Tuesday, July 22, 2014
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story on Sunday about shaming people on government assistance. There have been numerous stories where a mother, father or children have been made to feel bad because of their dependance on assistance programs in order to make ends meet or in order to make sure they have a lunch for school. It is pretty deplorable that someone would make another feel bad because they feel in some way superior. But it does in fact happen. I was happy to help in highlighting the story and so last Tuesday I headed down to the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta. I arrived around 9:30 and the line for help was already out the door. The social workers patiently answered questions, helped to fill out forms and get people, some of whom who are homeless or down on their luck, the much needed services that will hopefully get their plans back on track. I was there to photograph Jolene Glenn, a mobile benefits social worker for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Glenn helps people file paperwork in order to start receiving food assistance. She usually travels around five counties north of the city trying to educate and bring assistance to families but on Tuesday found herself at the center. Watching Jolene work was amazing. In the short span of an hour she helped numerous folks, some of whom were in their 20s, and as each person left it seemed that Glenn had in some way lifted a small portion of their burdens from their shoulders. To read more check out the AJC article here.
Jerry Starling (center) shows documentation to receive assistance to Alicia Wilson at the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
Jolene Glenn (right) helps Reginold fill out the proper forms to start receiving food assistance at the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
Jolene Glenn (left) helps L.C. Mann fill out the proper forms to start receiving food assistance at the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
Jolene Glenn (top center) calls for the next person needing food assistance at the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
Gregory McKinney (left) answers questions from Jolene Glenn as she helps him fill out the proper forms to start receiving food assistance at the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.
Jolene Glenn (left) helps Stacy McGhee fill out the proper forms to start receiving food assistance at the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.