BCM newsletter | May 2023

Easier done than thought:

Sarah’s budget literacy story



She was worried that learning to manage her money was going to be a real challenge. Could it even be done? Today, that question has been answered with a resounding “yes”.

Sarah – a paraprofessional for nine years with Atlanta Public Schools – came to BCM Georgia’s Budget for Life^TM program with concerns, but she’d already decided that it would be worth the work. And that perspective set her on the right track toward success.

“I’d never been able to truly balance and budget my money in an effective way. And I remember being so excited to be selected for Budget for Life^TM,” she said. “Before courses started, I made a commitment to myself, BCM, my family and God that I’d stay consistent and focused throughout.”

With this point of view, gaining the skills she needed was far more attainable than Sarah expected.

“The sessions were very informative, personable and professional. And the program made the curriculum beginner friendly,” she said.

“It was literally easier than I had imagined to get my finances in order, versus paying someone or giving a big-name business all my personal information.”

Sarah’s commitment paid off. Not only has she gained peace of mind, she’s also making informed financial decisions while running her own small business on the side. 

“The entire program, the two instructors and the one-on-one budget coach were all major blessings to my household and my own life,” she said. “I can now humbly say that I am 100% debt free! I’m also comfortably able to save and spend with more insight on my priorities and necessities.

“I truly appreciate BMC for offering this program to people who are willing and ready to change, unlearn [bad habits] and relearn how money management is a major stress reliever. 

“Budget literacy has created a freer, happier me. Thank you all again and again!”

Seeds of Change Society Luncheon 2023

Last month, our Seeds of Change Society held its annual luncheon, and it was a day full of celebration! Not only did we surprise several of our Budget for Life^TM program participants with a $1,000 Extra Wish, we also showed the critical needs our Seeds of Change Society meets for struggling families in our community.

AND more than $50,000 was raised for our programs and will fund more Extra Wish awards!

We appreciate each and every one of these of our sponsors who made this event possible and are supporting our Budget for Life^TM program all year long! Special thanks to our corporate sponsor, First Horizon Bank, for coming again this year to help celebrate the work BCM Georgia does in our community.

Want to learn more, become a member, or be on the 2024 host committee? Email seeds@bcmgeorgia.org.

Gold Sponsors

First Horizon Bank

Laura Abernathy

Nan Easterlin/Storey Foundation

Lori D. Mayfield

Diane Moffett

Linda Outlaw

Lisa Wargo

Silver Sponsors

Beth Abernathy 

Nancy MacDonald

Khiya J. Mullins

Amanda Stratton

Bronze Sponsors

Cece Coleman

Carla Mabrey

Joanna McDonald

Christy Roberts

Melba Wynn Hill

2023 Members

Thank you also to the many raffle and in-kind donors who made the Seeds of Change Luncheon a success: Atlanta Photographer, Danette Baxter, Adriana Blackard, Michelle Cornwall, Roxanna Erwin, Elizabeth Lear, Mat Martinides, Diane Moffett, Nothing Bundt Cakes (Sandy Springs), Christy Roberts, Total Wine, Lisa Wargo, and Beth Watkins- Zink.

BCM welcomes new Community Engagement Manager

BCM Georgia is excited to welcome Heather Franklin to the role of Community Engagement Manager. Heather’s background is in nonprofit organizations using an asset-based community development approach.

With a MDiv from Mercer’s School of Theology, Heather has served as a minister and at a variety of organizations focused on accessible green space, community building, addiction, homelessness and health care. In her role at BCM, she will help partner with church, corporate, and community groups as well as individuals to educate and bring awareness to the need of our community. Additionally, she'll work on creating partnerships and volunteer opportunities to further our mission – one program includes our Church Advisory Council.  

“In the city, I see the effects of the affordable housing crisis, wage inequality and lack of financial education each time I walk out my door," Heather said. "I’m excited to work with our churches, partners and staff on building a caring community to walk with neighbors out of crisis and towards economic empowerment.”

You can connect with Heather at HeatherFranklin@bcmgeorgia.org or (678)-399-8423.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience at the 26th annual Tee It Up Golf Tournament to benefit BCM Georgia!

Mark your calendar for Monday, September 18, 2023 at Peachtree Golf Club – an exclusive course ranked as a U.S. Top 100 Golf Course – and register NOW (spots are limited and foursomes fill up quickly)!

You can also help families who need a mulligan to gain financial stability by sponsoring this year's event. Click here to choose your level.

Can you help?

Each of our Emergency Assistance families are offered a gift card to help offset the high cost of food and fuel. Currently, we're in need of Kroger and Walmart gift cards – can you provide one or more?

Just mail to 2847 Piedmont Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30305 or give through an online donation and specify in the comments that it's to be used for gift cards. Thank you for your help!

The mission of BCM Georgia is to keep people from becoming homeless and work to elevate their possibilities for economic empowerment. Learn more at bcmgeorgia.org.