Gratitude: Acknowledging the many gifts scattered along the paths we’ve traveled. |
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As the Decatur community gathered in 2018 to shape a master plan for the recently acquired Legacy Park, high among their list of priorities was the idea of cultural preservation — adaptive reuse of the park’s historic buildings, yes, but also continuity for the spirit of the former United Methodist Children’s Home.
In its 150 years of occupancy, the property has never been the site of commercial enterprise. Quite the opposite, actually. The legacy of Legacy Park is one of care. Of giving back.
Today that spirit lives on in the work of the many nonprofit organizations bringing new life to the campus. Be it environmental preservation, community development, or housing for those who need it most, these are the stewards of an ethos of generosity. Tirelessly working not for financial gain but for karmic health and wellbeing.
Here on the verge of the Thanksgiving holiday, we thought we’d take a moment to ask these keepers of the faith to reflect on gratitude — not for what they’ve given but for what they’ve received. |
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PHOTO: Wild Nest Bird Rehab. |
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Jennifer Gilmer, Operations Manager
Wild Nest Bird Rehab |
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“Wild Nest is grateful to be part of the purpose-driven community at Legacy Park, which supports our mission to rehabilitate native birds and educate the public about their conservation. We are especially grateful for our volunteers, who give their free time to help us care for approximately 1,500 injured and orphaned birds annually. And of course, we are thankful for birds, who enhance our lives daily!” |
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Chloe Young, Family Programs and Grants Manager Paint Love |
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"We are grateful for our relationships in this community and the Atlanta area. Nothing is more gratifying than hearing a kid say, 'Hey, Paint Love!' when we visit their school or watch families sit down and spend time together while making art. Paint Love has grown tremendously, and we are proud to continue to be a space for youth and their caregivers to play, think intentionally, and create." |
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PHOTO: Frank Hamilton School. |
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Maura Nicholson, Executive Director
Frank Hamilton School |
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“Let's see… I’m grateful: For the community of musicians created in our space;
For the people who are so supportive and appreciative of our efforts; For the staff at the park who have become a part of our school family; For our nonprofit neighbors who share a desire to make this world a better place; and For simply being able to share our love of music with so many people!” |
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PHOTO: Global Growers Network. |
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Miyah Byers, Engagement & Leadership Coordinator
Global Growers |
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“This year, the Global Growers team is most grateful for the gardeners and farmers in the Network, as well as all of the amazing volunteers, donors and community members who support the Network! We couldn't do this work without the support of an amazing community.” |
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PHOTO: Compassionate Atlanta. |
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Iyabo Onipede, Co-Director
Compassionate Atlanta |
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“We are grateful to be in physical community as we have now spent a full year at Legacy Park as a tenant. We are grateful that we were able to bring our flagship event, CompassionCon, and host it at 'HOME' at Legacy Park. We are also grateful for the opportunity to share wellness and healing in this community through yoga that we host weekly for our Legacy Park neighbors. More Legacy Park Compassionate Community Building to come!” |
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PHOTO: Georgia Arborist Association. |
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| Helen Nash Georgia Arborist Association
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“At the Georgia Arborist Association we are most grateful for our volunteers – from our Board and committee members to those who help us with events such as our Tree Climbing Competition. We appreciate that they donate their time and energy to help us achieve our goals." |
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Becca Van Galder
Home Life Leader & Community Events Coordinator L’Arche Atlanta |
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“I am grateful for the way the L'Arche community has grown and come together this year, particularly as we've reintroduced in-person events. Our community has been able to spend more time together expressing our creativity and having FUN at events such as Painting in the Park and Walking Together! We also love seeing Legacy Park grow deeper into its mission of supporting inclusivity, especially when we've joined Truckin Tuesdays and events like CompassionCon that bring so many different groups together.”
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Matthew J. Collins, Director of Residential Services L’Arche Atlanta |
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“Some things at Legacy Park that I am grateful for include the enormous evergreen Holly tree that shades my window, the open field where the kids play, the occasional buffet tray of hummus we get from the Women's Refugee Network, the wonderful facility improvements, and a beautiful green space to experience every day.” |
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PHOTO: Decatur Education Foundation. |
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Erin Murphy Decatur Education Foundation
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“DEF is grateful to be based in a city that values the nonprofit work that’s happening in our community and are thankful to all of our supporters who join in our mission of helping every Decatur student thrive.” |
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Madeleine Henner, Executive Director Legacy Decatur |
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“This year, I am grateful for the people of Legacy Park. As a new Executive Director, I am endlessly grateful for the mentorship of my predecessor, Lyn Menne, who thoughtfully built Legacy Decatur's foundation as a nonprofit organization to grow and change with the needs of the community; for my Board of Directors, whose recommendations and commitment to the Legacy Park Master Plan ensures that our organization’s choices stay in line with the will of the community; for the City of Decatur Commissioners who made the bold decision to purchase this property for the community and continue to guide the ways in which we implement the Master Plan; for the City Manager’s Office and the Community and Economic Development Office for their leadership in shaping the strategic plans that help to define the types of positive legacies we should prioritize; for the many Public Works employees who have planted numerous new trees, extended the Greenway Path to make the Park more accessible, maintained the buildings and grounds, and kept the park clean and beautiful; for our amazing nonprofits who bring their expertise and programming to Legacy Park; for our supporters whose donations fund the programs and operations at Legacy Park; for the volunteers who pull ivy, pick up trash, and staff events; and of course, for the community that fills the park every day running on the cross country trails, walking their dogs, playing at the inclusive playground, picnicking on the lawn, quietly looking through binoculars to spot an elusive bird, and enjoying being outside together. Thank you for your love and commitment to Legacy Park. We are grateful for you.”
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. |
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COVER PHOTO CREDIT: L'Arche Atlanta |
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| Celebrate Decatur's 200th Birthday with Your Gift to the Bicentennial Fund
Legacy Decatur – in its capacity as a city-affiliated 501(c)3 — has launched its bicentennial-themed "$200K in 200 Days" capital campaign with the ambitious goal of raising $200,000 to endow a series of legacy-oriented projects in support of the Decatur community — both today and in the century ahead. Your generous gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, by the City of Decatur. >> Give Today >>
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| Schedule Your Picture-Perfect Wedding at Decatur's Legacy Park
Legacy Park offers an ideal setting for an enchanting wedding — from the intimate and historic Moore Chapel to a variety of scenic assets spread across the property. Nestled on the east side of Decatur, Georgia, Legacy Park is just a five minute drive from many restaurants, shops, and hotels. >> Get Started >>
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