Atlanta, GA | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 — Heartbeats & Hands 540, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering communities and championing critical causes, has achieved significant milestones in the first quarter of 2024, embodying their core mission and values. Their progress aligns with the organization's four cornerstones of impact for 2024: Promote Positive Conscious Citizenship & Social Harmony, Support the Advocacy of Health & Wellness, Support the Wellbeing & Development of Youths, and Provide Support & Empowerment to the Unhoused Population.
During Q1, Heartbeats & Hands 540 demonstrated unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. They contributed over 80 hours of volunteer work and generated a financial impact of $4,365 through in-kind donations, scholarship awards, and fundraising endeavors.
Key Highlights:
Promote Positive Conscious Citizenship & Social Harmony:
Launched the Steps for Change Shoe Drive, collecting 273 pairs of new and gently used shoes through partnership with a local shoe store and donations made by community members.
Provide Support & Empowerment to the Unhoused Population:
Through the Steps for Change Shoe Drive donated 84 pairs of new women's shoes to the City of Refuge’s House of Cherith shelter for women recovering from the trauma of sexual exploitation, an in-kind value of $3,500.
Midtown Assistance Center (MAC): 95 pairs of new and gently used shoes were distributed to MAC, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and prevention assistance to the low-income yet working population in the midtown and downtown Atlanta areas. MAC's clothing closet provides work clothes for individuals in need, making these donations invaluable.
Atlanta Mission: 94 pairs of new and gently used shoes were also donated to Atlanta Mission, a homeless shelter serving over 1000 men, women, and children in Atlanta and Northeast Georgia every day.
Support the Advocacy of Health & Wellness:
Awarded a $500 scholarship to birthing specialist and Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), Kristina McBride, enabling her to pursue the Perinatal Mental Health Certification of Mental Health by Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Launched "On The Beat Chat," a series of fireside chats covering topics related to physical and mental health, youth advancement, and homelessness. The inaugural chat featured Kristina McBride discussing both women and men's mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, pregnancy loss - stillbirth and miscarriage, and the importance of a strong support system.
Honored World Endometriosis Awareness Month with a compelling discussion titled "Thriving with Endometriosis" for the On The Beat Chat, featuring Dr. Soyini Hawkins from the Fibroid and Pelvic Wellness Center of Georgia.
Hosted the Easter Joy Celebration at Peachtree Creek Memory Care, created engaging activities for residents with memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
"We are thrilled to announce these impactful achievements from the first quarter of 2024. Our commitment to creating positive change and supporting those in need remains unwavering," said Tremaine Bagley, Board Treasurer at Heartbeats & Hands 540.
As Heartbeats & Hands 540 looks ahead to the upcoming quarter, they invite the community to join them in their mission. Stay connected with their initiatives and upcoming events by visiting their website and following them on social media.
About Heartbeats & Hands 540:
Heartbeats & Hands 540 is a philanthropic volunteer organization dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between individuals and impactful volunteer opportunities at charitable and non-profit organizations across the state of Georgia. Established in 2022 by our founder, who, after experiencing a stillbirth in 2021, envisioned Heartbeats & Hands 540 as a vehicle for spreading joy amidst grief.
Our organization draws its name from the symbolism of the heartbeat, representing the unifying organ we all share that gives us life, and hands, symbolizing the spirit of helping hands reaching out to those in need. The number 540 holds a special significance, representing 540Hz—the frequency of joy. Heartbeats & Hands 540 is committed to making a positive impact on individuals and communities, guided by the belief that joy and support go hand in hand.
Through our volunteer initiatives and partnerships with charitable organizations, we aim to create a network of compassion and service, bringing comfort to those facing challenges and spreading joy where it is needed most. Join us in our mission to build a community of caring hearts and helping hands, uplifting one another, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Media Contacts:
Elyse Hill
Board Secretary
Christy Williams
Board Secretary Assistant - Records & Projects Coordinator