The Mentoring Ministry of the First Presybterian Church,
Atlanta, Georgia

The Mentoring Ministry of the First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA helps people who are mentally challenged and/or addicted to receive their SSI Benefits. This ministry offers a place of welcome and hospitality to those who find it difficult to go to large government or institutional entities to receive this kind of help.  A counselor sits with the individual who needs assistance applying for SSI benefits, helping the stranger to first of all feel welcome by offering a bowl of soup, or something to eat. Through this fellowship, relationships of trust are built, helping those who come for assistance to sense that they are important and that what they have to share is also important.  

The Mentoring Ministry is not just about getting a form filled out. It's about helping that person to know that he or she is cared for. This ministry is blessed by the informed and compassionate leadership of a husband and wife team, Allan and Nancy Harris. Mr. Harris is a retired staff person from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, therefore, is extremely capable of accompanying those who need the services through what can be a difficult maze. His connections with the SSA have proved to be beneficial in many cases, enabling him to resolve crises in a timely fashion. It is through his effort that we are now negotiating to have a physician and nurse offer medical evaluations on-site. 

This is a justice ministry which begins with compassionate listening and caring. Without a source of income this population does not have access to permanent housing and medication or treatment for their addiction. Their living conditions are some of the worst; they usually reside outside, under bridges or in other make-shift housing. They usually are suffering from diabetes, hypertension, mental illness or addiction. SSI income makes a whole new life possible for them. Our ministry also provides assistance with housing, a payee if needed, and a friend who will follow-up.

Contact point:

Rev. Charles Black, Associate Minister
Community Ministries
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
1328 Peachtree Street NE,
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 228-7747 or (404) 892-8461
E-mail: cblack@firstpresatl.org