When home-cooked meals and good advice seem far away, some churches and communities in Dahlonega have an answer.

Several programs offer support by “adopting” college students – or any young adult in North Georgia – into a family group. 

Eli Sorrow, Univeristy of North Georgia graduate and college ministry director at Concord Baptist Church, created the “adopt-a-student” program at his church. Sorrow says, “I wanted to give students an intentional opportunity to meet and interact with older adults and families while they are at school. Even though students will say different, they miss having mom and dad guiding and directing them, so we wanted to provide them opportunities to have that face-to-face interaction while at school.”

Michelle Eaton, UNG’s associate vice president for student success, says, “If students are being ‘poured into’ by older generations, it can benefit their personal and academic success. They can gain mentors who have lived through challenges, failures, and successes – offering students guidance on how to navigate their journeys. Older generations can provide emotional support and perspectives to help understand different viewpoints.” Eaton continues, “Just as with on-campus engagement opportunities, community engagement opportunities can be of value if students are open to the experiences. Stepping outside their college experience and into their communities can help them better prepare for life beyond graduation.” 

Matt Nixon, a junior psychology major, has been a part of the adopt-a-student program for seven months and says this group provides him with a home away from home. Nixon says, “The lady that runs my group is a UNG professor, so she is able to give me some great wisdom. The church that provides this group to students intentionally picks families that have similar interests to the students.”  

Concord’s adopt-a-student program is not the only opportunity for students to get involved with their communities. The Branch, a church in Dahlonega, runs family groups. Alex Williams, a senior kinesiology, has been a part of a family group for the past 2 ½ years. Williams says, “Getting to share a meal and life with other people outside of my circle and age range, I have been able to get to know a lot more of the families in Lumpkin this way. It’s my favorite part of my week.”

You can get more information about joining these communities through The Branch Website or through Concord Baptist Church.