Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & DeKalb Inc

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Citizen Advocacy is a social justice organization directly responding to the social devaluation of people with developmental disabilities.

Yesterday

 Since 1977, we have been initiating and supporting one-on-one personal relationships between ordinary citizens and people with developmental disabilities who are experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect, and social isolation. A Citizen Advocate, who is unpaid and independent of the human services system, learns to understand, respond to, and represent that person’s interests as if they were their own, thus bringing the person’s gifts and concerns into the circles of ordinary community life. 

Today

Friendship, social support, and social change can all emerge from these intentional relationships. By supporting these ongoing, potentially life-long, relationships, citizen advocacy fosters a community where all people’s gifts and talents can be shared and celebrated. Last year, we were able accomplish many of our ambitious goals including initiating 12 new relationship matches, despite the fiscal and emotional impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year we are well on our way to reaching our goal of initiating 14 new matches and supporting over 60 relationships. 

Tomorrow

As we look to the next forty years, we will strengthen and grow the organization to continue to increase the number of Citizen Advocacy matches in Atlanta & DeKalb. The vast majority of our contributions come from caring and committed individuals, like you. Whether you make a one-time or monthly donation, you are a vital part of our mission to safeguard people with developmental disabilities through inclusion and advocacy by people like you.