FCS

Neighboring Well is FCS's faith- and place-based learning cohort designed to help churches, nonprofits, and community leaders deepen their engagement in the neighborhoods they serve. Through shared learning, relationship-building, and practical tools, participants explore what it looks like to move beyond isolated efforts and toward collaborative neighborhood flourishing.

This month, Neighboring Well launched a new addition to that journey: the Peer Exchange Initiative.

Created in response to participant feedback, the Peer Exchange creates space for cohort members to engage with community development leaders and alumni, ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from real-world experiences across diverse contexts.

Our inaugural session featured alumni from FCS's two-year national cohort, City Shapers, along with the Reinvestment Coordinator for the City of Cleveland, Tennessee, and leaders from City Fields Community Development Corporation. Their participation provided cohort members with an opportunity to hear honest reflections and firsthand accounts on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned while advancing neighborhood transformation efforts.

As these conversations continue, we hope the Peer Exchange becomes a place where leaders find encouragement, practical insight, and a growing network of peers walking a similar path.

What does it really take for a neighborhood to flourish?

In his latest blog, FCS President Marvin Nesbitt Jr shares why lasting community transformation begins with something simple, but powerful: showing up.

As Marvin writes, "The future of our neighborhoods will not be determined solely by the policies we pass or the buildings we construct. It will also be determined by who chooses to show up."

From strengthening relationships to creating opportunities for legacy residents, this reflection explores why presence is essential to building thriving communities.

📖 Read the full blog to learn more: https://fcsministries.org/2026/6/16/the-urgency-of-presence-in-community-development/

Happy Father's Day! 💙

Today, we're celebrating all the dads, grandfathers, father figures, and mentors who show up.

We're especially grateful for the fathers who spend their Friday mornings at Learning Spaces alongside their little ones. Those moments of presence help build strong families and lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Thank you for all the ways you invest in the next generation. Happy Father's Day!

A week full of adventure. A summer full of memories.

When you sponsor a camper, you're helping a young person experience camp, make new friends, try new things, and discover just how much they're capable of.

💛 Will you help us send a camper to camp this summer? Sponsor a camper today at https://fcsministries.org/donate/

In recognition of Juneteenth, FCS will be closed on Friday, June 19.

As we pause to honor this important day in our nation's history, we encourage everyone to take time to reflect, learn, celebrate, and support the events and communities commemorating freedom and Black history.

We look forward to reconnecting with you when we reopen on Monday!

Congratulations to Tanesha O'Neal and Tameka O'Neal of Sumthin Sweet Confections, recipients of the Start:ME Atlanta Southside Peer of the Year Award! 🎉

The Peer of the Year Award is a special honor presented to an exceptional micro-business owner who best embodies the spirit of the program. This award recognizes an entrepreneur who demonstrates dedication, supports and encourages fellow participants, and helps foster a strong, collaborative community.

As Tanesha and Tameka shared, Start:ME helped position Sumthin Sweet for future growth and a larger role in South Atlanta's business community. We're excited to see what's next!

Summer fun is officially underway! ☀️

Cradle-to-Career Education kicked off its first Learning Spaces Summer Playdate at the Villages of Carver Community Center, bringing together children, parents, and caregivers for connection and fun.

Last week, we shared exciting news about the new Head Start program coming to Slater Elementary. Now, we're taking a deeper look at what this opportunity means for children and families in the Carver Cluster.

Through a partnership between Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, and FCS, this new center will expand access to high-quality early childhood education and help create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

As Dr. Kyeko Henderson, FCS Director of Education, shared in our latest blog post, the excitement from families has been a powerful reminder of how important these opportunities are for our community.

Read the full blog post to learn more about the vision behind the new Early Learning Center and its impact on local families: https://fcsministries.org/2026/6/12/opening-doors-for-south-atlantas-youngest-learners/

The numbers are IN! 💰

Through our partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Georgia and the VITA Program, FREE Tax Prep Wednesdays at FCS helped South Atlanta neighbors maximize their returns and build toward long-term financial goals.

📊 102 individuals served
📊 76 tax returns filed
📊 $98,000 in federal refunds secured
📊 $16,000 in state refunds secured
📊 $30,000 claimed through the Earned Income Tax Credit

These resources put money back into the pockets of families, helping transform tax refunds into long-term opportunities, from building emergency savings and pursuing education to purchasing reliable transportation, achieving homeownership, or launching a small business.

Thank you to our partners and volunteers who helped make this impact possible.