Friends, Pam Abrahamson and Chris Golen support Wellspring Living.
Sharing our gifts
Pam: For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with Wellspring Living, whose mission is “transforming lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation.” They provide trauma-informed, participant-centered programs at no cost, empowering survivors to heal and discover hope for the future.
My service has included everything from mentoring and cooking breakfast, to board leadership and simply listening and celebrating milestones. Six years ago, my friend Chris Golen joined me, and together we take participants out once a month—to dinner, movies, picnics and entertainment centers. These nights give them a chance to talk, laugh, share struggles and accomplishments and to be celebrated in their journey.
Why we volunteer
The most meaningful moments come from watching each young woman enter the program, often feeling lost, unloved and unseen, and then experience healing and transformation through Wellspring Living. To see their lives changed and their dreams realized is nothing short of miraculous. They begin to hope again, feel empowered to live the life they were meant for, with dignity and freedom.
We are grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on Wellspring Living and to be part of this organization. The staff at Wellspring Living are everyday heroes, offering counseling, education, housing, medical care, job support and above all, love. Their compassion and dedication make all the difference for the young women who enter their program.
Join us
There are many ways to get involved and serve, including mentoring, tutoring, helping at events and various other volunteer opportunities. Wellspring Living relies on a variety of skills and contributions to manage and operate transformative programs.
WellspringLiving.org
Lisa Senters-McDermott is CEO/ Founder at Jet Senters Aviation, partner at MYCFOPLAN, and the first female President of the Atlanta Aero Club, lives in Cambridge Park in Brookhaven
Sharing my gifts
I am on the board of Directors of Warrick Dunn Charities. I’ve supported the event for about eight years as a sponsor and have served on the board of directors for the past year. I am also a graduate of the Fellows program of Halftime Leadership organization for Christian leaders. Inspired by our Founder’s life journey, Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. empowers families to break the cycle of generational poverty and achieve a better quality of life for all.
Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) is the flagship program of Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. Housing is the key to reducing generational poverty and increasing economic mobility. Moreover, according to research completed by Stanford, children living in stable, affordable homes are more likely to thrive in school and have greater opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom. Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc, helps to break the cycle of generational poverty by providing a hand-up – not a handout – to single parents and their children. We surprise single parent families (who are actively working to support themselves) with home furnishings and down payment assistance.
Why I volunteer
Seeing families receive a home — some for the first time even having their own bed — is uplifting and amazing. It’s the kind of experience I want to be part of forever! If you want to get involved you can reach out directly to me. We do an amazing celebrity golf event every year. We have a ton of fun and raise a great deal of money for the homes. We also do teaching and all sorts of amazing programs that people can volunteer for with time or treasure.
Family matters
My son who has a website called helpwithjoy.com inspires me everyday. He donates his birthday to a different charity every year and started to be philanthropic when he was very young. For his 12th birthday he raised $1,700 for Warrick Dunn Charities and always forgoes presents to provide hope and opportunities for those less fortunate. He is truly one of my greatest inspirations.
Join me
With the help of donations from our sponsors and individuals like you readers, we work with local partners to turn houses into homes for single parent families.
WDC.org
Halftime.org
John Metz is Sterling Culinary Management Executive Chef & Co-Owner (Marlow's Tavern, the Woodall restaurants).
Sharing my gifts
I am honored to serve through our Sterling Futures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recently launched by Sterling Hospitality. For nearly 30 years, our team has given back to causes close to our hearts, especially Special Olympics Georgia and local neighborhood needs. The Foundation extends that work by supporting community-based projects such as school sports programs, Habitat for Humanity builds, local 5K races and families of patients staying in nearby hospitals. We also partner with organizations like Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry and Atlanta’s Giving Kitchen to support those in the hospitality industry. I’m also proud to serve on the boards of these two organizations.
Why I volunteer
One of my most meaningful volunteer experiences has been building a friendship with Special Olympics athlete Josh Jansma through our annual golf classic. What began as a simple thank-you from Josh quickly grew into conversations about his training, his goals and life beyond the games. Over the years, I’ve come to look forward to seeing him, cheering him on and sharing those moments. His energy and gratitude remind me that this work is less about fundraising and more about dignity, inclusion and genuine connection.
Join me
The best opportunity is our Annual Marlow’s Tavern & Sterling Culinary Management Golf Classic, which takes place each fall. Over the years, this event has raised nearly $1.9 million for Special Olympics Georgia. Whether by sponsoring, playing, or volunteering, it’s a chance to make a lasting impact.
Family matters
Giving back is deeply rooted in my family. My late father, John C. Metz Sr., and my mother, Mary, were leaders in their community, leaving behind a legacy of charitable giving through scholarships and nonprofit grants. My father’s passion for hospitality and his vision for creating opportunities in the industry inspired my own path, and I aim to carry that legacy forward through the Foundation.
Kristi Thelen and Garon Thelen
Sharing our gifts
Kristi Thelen and Garon Thelen chaired the 11th annual Mane Even, Hearts of Champions benefiting Red Clay Rescue. They support Church of the Apostle, Wellspring Living (restoring the souls of trafficking victims), The Shepherd Center (rehabilitating victims of spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke or other complex neurological conditions), and Place of Hope North Georgia (foster care supporting children entering foster care because of neglect, parental substance abuse and/or physical abuse), as well as the Wesleyan School.
Why we volunteer
Kristi: I was inspired by my mentor at work who introduced me to Women Doing Well and Generous Giving. Pam Pugh and Lacie Stevens invited me to my first JOG (Journey of Generosity) many years ago that planted a seed in my heart. I am part of a group here in Atlanta now wants Atlanta to be the most generous city in the United States!
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