April Newsletter for The Place
Orange Duffel Bag Initiative Graduation:
Celebrating 17 Students
This past weekend, we celebrated an incredible milestone! 17 students graduated from our Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI)!
Each student stood up and gave a final presentation, sharing their goals, what they’ve learned, and the steps they are taking toward their future. It was a powerful moment to see their growth, confidence, and determination on full display.
Through the 12 weeks of ODBI, students build life skills like goal setting, decision making, and healthy coping strategies. They are challenged to think about their future and take real steps toward it. At graduation, you can truly see that transformation.
Each graduate received a certificate, an orange duffel bag, and a laptop to support their next steps in school, work, and life.
These moments are more than a celebration, they are a reminder of what is possible when students are supported, encouraged, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Thank you to everyone who helps make programs like ODBI possible. Because of your support, these 16 students are stepping into their future with confidence and a plan.
A special thank you to Hargrove and Browns Bridge Church's Be Rich campaign for sponsoring this year's class!
Want to learn more about Young Adult Programs?
In this episode of The Place Podcast, Nicole sits down with Nathan Rodriguez, Young Adult Coordinator, to talk about how The Place is walking alongside students and young adults in our community.
Nathan shares about three key programs that are helping shape brighter futures:
Community School at East Forsyth High School – meeting students where they are by connecting them to resources, support, and encouragement right on campus
Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI) – equipping students with confidence, goal-setting skills, and tools to navigate life’s challenges
Summer Internship Program – providing hands-on experience that prepares young adults for the workforce and what comes next
Throughout the conversation, Nathan shares how these programs are not just meeting immediate needs, they are helping students build a foundation for long-term success and self-sufficiency.
This episode is a powerful reminder that when we invest in young people, we are investing in the future of our community.
Want to be part of this impact?
You can support programs like these by giving, volunteering, or sharing about The Place with others.
Visit ThePlaceGA.org to learn more.
Did you miss a previous episode? You can find them linked below!
Now Accepting Applications: Summer Internship Program
We’re excited to share that The Place is now accepting applications for our 6-week Summer Internship Program, running June 16 through July 23.
This opportunity is designed for high school students (ages 16+) who are ready to gain real-world experience while building confidence and important life skills. Interns will explore different areas of The Place, develop job readiness skills like resume building and interview etiquette, and grow in communication, leadership, and teamwork.
It’s more than an internship, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and take meaningful steps toward the future.
To learn more or apply, contact Nathan Rodriguez at nathan@theplacega.org
This week, we had the pleasure of hosting our Volunteer Appreciation event!
Our volunteers are the lifeline of the work we do, and we could not serve our community without them.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, committee members, staff, and sponsors who made this event possible!
Events benefiting The Place
Get ready for a fantastic day on the greens at the NoFo Invitational on Monday, May 4, 2026, benefiting The Place.
Held at Polo Golf & Country Club with check‑in at 9 AM and a 10 AM shotgun start, this shamble‑format tournament includes a post‑round buffet and reception for all players.
Registration is now open, $200 per player, $800 per foursome, or $1,000 for a corporate sponsorship, making it a great way to play, network, and support three impactful local organizations.
Needs and More
Join Hearts of Impact, Give Hope Every Month!
Hearts of Impact is our monthly giving community. When you join, you help The Place be there for families in Forsyth and Dawson counties, not just once, but all year long.
Monthly gifts help provide food, housing support, and hope when neighbors need it most. Because these gifts are steady and reliable, we can plan ahead, respond faster, and serve more people when needs rise.
Your monthly support means families don’t have to wait for help.
Join Hearts of Impact today and make a difference every single month.
