Donald Cummings is an AWDA customer who has demonstrated great strength since arriving in Atlanta following Hurricane Katrina with his family. After being displaced by the hurricane, Donald rose above all obstacles, writing poetry and reading as a way to cope with the losses and challenges he was experiencing. Through the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency he received counseling, case management, referrals and support after the storm. Mr. Cummings started writing poetry and reading as a way to cope with the losses and challenges he was experiencing.

He says it has become a “spiritual journey for me. I have had some hard times, and I have learned I am here for a higher purpose. I start my days with service and end with service. I have learned that I can never give up. You have to keep trying and you will find the strength within. AWDA has helped me in a tremendous way. I have no idea where I would be without the people and resources available at Atlanta Workforce Development Agency. 

Mr. Cummings is working full-time at the airport. He continues to write poetry with the intention of publishing his work and sharing it with others as a way to serve.