Introduction

Celebrating Our Collective Journey

For nearly three decades, the East Lake Foundation has been instrumental in fostering mixed-income housing, enhancing infrastructure, and providing a comprehensive range of educational opportunities spanning from early childhood through college. Additionally, it has facilitated various community wellness and economic vitality initiatives, including junior golf, health and wellness activities, entrepreneurship programs, career readiness support, and financial literacy education.

The East Lake Initiative partner organizations have demonstrated that with aligned and concerted efforts, a neighborhood can flourish, offering its residents improved opportunities for upward mobility, enhanced health outcomes, and greater racial equity. The success of our collaborative work demonstrates the transformative power of partnership within a community that had long experienced disinvestment and a lack of opportunities.

Ilham Askia
President & CEO

A model for Progress

Accelerating Change

As the Community Quarterback organization in East Lake, we work within a defined neighborhood to provide programs and resources to ensure equitable access to Quality Mixed-Income Housing, Cradle-to-College/Career Education, Community Wellness, and Economic Vitality programs that benefit all residents.

MIXED-INCOME HOUSING

The strategy begins by enhancing a community's residential foundation through safe, high-quality housing for all income levels, ensuring a significant portion is dedicated to long-term, permanent affordability to reduce displacement in the neighborhood.

CRADLE-TO-COLLEGE EDUCATION

Education, beginning at birth, is vital for healthy child development. High-quality, community-serving schools within a comprehensive early learning to grade 12 pathway foster children's development and prepare them for college or their chosen post-graduate path.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Thriving neighborhoods prioritize wellness through medical care, mental health support, healthy food access, community spaces, arts, culture, and green areas. Tailored facilities and programs promote belonging, honor history, encourage healthy lifestyles, create jobs, and enhance safety for overall well-being.

ECONOMIC VITALITY

A strong commercial core fosters neighborhood prosperity and residents' economic advancement, offering opportunities for meaningful work and wealth building. A dual-pronged strategy supporting opportunities across income levels ensures abundant local resources and participation in a thriving economy.

DEFINED NEIGHBORHOOD

Neighborhoods are the unit of change that can have the greatest impact on people's lives, changing life trajectories for the lowest-income residents, creating greater racial equity, improved health outcomes, and increased upward mobility.

COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK

The Community Quarterback organization effectively executes this model, collaborating with stakeholders to seamlessly integrate all the vital components that contribute to neighborhood prosperity and growth.

Strengthening Roots, Fostering Growth

Finalizing the Foundation's Strategic Vision

Rooted in our mission to collaborate with The Villages of East Lake residents, Charles R. Drew Charter School families, and other key service providers to ensure every member of our community has equitable access to the resources, tools and supports needed to thrive. Our plan outlines five strategic goals: affordable housing, children and youth education, community wellness, community economic development, and capacity building. These goals are supported by six strategic initiatives: resident income generation, community health, property development, youth education, data and outcomes evaluation, and resource development and advocacy.

View Plan Highlights
Resident and Community Support Program

Alicia Dawkins

Alicia Dawkins has been a pivotal figure in the East Lake community since 2005, starting as a Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps volunteer before moving into the area in 2006 to immerse herself in its opportunities. For two decades, she has engaged in numerous East Lake Foundation and RCSP programs and events, significantly impacting the community.

Her career in East Lake spans various roles at The Villages of East Lake, Sheltering Arms, and Charles R. Drew Charter School, where she currently oversees Strategic Partnerships. A dedicated mother, her two sons have progressed from early education at Sheltering Arms to becoming successful students at Drew Charter School.

Alicia will become a homeowner at the new Trust at East Lake, fulfilling her dream of establishing permanent roots in the community. This milestone marks a significant achievement, showcasing her deep connection and contribution to East Lake's growth and prosperity.

Resident and Community Support Program

Azania Floyde

Azania Floyde has lived at The Villages of East Lake for nearly 3 years. She recently worked at a credit card company that provided funding to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, due to a massive layoff, she lost her job.

While unemployed, the East Lake Foundation's Resident and Community Support Program (RCSP) helped by providing rental assistance and career and resume guidance to help her catapult her career. She was unemployed for 4 months before securing a new higher-paying position at an international car company.

She continues to work with the RCSP to reach her goal to become a homeowner. “With the help of the East Lake Foundation, I plan to become a homeowner through the partnership with the Atlanta Land Trust. In doing so, I joined the “700 Club” to help increase my credit score and help me on my way.”

VOEL Resident and Start:Me Graduate

Nicole McClendon

Nicole McClendon and her 4 children have lived in the Villages of East Lake since December 2020 (previously 2005-2010). After moving into the community, Nicole enrolled her children at the East Lake Early Learning Center, and subsequently Drew Charter School, and became involved with the East Lake Foundation's Resident and Community Support Program (RCSP) at the Villages of East Lake in order to advance her career with a goal of starting her own business.

She was introduced to and later selected to participate in the Start:ME East Lake micro-entrepreneurship program that offers the assistance promising micro-entrepreneurs need to develop viable and sustainable microbusinesses. Her business, NCM Administrative Consulting provides administrative assistance to small businesses in the metro Atlanta area. “This program taught and exposed me to so much about starting a business, and now I'm ready to get my business up and running.”

Since graduating from the Start:ME East Lake program in April 2023, Nicole has been appointed to the Drew Charter School Board of Directors and serves as a member of the East Lake Foundation's Outreach Team.

Donor Highlight

Christopher Witcher

Chris Witcher has had a front row seat to the remarkable transformation of the East Lake Community as a caddie at East Lake Golf Club starting in the 1990s where he worked for nearly a decade. He was the recipient of the Charlie Harrison Scholarship (formerly known as the caddie scholarship), which helped support him financially through his collegiate experience. Chris felt a strong desire to give back to the community that had given so much to him and so many others and has been a long-time and regular donor to the East Lake Foundation.

“East Lake has been a huge part of my life and the person that I am today. While the Harrison Scholarship was a great benefit to me, the relationships that were built and the opportunities that were created, continue to impact me today and motivate me to continue to support the East Lake Foundation.”

Drew Charter School

Empowering Futures: Together We Thrive at DREW

Charles R. Drew Charter School educates nearly 2,000 Pre-K to 12th-grade students using a STEAM-focused Project-Based Learning method. Its Senior, Junior, and Elementary Academies are among the top 10 Atlanta Public Schools, with Drew ranking in the top 10% in APS and top 20% in Georgia.

Drew has enhanced its Social-Emotional/Mental Health efforts, creating a Student Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, appointing a new Dean of Counseling and Wellness, and consolidating mental health programs for all grades. It also introduced a part-time role supporting graduate persistence.

Through the D-Squared Pathway Program, 22 students earned Technical Certificates from Georgia Piedmont Technical College—9 as Certified Nursing Assistants and 13 as Childhood Development Associates.

Drew Charter School, continued
Highlights
  • 98.4%—Class of 2023 Graduation Rate
  • $15 Million+ in scholarships earned
  • 98% of applicants accepted into one or more of 120 colleges and universities
  • 91 seniors participated in early college programming, the largest cohort to date
  • 69 students were served in the Learning Lab
  • East Lake Foundation sponsored 9 Tom and Ann Cousins Scholarships, 7 Eva Davis Scholarships, 4 Rob Johnston Community Service Scholarships, 1 Rc Pruitt Scholarship, 1 Daniel Shoy Leadership Scholarship, and 1 Dottie Kuhlman Scholarship
  • 30 seniors were invited to participate in “Cousins Experience Day,” a deep dive into commercial real estate
  • 57 students in 3rd and 6th grade identified in need of additional academic support benefitted from specialized instruction through the Acceleration Academy supported by the East Lake Foundation
Visit Drew Charter School
East Lake Early Learning

Nurturing Potential

Recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation for learning early in a child's life, the East Lake Foundation and Drew Charter School work closely with our early learning partners (Cox Pre-K, East Lake Early Learning Academy and Sheltering Arms East Lake) and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy to ensure a seamless transition as students matriculate through our cradle-to-college education continuum.

Highlights
  • Two Drew Alumnae were hired to serve in the inaugural Early Education fellowship at Drew's Cox Pre-K
  • 298 students including more than 20% who reside at The Villages of East Lake
  • 25% students attending East Lake Early Learning Academy or Sheltering Arms East Lake are on scholarship supported by the East Lake Foundation
RISE After School Program

Recreation, Innovation, Education for Student Success

RISE After School – R.I.S.E. (Recreation. Innovation. STEAMulation. Education) is a comprehensive after school program for Pre-K through 5th grade students, operating from 4:00PM to 6:00PM daily to provide students opportunities to participate in enrichment activities with their peers. High-quality enrichment activities include creative movement, golf, soccer, science creation, sports and nutrition, and storytelling.

Highlights
  • More than 400 participants including nearly 40 from The Villages of East Lake, an increase of 18% over the 2022-2023 school year
  • 30 STEAM-based enrichment opportunities
  • Re-established partnerships with First Tee – Metro Atlanta and Soccer in the Streets
  • Working closely with the East Lake Family YMCA and other community partners to offer after school opportunities to Junior Academy students
Visit R.I.S.E.
The Trust at East Lake

Groundbreaking Partnership: Creating Affordable Homeownership Opportunities

In partnership with the The Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) , East Lake Foundation celebrated the start of construction on The Trust at East Lake, 40 new, permanently affordable townhomes in East Lake. The East Lake Foundation and ALT are working closely with the Foundation's Resident and Community Support Program at The Villages of East Lake to ensure current East Lake residents are prepared to take advantage of these homeownership opportunities in their community.

This project was possible through support from The CF Foundation, which donated the 2-acre site on which the project is being constructed, and the East Lake Foundation, which provided significant funding and programmatic support.

Financial support from Bank of America Foundation through its Neighborhood Builders Award, a generous grant from Chick-fil-A, as well as a generous contribution from the TOUR Championship allowed the Foundation to meet its philanthropic commitment to the ALT to ensure all forty townhomes would be offered at an affordable rate. The first eight homes are projected to be completed in the Fall of 2025.

Learn more about the Trust at East Lake
Resident and Community Support Program

Empowering Residents and Strengthening Community

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 up with several community partners to enhance employment readiness educational 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.

Highlights
  • 1326 residents participated in RCSP programming, 76% of whom identify as low-to moderate income
  • Assisted 35 families at The Villages of East Lake with $115,000 in rent and utility assistance
  • 52 economic stability, mental health, and homeownership programs offered
  • 69 individuals trained, upskilled and/or reskilled for job opportunities
  • 93% of individuals who attended financial classes and/or financial coaching opened and maintained a savings account
  • Hosted annual egg hunt, summer festival, Thanksgiving food distribution and holiday gift event
Start:ME Program

Cultivating Entrepreneurial Success

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.

Since its inception, Start:ME East Lake has graduated eight Cohorts with 145 total ventures. In the 2023 cohort, six of the participants were residents of The Villages of East Lake and four of the participants were Drew Charter School parents.

Highlights
  • 17 entrepreneurs completed the program
  • 88% of businesses are incorporated
  • 76% led by people of color
  • 82% led by women
  • 59% led by individuals from low-to-moderate income households
  • Six participants are Villages of East Lake residents and four are Drew Charter School parents
VISIT START:ME
Creating Connections, Building Community

East Lake 5K & Fun Run

In August of 2023, the East Lake Foundation hosted the Run for East Lake 5K & Fun Run. This fun and exciting community event, presented by the East Lake Family YMCA, offered 400 participants an immersive tour of the East Lake neighborhood.

The route wound through iconic landmarks such as The Villages of East Lake, East Lake Family YMCA, and Charlie Yates Golf Course, and provided runners a unique opportunity to run on the back 9 holes of the historic East Lake Golf Club.

Visit the 2023 Event Page
East Lake Healthy Connections

Enabling Vital Healthcare Access in the Community

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.

In 2023, the East Lake Family YMCA was the Foundation's primary partner for grocery distributions in the East Lake neighborhood.

Highlights
  • 214 individuals connected with health/dental homes
  • 7,900 grocery bags provided to residents in need
  • 384 individuals participated in mental health and chronic disease management programming
  • 12 seniors, on average, participated in the weekly Wellness Wednesday opportunities at the Villages of East Lake
Visit East Lake Healthy Connections
First Tee — Metro Atlanta

Embracing Progress and Development with Every Swing

First Tee — Metro Atlanta is a year-round golf instruction and mentoring program that uses the principles of golf. Its core values are, discipline, hard work, sportsmanship, and integrity enhances academic achievement and life skills for youth participants (ages 8-17) at several program locations across Metro Atlanta, including the Charlie Yates Golf Course in East Lake.

Golf instruction not only provides access to the sport, but also can lead to college scholarships, business connections and employment.

First Tee – Metro Atlanta continues to increase its program's reach. In 2023, FTMA delivered programming to 25% more young people than in 2022.

Highlights
  • 1,609 total participants served (203 participants served at Charlie Yates Golf Course)
  • First Tee — Metro Atlanta awarded $27,500 in scholastic aid to graduating seniors, including 6 Drew Charter School graduates
  • Several Drew Charter School golfers were selected to serve on the First Tee leadership council
Vist First — Metro Atlanta For More Details

Our Donors

Today's Investment into Tomorrow's Promise

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

In Honor

In Memory

Our Board of Directors

Invaluable Guidance and Unwavering Commitment

We deeply appreciate the vital contribution of our devoted board of directors to the East Lake Foundation, fostering opportunity, equity, and prosperity for all.

Chair

Phil Jacobs

Partner, The Pendleton Consulting Group

Vice Chair

Cheryl Lomax

Chair, Purpose Built Schools Atlanta Board

Immediate Past Chair

Chris Womack

Chairman & CEO, Georgia Power

Chair, Finance and Audit Committee and Investment Committee

John R. Frazer

Managing Director of Private Client Services, Investment Research & Advisory Group

Chair, Development Committee

Mark Rahiya

Chief Retail Sales Officer and Senior Vice President, USA Operations, Coca-Cola Company

Chair, Nominating & Governance Committee

Curley M. Dossman, Jr.

President, Georgia Pacific Foundation And Vice President Of Community Affairs, Georgia Pacific

Executive Committee

Lillian Giornelli

Executive Director, CF Foundation

Board of Directors

Ilham Askia

President and Chief Executive Officer, East Lake Foundation

Board of Directors

Chloe Barzey

Managing Director Atlanta Office, Accenture

Board of Directors

John Brewer

Chairman And Ceo, Vantage Private Capital

Board of Directors

Tom Cousins

Founder And Chairman Emeritus, Cousins Properties, Inc.

Board of Directors

Marilyn Hack

Founder And Owner, Cpr Learning Concepts, LLC

Board of Directors

Max Heineman

Co-Founder and CEO, Toldright

Board of Directors

Robert L. Johnston

President and Founder, First Communities

Board of Directors

Mark Lazarus

Chairman, NBC Sports Cable Group, NBC Universal

Board of Directors

Onome Okuma

Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Chick-fil-A

Board of Directors

Chuck Palmer

Managing Partner, Troutman Sanders, LLP

Board of Directors

Sara Prince

Partner, McKinsey & Company

Board of Directors

Gerald Render

Managing Partner, Tillman and Managing Owner, Granny Nannies

Board of Directors

Joyce Reto

Atlanta Office Managing Partner, RSM

Board of Directors

Alex Robertson

Managing Partner, Tiger Management, LLC

Board of Directors

Ray M. Robinson

President Emeritus, East Lake Golf Club; Citizens Trust Bank

Income and Expense for 2023 — Your dollars at work!

*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.

REVENUE
$7,482,404*

EXPENSES
$4,007,810*