This October, we’re celebrating the many ways our neighbors are helping each other thrive.

You will find stories of advocacy and second chances, alerts for growing needs across the communities we serve, and opportunities to connect, give, and serve right where you are.

For many of us, Fall means the start of a new school year, extracurriculars, sports, and all of the joy and chaos a full calendar brings.

But for one of the families in our foster care program, the busyness of the school calendar represents a new beginning.

Tessa* and her sister entered into foster care after being found rummaging through a trash can in the middle of the night. The two young girls had been locked in their home and escaped through a second-story window. When the girls were placed with an Inspirtus foster family, big sister Tessa had not been in school for several years.

But through consistent care, safety, and stability, Tessa is thriving in school.

She has all A’s, sings in the chorus, and is even in Girl Scouts. In a recent meeting with our foster care team, her foster mother shared that the beginning of this school year felt like a true victory for their family, and a second chance to experience the everyday joys of childhood.

*name changed for privacy

INQUIRE ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER FAMILY

The first Inspiritus YouthBuild cohort starts Nov. 1, 2026, in Clarkston, Georgia.

This free, six-month construction pre-apprenticeship program helps young people work toward a GED or high school equivalency, earn industry credentials and gain hands-on experience renovating affordable housing.

YouthBuild is open to people ages 16-24 who left high school without a diploma, live in ZIP codes 30021, 30083, 30084, 30087 or 30088, and can commit to the full program. A limited number of spots may be available for youth who don’t meet every requirement, so reach out if you’re unsure.

Participants receive transportation assistance, work gear, covered testing fees, one-on-one case management, financial coaching and English language support. After graduation, Inspiritus will help participants pursue construction jobs or Registered Apprenticeships and provide support for 12 months.

To apply or refer a young person, contact Trey Powers at trey.powers@weinspirit.org. Employers interested in hiring or partnering can contact Andrea Espinoza at andrea.espinoza@weinspirit.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUTHBUILD

Ahead of National First Responders Day on Oct. 28, we’re celebrating our disaster relief team’s participation in a full-scale disaster exercise in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Julie Dimitrov, Assistant Director of Disaster Response, played a key coordination role through the county’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). The exercise also highlighted our Water on Wheels (WoW) unit, which provides safe water solutions after disasters.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute and thrive. Jermaine, a participant in Inspiritus’ Disability Services, was recently appointed to the board of Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy.
For 47 years, the organization has connected local citizens in voluntary advocacy relationships. Jermaine celebrated his appointment at its Covered Dish Dinner, accompanied by Denise Parker, our assistant director of disability services.

New Legislation — New Challenges

Health and stability help families thrive. Changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that went into effect on October 1, restrict federally funded Medicaid and CHIP coverage for many refugees and other lawfully present immigrants.

For those affected, losing coverage creates greater need for affordable care and community support. Delays in green card processing can leave even those who have applied facing gaps in coverage.

Aimee Zangandou, Executive Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services, recently spoke to 285 South about the impact this will have on those we serve.