Today we’d like to introduce you to Gordon Ellis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gordon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my Human Services career at Fulton County Human Services as a part of the GoodWorks! Program. I was a Job Developer assisting single parents in obtaining full-time employment the majority of the job seekers were referred from DFACS. At times quite challenging, however, rewarding at the same time, the pros outweigh the cons on all levels.
Which I did the same duties with the same population for a company based out of New York City. Grant & Associates local office was located in downtown Atlanta. What I enjoyed about that position was the freedom that my manager gave me to try anything that will give my clients a leg and a level playing to be considered for employment. I was with them about 5 years, and moved to Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency were I am the Director of Employment and Training. I have been with ACSS for 8 years. I have a staff of 7, who I enjoying working with every day, they all have the heart and passion to help anyone who comes through the door, that you cant teach. To have the ability to meet people where they are in life is an honorable skill set.
Our purpose at ACSS is to give a hand up, the premise is simple. all extremely challenging.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worthwhile comes without challenges, I had personal challenges such as health issues, I been blessed twice to get through. There is quite a difference between obstacles and challenges, the key is to look at those “so-called” obstacles as challenges. Again, I have had the luxury of having a boss at ACSS who trust me, you cant have all the responsibility and no power, Dana gives me the latitude to makes changes in the curriculum and the program in general which I appreciate. Even though my health issues I had support from staff, management and the ACSS board, because everyone is replaceable, however, they stood right next to me. So, I officially want to thank them all publically.
Now, in regards to those challenges with my ACSS VIPS (Visionary Innovative Partners) clients. ACSS started with working with just the homeless population however, we have broadened our scope and work with any metro Atlanta job seeker who is trying to change the course of their situation. The challenge is the stigma of the word “homeless” the face of homelessness has changed in the last 10 years. These are not people sleeping under viaducts and collecting cans. We have had every representation of human beings come through the door in need of assistance. From the dentist to people dealing with addictions and criminal backgrounds. All extremely challenging.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
What do we do? This comes up in numerous staff meetings, and each staff member has a different thought on what we do. We assist metro Atlanta job seekers in bettering the quality of their life. Everyone’s idea of success is different so, what we do? we help them obtain what they feel is success!
We specialize in building up their confidence with respect. our mission is to empower financially vulnerable individuals in our community to become self-sufficient, sustainably employed, and economic contributors to society.
We want to be recognized as a leader in breaking the cycle of homelessness and alleviating poverty in Greater Atlanta and beyond. We serve men and women including veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness or residing in subsidized housing.
We also have a fully functioning restaurant, come, check us out for brunch on Sundays, Yelp Us!!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe the city is still looking for their identity but, I believe its headed in the right direction. It’s a great place to start a career. Improvement starts with you.
Contact Info:
- Address: 458 Edgewood Ave Atlanta GA 30312
- Website: atlantacss.org
- Phone: 404-874-8001
- Email: gordon.ellis@atlantacss.org
Image Credit:
BAM
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Shannon
July 11, 2018 at 12:35 pm
What an inspiring and well written article. It warms my heart to see we have people who still care about the well-being of the community and putting the action behind it.
Shirley Warner
July 16, 2018 at 1:26 am
This is an amazing service and awesome example of a true professional and professional helping organization truly willing to meet people where they are in order to help them get on the path to where they can and want to go. As a social worker, I am inspired by Mr. Ellis’ capacity to innovate and his supervisor’s capacity to embrace (and not micro-manage) this type of creativity. In Human Services there is often talk of outcomes in the “helping profession”, and how to best reconcile social work theory with everyday practice. Well, it appears that Gordon Ellis and his team along with the leadership of Voyage ATL really gets it! Thanks for the inspiration. And, congratulations and thank you for all you do for others.
Lynn
November 26, 2018 at 5:16 pm
Gordon is such an incredible human being. He absolutely lives for what he does. His compassion and passion is one of a kind. His heart is built of gold and he is definitely the person who would give you his last! There is no one better to lead this incredible program!