Bridging the Gap

Email Address

info@btgcommunity.org

Phone Number

770-683-9110

Our Location

19 First Ave. Newnan

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Board of Directors

History of BTG
Meet Our board of directors
Thank you

BTG Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated community leaders who generously give their time, energy, and expertise to guide Bridging the Gap. Each member makes personal sacrifices to ensure our mission continues, from shaping strategy to supporting programs and events. Their commitment reflects a deep love for this community and a shared belief that every family deserves food, hope, and a brighter future.

  • Feed

    Providing nutritious food to individuals and families so no one in our community goes hungry.

  • Serve

    Meeting practical needs with compassion through clothing, hygiene items, household goods, and more.

  • Restore

    Walking alongside people with support and resources to help them rebuild stability and hope.

Bridging the Gap

Meet The Board

Get to know the 
Board behind Bridging the Gap who work every day to serve our community with compassion.

2

David Benson

Board Chair

4

Christina Hall

Vice Chair

Photo Nov 08 2024, 8 01 54 PM

Wesley Chapman

Secretary

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Jackie Parker

Treasurer

Photo Nov 08 2024, 8 45 01 PM

Charlie Grant

Board Member

Doug Patterson

Board Member

5

Cliff Smith

Board Member

1

Damion Miklosoviv

Board Member

3

Nina Blackwelder

Baord Member

Our Mission

FEED. SERVE. RESTORE

At Bridging the Gap, our mission is simple — to feed, serve, and restore. We provide food and essential resources to families in need, meet people with compassion in their hardest moments, and walk alongside them as they work toward stability and hope.

Feed

Through our weekly food distribution and special initiatives like Summer Lunch, we provide nutritious meals and groceries so families never have to worry about going hungry.

Serve

We meet practical needs with care by offering clothing, hygiene products, household essentials, and seasonal programs such as Christmas in Coweta.

Restore

Beyond immediate relief, we walk with families with guidance, referrals, and support services that help them rebuild stability and find long-term solutions.

The History if Bridging the Gap Inc

BTG Community Outreach began in 2009 as a grassroots effort led by a single woman, Alison Wallace, who took it upon herself to serve the homeless by distributing food from the back of her van. With a strong sense of community and compassion, she aimed to address both immediate needs and help individuals find long-term solutions. By 2011, BTG had grown significantly and became an official nonprofit organization,

The organization’s first building was located on Lee Street, where it continued to serve not only the homeless but also families in need. This location functioned as a “storehouse,” where community members could access food and other essentials. However, due to the rapid increase in demand, BTG soon outgrew this space and relocated to its current location.

From its early days, BTG Community Outreach has been about more than just providing food. The organization focuses on opening conversations with individuals and families, offering support and guidance to help them achieve better living situations. The hiring of Craig Buchanan & Jeremiah Butler in 2016 marked a significant milestone, as it formalized the organization’s client services department, allowing BTG to offer more structured and comprehensive assistance.

In 2017, the original director left the organization. John Melia stepped in and served as interim director for eight months before Kelli Yeager-Nelson was hired in June of 2019. Under Kelli’s leadership, BTG continued to expand its outreach, furthering its mission to serve the community with both care and practical solutions.

In October 2024, Jamar Joiner became the Executive Director, bringing a fresh vision and leadership to BTG Community Outreach as it continues to grow and serve more individuals and families in need.

BTG remains committed to providing essential resources and fostering hope, staying true to its mission of building stronger, more resilient communities.