Inspiring Conversations with Dr. Bessie Stewart-Banks of Easton Banks Learning & Life Center, Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Bessie Stewart-Banks.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dr. Bessie Stewart-Banks began her journey as the founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit organization over thirty years ago. She received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and other fields, then worked as a Juvenile Justice Probation Officer. Her academic background and practical experience with youth and young adults sparked a passion for empowering and supporting people to reach their full potential.

Driven by her commitment to helping youth and young adults thrive, Dr. Stewart-Banks established Easton Banks Learning & Life Center, Inc., in 2006. For two decades, the organization operated with minimal resources, sustained by a deep belief in its mission to positively impact the community.

Beyond her role as Executive Director, Dr. Stewart-Banks is also the author of four published books and certified as a Life Coach.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As Executive Director of a non-profit organization, my main challenge has been managing limited financial resources and staffing levels while upholding a high standard of service for the youth in communities surrounding Dekalb County, Georgia. Despite difficulties related to funding and personnel, our commitment to delivering quality youth development programs remains firm and continues to guide our efforts with those we serve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Easton Banks Learning & Life Center, Inc.?
Easton Banks Learning & Life Center is a non-profit organization located in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Its mission is to deliver high-quality early childhood education and youth development programs, ensuring that school-aged children from 5 to 17 years old are supported, empowered, and educated to reach their full academic potential. Currently, as the organization progresses through phase two–acquiring a dedicated facility—it is focusing exclusively on youth development initiatives. Easton Banks administers four youth development programs, including its flagship initiative, Project G.R.A.P.E., which stands for “Growing Readily Available Produce Everywhere.” Through this program, participants learn six core principles, such as gardening techniques and social-emotional learning.

What distinguishes Easton Banks Learning & Life Center from other organizations is its ability to deliver programming without an onsite facility. By leveraging partnerships with other community entities, the Center provides services through its outdoor classroom model. The value of these youth development programs is evident not only in the strong corporate collaborations established over the years, but also in the positive feedback consistently received from student participants following program evaluations. It is important to highlight that all produce cultivated by youth participating in Project G.R.A.P.E. are donated to families within the surrounding communities of DeKalb County who may be facing food insecurity. To date, Easton Banks Learning & Life Center, through its Project G.R.A.P.E. youth development program, has contributed over 516 pounds of produce.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Despite facing various challenges over the years, Easton Banks Learning & Life Center has successfully sustained its programs and remained active in the community. In recognition of two decades of service to youth in Dekalb County and nearby areas, the organization will celebrate this achievement at the Starganza Gala on September 26, 2026. The festivities begin with a White Carpet Mingle from 5 pm to 6 pm for business owners and entrepreneurs, followed by the gala itself from 6 pm to 9 pm. Dr. Sandra Vincent, former Mayor of McDonough, Georgia, will be our guest speaker, and we’ll feature live music by acclaimed saxophonist Mr. Larry Jackson. Funds raised during the event will support our youth initiatives and the XCEL Book Scholarship.

Easton Banks Learning & Life Center will also honor a community member with the Influencer of Change Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, creativity, and commitment to positive change. Nominations must be submitted by July 31, 2026.

For details regarding gala tickets or how to nominate someone for the Influencer of Change Award, please visit our website: https://www.ebllcinc.com/event.
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Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ebllcinc.com
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• Facebook: @ebllcinc
• Youtube: @ebllcinc
• Other: Tiktok.com@ProjectGRAPE