East Lake Foundation

Collaborating with residents and public and private partners, the East Lake Foundation transformed one of the nations most distressed public housing projects into a thriving model for community redevelopment. The new community includes: The Villages of East Lake, an award-winning mixed income community; Drew Charter School, serving 820 students age 3 through grade 8; the East Lake Family YMCA; the East Lake Sheltering Arms Early Learning Center; the public Charlie Yates Golf Course, home of The First Tee of East Lake golf and life skills program; and Publix, the first grocery store in the community in over forty years. As part of the revitalization effort, the Foundation creates and funds educational, recreational and self-sufficiency programs for community residents.

Mission: Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, the East Lake Foundation (ELF) was established in 1995 to lead the revitalization of Atlantas East Lake neighborhood. Our mission is to help residents break the cycle of poverty through affordable housing, quality education, community wellness and connections with the broader community.