Client Services 2021: A Year of Rebuilding

During 2021, CAC focused on reopening and rebuilding operations for all services. The Food Pantry and Thrift Shop operated 3 days a week during the first half of the year. Financial Assistance and Adult Education opened for in-person services in June; virtual access continues to be offered. In the second half of the year, CAC served on average 180% more individuals than the first half. A total of 5,984 individuals from 2,299 households were supported by CAC services which prevented homelessness and alleviated hunger for our neighbors on need last year.

Financial Assistance:

  • 814 households comprised of 1,691 individuals received assistance towards rent/mortgage, and/or utility payments.
  • 86% of them reported that they had been able to keep their house stability after 180 days of receiving the financial assistance
  • Only 37% reported that they had been able to solve the crisis for which they sought assistance at CAC.
  • All of these clients developed an Individual Service Plan and were connected with additional resources to work towards stability and self-sufficiency.

Food service, a major component of CAC mission, reopened its in-door client choice market in June, 3-days a week. However, 61% of CAC clients had reported that they are food insecure; 50% of them skip meals on a weekly basis. So, in September the Market opened 5-days a week. We provided fresh and dry food as well as toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet food to more than 1,200 households serving more than 3,100 individuals. The Holiday Basket Program supported 604 households with more than 2,200 individuals during Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

The Thrift Shop, operating 3-days a week, went back to 5 days per week operations and served 650 households comprised of 2,070 individuals. In addition to clients shopping with vouchers, CAC earned $202,200 revenue in 2021 compared to $93,200 in 2020.

CAC served 2,334 children and youth ages newborn to 17 years old.
Tools for School Program: 910 children received school specific supplies and back pack

  • Summer Meals for Kids Program: 562 children received food each week during the summer
  • Coats for Kids: 403 children
  • Adopt-A-Family Program: 1490 children received gifts for the Holidays from their wish list.
  • In addition, 3115 children benefited from the Teacher Closet Program in partnership with Sandy Springs Education Force.