This past Tuesday, February 22nd, John Lewis Invictus Academy celebrated Black History Month by honoring the school’s namesake with the launch of a new, school-based Student and Community Service Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of the “John Robert Lewis Service Center.”
The John Robert Lewis Service Center, with the phrase “lifting barriers that block hope” at it’s forefront, will offer the following:
- Individual and family mental health counseling (on-site for students)
- Free clothing closet for students
- Monthly food distributions in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank–beginning February 21st
- Free school supply store – Supported by Communities In Schools (CIS)
- Mentorship for identified At Promise students, w/a focus on improving academic, attendance, and behavior
- Mediation – Students participate in mediation in lieu of suspension
- Connection to resources such as housing, employment, gas cards, etc.
- Connection to healthcare, emergency funds for utilities
The Center will be supported by a team of professionals (school social worker, student support specialist, school counselors, school psychologist, Social Emotional Learning/mediation coach) and community partner organizations, such as Communities In Schools, Family Ties, Inc., and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams was in attendance to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center. Rep. Williams represents Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, the seat formerly held by the legendary politician and Civil Rights leader. Congressman Lewis passed away in 2020 after serving 33 years in office.
She shared her warm remarks.
“Congressman Lewis always talked about building the beloved community, and today that is exactly what we’re here to do by celebrating the beloved community and the community coming together to make sure that we are reaching the entire child. So we’re making sure that students have the emotional and personal support services, as well as academic support. This is exactly what Congressman Lewis’ legacy was about.”
Here are more remarks from Congresswoman Williams’ twitter.
Talk Up APS 