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.
CORE VALUES
Empower the Whole Person
We respect all people and enhances the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual make
up of each person
We care and seek to empower the disenfranchised and under-
resourced neighbors.
Generate Human Connections
Our residents know fellow residents, neighbors, and our staff.
We strive to increase the social capital of residents.
Create A Quality, Sustainable Living Experience
Our houses are well built and beautiful. We leverage public and private resources to improve living conditions for residents. Our staff collaborate with residents to improve their resiliency within the community.
Honor Neighborhood History & Culture
We value the wisdom of those who have gone before us.
We acknowledge past & current racism, disenfranchisement, and discrimination against the
majority black population in our neighborhood and its impact on contemporary society.
With this we aim to serve our neighborhood leaders and aspire to do so humbly, diligently, and
imaginatively.
We seek to empower neighbors who are pursuing a more just society.
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.
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STAFF
Justin Bleeker
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.
KaToya Sumner
Leasing Agent/Community Coordinator
KaToya loves people and loves to see people empowered to explore, adventure, and think outside of limitation. Originally from Dallas, KaToya has fallen in love with Atlanta since moving here with her family in 2009. KaToya is a former elementary educator and has a strong background in property management and customer service. She is also a Certified Group Fitness Instructor who desires to create a safe environment for people of all fitness levels and abilities to lead happier, healthier lives.
Theneshia Bowen
Intern
Originally from Jamaica, Theneshia moved to Georgia from New York in 2007. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook, and an M.Ed. from Georgia State University. Theneshia worked for the DeKalb and Gwinnett County Schools for 14 years. While her concern for equity in the classroom for black and brown students continues, she feels called help build up communities as a minister. She is looking forward to supporting the Grove Park community through Grove Park Renewal while she works towards a Masters of Divinity at Candler School of Theology.
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