Three Degree Guarantee: Mental health nonprofit supporting local families

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Each month, Atlanta News First highlights a local organization doing good in the community as part of our Three Degree Guarantee program.

The amount of money we donate depends on the accuracy of our weather team. The amount we raise is matched by Coolray Heating & Air Conditioning. This month we are highlighting the work of Chris 180.

Today, we are at the SPOT. It stands for Supporting People Overcoming Trouble and it is a drop-in center.

“This is where our clients are able to come in, work on resumes, figure out what jobs they have, we do mock interviews here,” said CHRIS 180 Operations Manager Liz McGowan.

It is a place for young people who are experiencing homelessness or on the brink of homelessness to have a safe space to breathe, sleep, and eat.

“One of the things that most people don’t think about is like those vital documents, so our life coaches assist most of our clients with getting those vital documents — ID, birth certificate, social security card,” said McGowan.

This is just one of many services Chris 180 provides to the community.

They focus on families and youth, getting people back up on their feet again; helping people find their way after aging out of the foster care system, navigating substance abuse recovery, and violence prevention. They also do work in the LGBTQ community, empowering people and creating safe spaces.

“We are in about 84 schools. We have outpatient counseling centers that provide individual family and group counseling,” said Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Anne Cornell.

They have been in the Atlanta area around for 40 years.

“There are so many needs in our community and to be part of someone’s mental health and safety and wellness is very fulfilling,” said Cornell.

The Three Degree Guarantee helps raise money for nonprofit organizations serving the metro Atlanta community. To date, we’ve donated over $100,000 to local charities. Thanks to our partner Coolray Heating & Air Conditioning for matching this donation.