PAWKids

03/14/2026

Some people speak into your life in ways that stay with you forever. For me, one of those people was John Perkins.

I had the honor of sitting in his home years ago, listening to his wisdom about faith, justice, and loving your community enough to stay and rebuild it. His words about proximity and serving the neighborhood helped shape the vision that would later become PAWKids.

Dr. Perkins believed that real change happens when people commit to the places others overlook. That truth still guides the work we do today on the Westside.

Grateful for his life, his wisdom, and the seeds he planted in so many of us. RIP Man of God

03/08/2026

Today is one of those moments where gratitude overflows.

Because of the generosity of 100 Shares, PAWKids was selected as one of their 2026 grantees, and that blessing just turned into wheels for our future.

This beautiful van is more than transportation. It represents access, opportunity, and experiences our children deserve. It means our kids can travel to educational trips, community events, leadership opportunities, and places that help expand their vision of what is possible.

At PAWKids we believe exposure changes everything. When young people see more, they dream more.

Thank you 100 Shares for believing in the work happening on Atlanta’s Westside and for investing in the lives of our children and families. Your support is literally helping move our mission forward.

03/04/2026

Two organizations. One mission. One community.

We are proud to share that Claudia’s House and Granma’s House have come together to open a food pantry on Simpson Road, providing meals, hygiene supplies, and cleaning supplies to families in our community.

Our Grand Opening was a huge success, and it would not have been possible without the love and support from everyone who showed up, donated,and prayed over this vision.

When organizations come together with the heart to serve, real impact happens. This partnership is about more than food it’s about neighbors caring for neighbors and making sure our community has the resources it deserves.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this moment possible. This is only the beginning.

Special thanks to we could not have done this without you.

02/13/2026

When we needed it most, the Lord provided. 🤍

We are so deeply grateful to National Charity League Peachtree Paces Chapter and Mission in the City for showing up for PAWKids with break boxes and essential supplies for our families.

Your generosity is a reminder that we are never alone in this work. Scripture tells us that faith without works is dead, and you have truly put love into action. Because of you, our shelves are fuller, our hearts are lighter, and our community feels seen.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus when it mattered most. 💛

02/06/2026

We bought one of the largest trap houses in this neighborhood, a decade ago” Latonya Gates said. “Just to see what’s taking place right here on the corner of Hortense and Donald Lee Hollowell, we are rebuilding a house.”

Gates is the founder of PAWKids.

The organization’s name reflects the two congregations supporting it from the beginning, Paradise Baptist Church and Atlanta Westside Presbyterian.

The organization’s name reflects the two congregations supporting it from the beginning, Paradise Baptist Church and Atlanta Westside Presbyterian.

01/27/2026

We are beyond excited to share that we are partnering with and opening our 2nd location to help combat food insecurity on the Westside of Atlanta. This moment is bigger than a building. It’s legacy work. It’s prayer meeting action. It’s the answer to generations who prayed that their children would not have to struggle the way they did.

This new space represents proximity, protection, and provision. It means more families fed, more dignity restored, and more neighbors cared for right where they are. It’s proof that when community comes together, scarcity does not win.

We believe this is what happens when the ancestors unite—when their sacrifices meet our obedience, when faith meets feet, and love shows up in real ways.

The work continues. The table is expanding. And the Westside deserves nothing less.

01/26/2026

THE CIRCLE

A safe space for young men to be real, heard, and whole.
No judgment. No pretending. Just truth, growth, and brotherhood.

Every Tuesday
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
676 Hortense Place Atlanta GA 30318
Dinner served

Come as you are.
Leave stronger.

Tag a young man who needs this space.

01/21/2026

Thank You for Standing in Unity.

Thank you to every church, family, elder, youth, faith leader, volunteer, and neighbor who joined us for this year’s MLK Unity Service. Your presence mattered. What we witnessed was more than a gathering it was a living reminder that unity is still possible when we choose love, justice, and one another.

We stood together in prayer, worship, and purpose. This is how Dr. King’s legacy lives not just in words, but in action.

As Scripture reminds us:
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” ~Psalm 133:1

May what we felt in that room move us beyond the moment and into the work. We are better together.

With gratitude and commitment.

01/17/2026

Honored and grateful to Frederick Douglass High School and for allowing me to serve as keynote speaker for the Class of 2026 Senior Pinning Ceremony.

This moment was about legacy, purpose, and reminding our young people that they are walking in answered prayers. To the Class of 2026 wear your pin knowing you are called, capable, and destined to lead.

Thank you for trusting me with such a sacred moment

01/07/2026

Thank you to The Westminster Schools for opening your doors and hearts and allowing me the honor of spending time with your Lower School students.

Standing before those young minds and spirits was a powerful reminder that community service begins with compassion, curiosity, and the courage to care about others. Seeds of empathy were already planted I simply had the privilege of watering them.

Thank you for believing that it’s never too early to teach children the value of service, responsibility, and love for community. Thank you for creating space where young people are encouraged not just to learn, but to become thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand that their actions matter.

I am deeply grateful for the warmth, intentionality, and respect shown to me, and for the work you do every day to shape hearts as much as minds.

With gratitude and hope,
LaTonya

01/05/2026

The holidays may be over, but the love is still strong
Thank you for supporting our PAWKids Christmas Tree Pickup Project, proudly sponsored by the PAWKids Junior Board.
Our young leaders stepped up in a big way, and your participation helps us continue serving families year round.
This is community. We are PAWKids!!

11/16/2025