About AIM
Partnering with inner-city families to raise strong, Christian adults
Atlanta Inner-City Ministry partners with kids, teenagers, and families in Atlanta's inner-city neighborhoods — meeting urgent needs today and walking with families for years.
AIM at a glance
Showing up, week after week
Kids and students involved in weekly youth development programs
Pounds of food distributed to 362 households in 2026
Kids sponsored for AIMCamp 2026
Weekend snack bags distributed in 2025
Students supported with back-to-school supplies
Who We Are
A ministry rooted in one Atlanta neighborhood
Atlanta Inner-City Ministry exists to partner with inner-city families to raise strong, Christian adults.
We work out of our community center in Lakewood Heights and directly inside the neighborhoods we serve, providing physical needs support, mental health and recovery resources, and regular environments for kids, teenagers, and their families.
Local churches across Atlanta partner with us to make that work possible.
The story
About Atlanta Inner-City Ministry
Hear directly from the staff, volunteers, and families who make up AIM.
The program journey
Walking with kids at every stage
From kindergarten through graduation, AIM stays close — and our family programs support the whole household along the way.
Elementary
Ages 5–10 · K–5
ThriveKids
Weekly afterschool groups at the AIM Family Center.
School & Community Support
Weekend snack bags and school supplies for Benteen Elementary.
Middle School
Ages 11–13
LIFT Students
A weekly group for Biblical literacy and life skills.
High School
Ages 14–18
LIFT Students
Teens meet weekly alongside middle schoolers in one combined group.
Family & Community
All ages · supporting the whole household
FamilyConnect
Semi-monthly groups where parents learn and lean on each other.
Food Pantry
Open weekly to anyone in the community.
Community Food Outreach
Monthly outreach right in the neighborhood.
Our Mission Field
Inner-city Atlanta is our mission field
Atlanta is a major mission field that is so often missed. Food insecurity, poverty, broken families, drugs, and violence are prevalent in the communities and lives of thousands of kids and teenagers.
With over 40% of kids in our community below the poverty line and a median income $49,000 less than the city average, kids are growing up without the tools they need to thrive.
- Child poverty rate
- 0.0%
- Single parent homes
- 0.0%
- Kids not enrolled in school
- 0%
- Median income
- $0
Based on the 2020 US Census for the 30315 zip code, where we serve.
Our Agenda
We want kids, teenagers, and families to thrive
From food and clothing support to counseling services and consistent weekly environments, AIM comes alongside parents with the tools, resources, and relationships families need to thrive.
Programs
Phase-appropriate programs for kids, teenagers, and their families where they can get support, enjoy community, and experience the Gospel.
Food & Clothes
Weekly food and clothing support, plus special outreaches through the year like Thanksgiving in a Box and Winter Coats.
Summer Programs
A full summer calendar — KidsCamp day camp runs all of June, and our sleep-away camp follows in July.
What We Believe
Four convictions shape everything we do
Relationship First
Programs don't change lives — people do. Every service we offer exists to build a trusted, long-term relationship with a child and their family.
Rooted in Faith
We serve because we follow Jesus. We share the hope of the gospel plainly, and we serve everyone who walks through our doors.
With, Not For
Families are the experts on their own lives. We partner with parents and caregivers rather than working around them.
Present For The Long Haul
We measure success in years, not events — from a first grocery box to a high school diploma and a plan for what's next.
Our Leadership
Staff team
Bret Wilson
Executive Director
Alfred Donald
Director of Community Outreach
Vickie Avery
Assistant to the Executive Director
Eric Avery
Outreach Lead
Board of directors
Bret Wilson
Executive Director
Atlanta Inner-City Ministry, Inc
John Cheshier
Regional Sales Manager
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc
Chris Reese
President & CFO
ASW
Alfred Donald
Director of Community Outreach
Atlanta Inner-City Ministry, Inc
Trevor Richardson
Software Engineer
The Home Depot
Jeremy Mitchell
Executive Director
His Way Atlanta, Inc
John Webb
Dealer Principal
Liberty Chevrolet
Diane Tomlinson
Contract Administrator
Oxford Properties
Rufus Smith
Area Manager — GA, AL & SC
Q-SYS
Church & Organization Partners
AIM partners with local churches and organizations around Atlanta to accomplish our mission
AIM FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is AIM located?+
AIM is located in the southeast Atlanta neighborhood of Lakewood Heights. Our community center and office is at 1966 Lakewood Ter SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
What does AIM do?+
AIM exists to partner with inner-city families to raise strong, Christian adults. We do this by providing physical needs support (food & clothing), mental health & recovery resources, and regular environments for kids, teenagers, and their families.
How can I support AIM's work?+
There are three primary ways to support the work AIM is doing: volunteer, give, and pray.
How is AIM funded?+
AIM is funded by contributions from individuals, organizations, and foundations. We also partner with several Atlanta-area churches that help support our work in the city.
Come see the work for yourself
Tour the community center, meet the team, and find the place where you fit.