Toco Hills Community Alliance
Toco Hills Community Alliance
Toco Hills Community Alliance (THCA) is a group of faith communities and others working together to help those in need in our service area of Dekalb and northeast Atlanta. The goal of THCA is to make available emergency food assistance with free groceries, including non-perishable food, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy items, breads, meat and desserts. We also provide free clothing and some meals. Currently, due to high volume of usage, all services are provided outside of the building, with volunteers preparing for service delivery inside the building. Contextual Education I interns will function in a variety of roles in support of these goals, including assisting with packing and distributing groceries, greeting and intake for those receiving services, working directly with volunteers, as well as assisting in locating or developing additional resources.
Site Work
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:30am-4:30pm, Friday, 9:30am-2:00pm
Site work will be in person. COVID vaccine and booster encouraged.
Contextual Education I interns will function in a variety of roles, with tasks that vary daily based on need. Distribution days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and students must work at least one shift per semester during distribution hours. Currently, we do not have any off-site work that can be performed. We can accommodate 3 students at a time. Fluency in Spanish will be an asset.
Fall 2023 Reflection Group
Monday, 2:30pm-4:00pm led by Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig.
Spring 2024 Integrative Seminar
Monday, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Faculty Academic Advisor
Dr. Khalia Williams will serve as the academic advisor for Toco Hills Community Alliance students.
Site Mission
Neighbors Helping Neighbors - To provide assistance and support for those in the nine zip code service area in Central Dekalb and Northeast Atlanta, as well as those experiencing homelessness and those who are veterans, who are without sufficient food or resources for themselves and their families.
About the Site
With 1 in 7 Georgians facing food insecurity, THCA is part of response to ensure those in need have access to good, healthy food provided in an atmosphere of welcome, hospitality, and community. The demographics of those who receive services are as diverse as the metro Atlanta area itself, encompassing racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities, as well as families of all constellations, senior citizens, children, and college students, those experiencing homelessness, those in recovery from substance abuse, those who are having physical and/or mental health issues, immigrants and refugees. Many who receive services are employed, but simply unable to cover all of their expenses. Services are provided by a dedicated, nearly all volunteer staff that is as diverse as those who receive services. For more information, see the website at https://tocohillsalliance.org/home.
Additional Requirements & Accessibility
Interns should be open to engagement with different kinds of people and exhibit compassion. THCA is accessible on MARTA Bus Route 30, on LaVista Rd between North Druid Hills Rd and Briarcliff Rd near Carolyn Dr. Follow the church entrance driveway through the parking lot to the white building located behind the church. Look for our sign.
All students working at this site must be fully vaccinated for COVID, able to lift 25 pounds easily, adhere to all safety protocols including temperature checks, wearing masks and gloves, and social distancing at all times while working. Fluency in Spanish will be an asset.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Here are Toco Hills Community Alliance's COVID-19 policies, as of February 2022. As the situation evolves, these are subject to change at the discretion of the board.
Contact
Toco Hills Community Alliance
1790 LaVista Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
404.325.0677
Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig, Executive Director
lisa@tocohillsalliance.org
Teaching and Site Supervisor
Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig has served a number of churches in the Southern US, assisting congregations through times of transition with growth in organizational development and intentional outreach. Additionally, she has extensive experience in social service ministries, non-profit management, leadership development, and program coordination.
In May of 2018, Lisa graduated with a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary with an emphasis on Gospel, Culture, and the Transformation of the Church. Previously, she received a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
She currently serves as the Executive Director of Toco Hills Community Alliance, a collaborative and ecumenical ministry that provides hot meals, groceries, and clothing to fulfill the mission of neighbors helping neighbors.