The Harris Community Works program hosted its annual Holiday Caravan on Dec. 13. Established by recording artist and actor T.I. Harris as part of his non-profit Us or Else, this is the caravan’s eighth year in action.
This year, the event took place at the DTLR at Camp Creek Marketplace, where members of the Next Level Boys Academy were given new clothes, according to Metro Atlanta. Gary Davis, founder of the leadership academy, spoke about the giveaway.
“For many, this is their Christmas,” he said. “T.I. and Harris Community Works have been a
long-time supporters of us, and we appreciate all they have done and continue to do for us. As I tell the mentees, ‘It’s not where you are in life, it’s who you have by your side that matters.’” Mentees were also gifted Hawks drawstring bags along with tickets to a Skyhawks game.Later that week, the caravan paid a visit to My Sister’s House, the Atlanta Mission’s shelter for homeless women and families, which offers critical assistance to those in need. “Many of our clients come in dealing with very heavy things that children should not have to deal with,” said Katrina Dantism, Director of Program Support Services at the Atlanta Mission.
“When we have community partners like Harris Community Works come in and give Christmas gifts, it allows our children to feel safe and dream child-size dreams.” The shelter held a toy giveaway as well as group breakout sessions with T.I. and Tameka Harris.
Several community members were in attendance this year, including Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who joined in the festivities and helped distribute Visa gift cards to mothers at My Sister’s House so that they can provide for their families this Christmas.
The caravan rounded out its seasonal trip at the Project Pinnacle Diversion Program, an initiative dedicated to helping first-time, non-violent juvenile felons get back on their feet and access opportunities through anger management and skills workshops.
DeKalb County Judge Asha Jackson founded Project Pinnacle in 2011. She explained the significance of the program, which has helped successfully rehabilitate more than 230 participants.
“Project Pinnacle, Inc. is once again honored to partner with Harris Community Works as we celebrate the graduation of Cohort 12. These amazing young men and women are ready to embrace all their life goals, while leaving the criminal justice system behind,” she said.
The program was holding its graduation ceremony when the caravan dropped by, and T.I. Harris assisted in handing out diplomas.
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