About Us
The Story of Grove Park Renewal
Grove Park Renewal was started as an effort to empower neighbors through quality, dignified housing. Much of the housing in Grove Park was dilapidated and owned by absentee landlords who had little interest in fostering community. Grove Park Renewal is developing these properties for the benefit of the current neighbors.
Our
Neighbors
Our neighbors consist of a large range of people. We hope to not only provide quality housing for financially insecure families, but we also prioritize creating social and emotional capital as well for those neighbors. So we value supporting a range of neighbors to enter our Grove Park community to support the renewal.
STAFF
Ronnesha Asumadu
Operations Administrator
Ronnesha is a native of Indiana and gained her passion and appreciation for the non-profit sector as an undergrad. With a solid background in business administration, human resources and advocacy, she believes the heartbeat of any successful agency is to be purpose driven and mission focused, all of which Grove Park models perfectly. Ronnesha enjoys traveling & creating unforgettable experiences with her husband of 11yrs and discovering creative ways to stay active. She's excited to be apart of the Grove Park family & looks forward to doing life with the residents & community for many years to come.
Justin Bleeker
Executive Director
Justin is passionate about all facets of community development. With a strong background in urban planning, administration, non-profit leadership, and a love for people, Justin's desire through Grove Park Renewal is to think strategically and practically about neighborhood development. He and his wife, Ruby, live in Grove Park with their three children.
Karson Brown
Community Engagement Intern
Karson is currently a student at Georgia State University pursuing a master's degree in social work with a specialization in community partnerships. She is also working as a case manager for Goodwill North Georgia in Smyrna. She is a recent summa cum laude graduate of Tennessee State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in social work with a minor in political science. Karson is a former Adoptions Social Service Technician for DFACS. She has also worked as an intern for Dekalb County government career academy work source and for the PENCIL Foundation family resource center. Her philosophy in life and in work is always to treat everyone with respect.
Matt Hawkins
Project Management Intern
Matt is an Atlanta native, currently pursuing his master’s in city and regional planning at Georgia Tech. With a background in college ministry, Matt has strong community building and non-profit operations experience. Matt is passionate about affordable housing, and helping to build a better, more equitable Grove Park.
Chris Jackson
Maintenance Supervisor
Chris Jackson was born and raised in Atlanta and his passion for construction and home preservation began well over 20 years ago. When he's not working, Chris enjoys spending time with his four children, biking, fishing, traveling, and also coaching little league football. Chris places a high value on providing excellence in his work, his hospitality and his diligence to always get the job done right.
Maureen Sanchez
Director of Community Engagement
Maureen is extremely grateful that God has opened the door for her to work with the Grove Park Renewal team. She has a background in mental health counseling and received a masters degree in community development. Since moving to the Westside in 2010, Maureen has been active in the English Avenue and Bankhead/Historic Westin Heights neighborhood. She is hopeful that her love for data and research, along with people and programs, will empower her to love and care for the neighbors around her.
John Sydney
Property Manager
John is a Virgin Islands native and a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He is passionate about community development and building holistic relationships with people. John has a strong background in housing administration, operations, and management. John moved to Atlanta to work with the Grove Park Renewal team, and he is excited to serve and support the community.
BOARD
Erika Brown
Chairperson
Darryl Levette
Board Member
Dawn Collier
Board Member
Dr. Erin Bradley
Board Member
Imani Swoope
Board Member
Samuel Dimon
Board Member
Donovan Potter
Board Member
Hessel Baker
Board Member
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Lecrae Moore
Board Member
Preston Perry
Board Member
