The Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (Central OAC) began with a simple act of kindness in 1980 when a young woman named Mary, struggling to feed her family despite having a roof over their heads, sought help at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta. Moved by her story, Rev. Joanna Adams arranged groceries for Mary’s family, marking the humble beginnings of what would grow into a vital community resource.
From those early days in a small closet, Central OAC evolved into a well-known nonprofit serving dozens of individuals in need each weekday. By 1997, recognizing that the challenges of homelessness and poverty in downtown Atlanta were beyond the capacity of church staff alone, Central OAC hired dedicated staff and became an independent organization.
Today, Central OAC continues its mission from the lower level of Central Presbyterian Church, providing emergency food, advocacy, and outreach services to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The agency’s growth reflects its commitment to adapting to community needs while honoring the spirit of kindness, respect, and humility that greeted Mary nearly 40 years ago.