and employment. The First Tee® of Metro Atlanta is one of many chapters nationally in The First Tee® network.

Start:ME Program

Start:ME East Lake is a 14-session program in partnership with Social Enterprise @ Goizueta at Emory University that offers the assistance promising micro-entrepreneurs need to develop viable and sustainable microbusinesses.

Since its inception, Start:ME East Lake has graduated five Cohorts with 77 ventures, 82% of which are still operational and 86% are female/minority-owned. Participants have received more than $80K in community capital funding.

In 2019, 13% of the participants were residents of The Villages of East Lake and 13% of the participants were Drew Charter School parents.

ELHC Program

East Lake Healthy Connections (ELHC), a program in partnership with the East Lake Family YMCA, ensures all eligible East Lake families have access to health insurance, effectively utilize primary and preventive health care services, properly manage chronic diseases and establish contact with accessible medical homes.

Neighborhood Stories

A Neighborhood that Works

More than two- decades after the revitalization of East Lake began, residents and students continue to thrive as a result of the East Lake Foundation’s holistic work in the neighborhood. Here we highlight just a few of the many wonderful experiences from 2019.

Support

Today’s Investment in Tomorrow’s Promise

The East Lake Foundation’s work would not be possible without the generous support of the individuals, businesses and partners that believe in our mission and understand the value of giving back to the community.

Our Donors

We are indebted to the donor support that has contributed mightily to our success.

Visionary $25,000+

Innovator $10,000 to $24,999

Leader $5,000 to $9,999

Builder $2,500 to $4,999

Collaborator $1,000 to $2,499

Partner $250 to $999

Friend $1 to $249


Our Events

Charlie Yates Memorial Golf Tournament

Swing for East Lake

East Lake Invitational

Party on the Green



In Tribute

Honoring

In Memory


Our Board of Directors

The guidance and commitment of our Board of Directors is crucial to our continued success.

Executive Committee

Board of Directors


Our Partners

Financials

At a Glance

Here is an overview of our financials for the fiscal year of 2019.

REVENUE
$4,580,739*


EXPENSES
$4,517,704*

 

*These unaudited numbers reflect the revenue and expenses of the East Lake Foundation and its charitable contributions to its partners in the East Lake Initiative.

The East Lake Foundation

Impacting Lives of Our Community

Over the last two decades, the Foundation has proven that working with residents and public and private partners, while providing the right combination of comprehensive programs and services, is transformative for the community.

Visit our website to learn more.