For many children, returning to school can be a mix of emotions, from excitement to nervousness, especially when thinking about fitting in and making friends. Social pressure and peer relationships impact school life and can sometimes feel difficult and overwhelming...
Throughout the course of history, women have often been underestimated, underrepresented and excluded from opportunities to advance personally and professionally. Despite this, women have excelled in every area of life and contributed to political, cultural and...
For years, Susan battled drug addiction, even after she had a child. Once she became a mother, she faced one of the most challenging circumstances of her life, when she lost custody of her daughter. During the time that Susan’s daughter was in custody of The Georgia...
During the second week of October, CHRIS 180 celebrates Atlanta Pride. This time of year brings festivals, parades and a host of enriching activities to advance unity and visibility amongst Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community. Pride is not just about fun celebrations, it is...
The death of a parent is a traumatic event that can leave a lasting impact on those who have lost their loved ones. Losing a parent to suicide can be even more traumatic than losing a parent from natural causes. Studies from the Department of Psychiatry at the...
Makayla first learned about CHRIS 180 after facing many challenges in her life including homelessness as a teenager. She was a stellar athlete and was the first in her family to graduate from high school. Still, obstacles threatened to take her off the path to...
At just 12-years-old, Jocelyn had her first encounter with CHRIS 180. Her grandmother was looking for help after taking in Jocelyn and her brother, in the wake of their mother’s issues with substance use. Knowing that both children had experienced significant trauma,...
There are infinite ways to practice mindfulness. Well-known mindfulness practices include breathing exercises, sensory activities, meditation and mindful movement like yoga. But any activity can be made mindful by “paying attention, on purpose” to it and maintaining...
Almost two years from the day they first arrived at CHRIS 180’s Gateway to Adoption program, brothers Logan and Layne were adopted into their forever family! Sibling relationships can provide support, love, and stability, but siblings in foster care often experience...
Home for neighborhood matriarch will provide stability for young mothers CHRIS 180, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed holistic health services to children, youth and families, held a groundbreaking ceremony to...
Michelle’s Story When Michelle lost her housing, a friend told her about CHRIS 180 and our Drop-In Center. The Drop-In Center provides a range of free services for youth ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness. These services include meals, life coaching, job and...
Children are small people with very big emotions. Although they can show you what they are feeling, most children have yet to attach a name to their feelings and have not learned healthy ways of dealing with their emotions. As children grow, they face many challenges...
Valancia Abdullah considers it her calling to care for youth who some may think of as “challenged.” After working with special needs students at Atlanta Public Schools, in 2000, she joined CHRIS 180’s foster care program. She serves as a Resident Assistant. The kids...
Since early spring, many of us feel disconnected from our friends and family because we have been unable to spend time with them. And while it is important for us to practice social distancing, the price is high when it comes to the connection many of us crave. This...
