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.

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.

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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

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.

Matt Hawkins

Intern

Matt is an Atlanta native and aspiring city planner who is excited to be part of the Grove Park Renewal team. With a background in college ministry, Matt has strong community building and non-profit operations experience. Matt is excited to learn more about affordable housing and the development process to help build a better, more equitable Grove Park.

Emmy Henderson

Intern

Emmy is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she received degrees in English language/literature and music. Recently, she moved to Atlanta to participate in the Fellows Initiative - a Christian leadership program at City Church Eastside in Midtown. Emmy is thrilled to have an internship with the Grove Park Renewal team, and she looks forward to growing her love and knowledge of Atlanta and its residents.

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.

KaToya Sumner

Property Manager

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 with an extensive background in customer service as well as 8 years of experience in property management. 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.