Economic Vitality
A strong commercial core fosters neighborhood prosperity and residents’ economic advancement. A dual-pronged strategy ensures abundant local resources and participation in a thriving economy.
RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
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 startup assistance and much more.
Resident and Community Support | Program Contacts
JENNIFER MCCRARY
Director of Outreach and Engagement
East Lake Foundation
jmccrary@eastlakefoundation.org | 404-679-5372
TYWONIA ORUM
Resident and Community Support Program Senior Manager
East Lake Foundation
torum@eastlakefoundation.org | 404-679-5376
START:ME EAST LAKE
Start:ME East Lake is a 14-session program in partnership with The Roberto C. Goizueta Business & Society Institute at Emory University that offers the assistance promising micro-entrepreneurs need to develop viable and sustainable microbusinesses.
Of the 16 ventures represented in the 2024 cohort, 83% of the ventures were led by women, 57% were led by people of color, and 61% by people who identify as low-to-moderate income. Three entrepreneurs live in the Villages of East, eight are Drew Charter School parents, and two are Drew Charter School staff.
Start:ME East Lake | Program Contact
ERIN IGLEHEART
Program Director
Emory Business & Society Institute
erin.igleheart@emory.edu | 703-217-1820
