Compassionate Atlanta

29 days to go. Handmade earrings, candles, and one-of-a-kind treasures like these filled our Handmade Hive last year, and we want it just as full in 2026. A special shout out to Arkia Ivey of From Phoenix, a Compassionate Cities of Georgia cohort member whose hand poured candles brought so much warmth to her table, and who joins us at CompassionCon every year. If you make something with heart and want a table this year, the vendor application is closing soon at www.CompassionCon.org.

30 days until CompassionCon 2026. This is where the countdown begins, with partners like A Home for Everyone in DeKalb reminding us that a safe place to live is an act of compassion too, and the support of Legacy Park Decatur, we are excited. Save the date for Sunday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more at www.CompassionCon.org.

oin us this Saturday, September 26, for Gather for Good, a mindful morning of iPhone photography along the Atlanta Beltline.

Did you know that casual social connections like this one help ease loneliness and deepen compassion? When we come together with people who share our values, we build connections that research suggests can actually reshape our brains toward greater openness and human connection.

Shannon Lubell, a certified mindfulness coach and photographer who works with businesses across Atlanta, will show how she uses her iPhone to capture lasting memories and spark creative imagination. You will learn simple, practical skills and then practice them as we stroll among the art and greenery of the Beltline.

We gather at 8:30 AM for coffee or tea on the patio at Muchacho, 904 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. The lesson and walk run from 9 to 11 AM. If rain is in the forecast, we will announce an alternate location ahead of time.

Registration is required, and only a few spots remain. Tickets are $25 and support the work of Compassionate Atlanta.

https://compassionateatl.org/etn/gather-for-good-beltline-photography-walk/

O Britton! We have known you long time and we have loved you long time. Thank you for your desire to share your wisdom and experience from Atlanta Way 2.0 with us. You are a connector extraordinaire and we simply can't wait to make magic with you. Welcome, welcome, welcome.

Known for wearing many hats, Britton Edwards has dedicated her career to projects that create lasting positive impact. As COO of Atlanta Way 2.0, she manages the organization's operations, connecting Activators with causes and coordinating large community gatherings. Britton is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Agnes Scott's Master of Arts in Social Innovation program, with a focus on nonprofit leadership. Before her leap into nonprofit work, she built a career in PR and marketing with Fortune 500 clients.

When she is not working, Britton enjoys painting, exploring the Beltline, live music, and recreational sports. She was a member of the Atlanta Women's Foundation Inspire Atlanta Class of 2019, named one of the 100 DeKalb Leaders for Peace and Community in 2025, and received a Fulton County Citizens Commission on the Environment award. She lives in Atlanta with her two children and their black cats, Joan and Jett.

Please join us for Session 2 of "On Common Ground: Building Bridges across Faith and Community in Dekalb County." These are conversations with different faith traditions as to what they are doing and what they believe about how to tend to our unhoused neighbors. Here is what one participant said from the first session: "Need a little inspiration and hope in your life? Then I encourage all faith leaders to please take advantage of two more amazing interfaith events, On Common Ground, sponsored by Compassionate Atlanta. Be part of a movement uniting all of God's children together to end homelessness in DeKalb County." - Pastor Tom Haygood

https://compassionateatl.org/etn/on-common-ground-session-2-3/

In the Compassionate Atlanta orbit, Sonia is known as "a party all by herself." She has hosted CompassionCon for the last two years and we are thrilled that she has decided to join us on the board. In addition to laughter, joy and kindness, she has a masterful understanding of municipalities and is helping us figure out how to get more municipalities to be compassionate cities. You have already been part of us for a long time Sonia and thank you for showing us even more love!

Sonia Tyler is a storyteller, community connector, environmental advocate, and believer in people. A third culture kid and Congolese American, she was born in Paris, raised in Saudi Arabia, and built her life in the United States, an upbringing that shaped her love of culture and connection.

Sonia serves in the Executive Office of DeKalb County Government, bringing people together through civic engagement and community centered events. She is passionate about young people, literacy, the environment, and building compassionate communities. She is the proud mom of two children and three bonus babies, founder of the Red Carpet Library, and producer of The ScottLite Show.

Sonia joins the Compassionate Atlanta Board believing compassion is how we care for ourselves, each other, and the planet we share. She brings ideas, a determined attitude, a warm laugh, and a simple philosophy: People matter, and everyone deserves more joy and grace along the way.

For those who observe Yom Kippur, we send our thoughts to everyone reflecting today for Yom Kippur: May you have a meaningful fast to those who observe. You are part of our community, and we are holding space for you. With love from Compassionate ATL.
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We love the diversity that Kat brings to the board. We are excited about her financial background and desire to help Compassionate Atlanta be expansive in our finances. Her faith tradition as a Buddhist brings an added interfaith dimension to our board which we simply love. Welcome Kat. We are so grateful for your service.

Kat Hedrick is a healthcare finance leader at Emory Healthcare, where she has built more than 30 years of experience across both nonprofit and commercial health systems. An Emory graduate, she holds a BBA in Accounting and an MBA, credentials that have supported her long career in healthcare finance.

Beyond her professional work, Kat has stayed closely engaged with the Atlanta community. Her service has included six years on the Emory Alumni Board, along with continued service on the Wylde Center Board and its Finance Committee. She also maintains a longtime practice of study and volunteer service at Drepung Loseling Monastery, a commitment she carries into her work on behalf of others.

Kat believes compassion can reduce division, strengthen human connection, and inspire meaningful action, a belief she brings to every board and community role she takes on.
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