AARP Atlanta, Pleasant Grove Church Announce Partnership to Support Black Churches

MARIETTA, GA – AARP Atlanta, in collaboration with Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, is proud to announce the launch of the AARP Georgia African American/Black Faith-Based Initiative. This groundbreaking partnership aims to provide support and resources to Black churches in the greater Atlanta area as they chart a new path forward following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The official launch event will take place on Sunday, June 25, at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, coinciding with the church’s 138^th Anniversary Celebration. The service begins at 10 a.m.

“At AARP, we recognize the profound impact that Black churches have on their communities,” said AARP Georgia State Director Debra Tyler Horton. “Through this faith-based initiative, we aim to meet Black churches where they are today and provide the resources, they need to maximize the well-being of their members and the larger community.”

The centerpiece of this partnership is the African American/Black Faith-Based Initiative Tool Kit, a comprehensive handbook designed for faith-based organizations serving African American/Black members, staff, volunteers, constituents, and residents aged 50 and over. This turn-key tool kit offers a wealth of resources on Fraud, Caregiving, saving to improve your financial health and so much more. The toolkit is designed to provide guidance to launch and sustain ministries that promote positive social change and enhance the overall well-being of the congregation and community.

“Today, we embark on a transformative journey as we join hands with AARP Atlanta, an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting our seniors. Together, we are working to create a wrap-around approach to empowering seniors and their families. Our faith compels us to ensure congregants are aware of the resources, tools, and support available as they make critical daily decisions about so many issues. We are embracing this partnership with open arms, knowing that our collective efforts will bring forth lasting, sustainable impact for multiple generations to come," said Reverend Dr. Sammie J. Dow, the Senior Pastor of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

As part of the grant activities, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church will conduct various events and initiatives to gather feedback from the African American/Black community. These activities include hosting toolkit workshops and fun activities, organizing listening sessions with local clergy, and holding issue-specific town halls. The feedback collected will be shared with AARP, enabling them to gain insights and suggestions on how other congregations and faith-based organizations can maximize the faith-based toolkit.

This partnership will mark a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to empower Black churches and secure a brighter future for their communities.

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is in the heart of historic Marietta at 566 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta, GA 30064.

For more information about the AARP Georgia African American/Black Faith-Based Initiative or the launch event, please contact Nicole Emmett, AARP Communications Manager, at nemmett@aarp.org.

About AARP:
AARP is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of individuals aged 50 and over. With a focus on advocacy, education, and community engagement, AARP strives to enhance the well-being of older adults and their families.

About Pleasant Grove Baptist Church:
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, a longstanding pillar within the Marietta community, is a progressive community of believers being transformed, by God, and transforming others through spiritual development, radical generosity, holistic wellness, social witness, and community engagement. Founded in 1885, Pleasant Grove is a historic congregation that has made innovation its aim in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting the needs of its congregation and community. For more information about Pleasant Grove, you can visit their website.