A group photo of Youth Futures staff and students sitting outside of the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Staff and students in the Youth Futures program at Clarkston High School and the IRC in Atlanta’s Connect 2 Success Program attended Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

Just before the peak of the holiday season, staff and students in the IRC in Atlanta’s Youth Futures program at Clarkston High School and the Connect 2 Success program attended Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, thanks to tickets generously gifted by the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

This fantastic 20-acre electric display was crowned the “heavyweight” champion of ABC-TV's Great Christmas Light Fight and absolutely delivered on the promise of being the best holiday light show in the country. Staff provided hats and gloves to students to make sure they could enjoy the lights before the freezing temperatures sent everyone back to the warmth of their homes. Our class was blown away by the display and grateful to the Botanical Garden staff who also provided hand warmers to fight the cold! 

In 2023, our Youth Futures program supported 84 students in their high school studies while our Connect 2 Success program supported 133 students aged 16-24 in their education and career goals. These students have shown incredible work ethic and dedication throughout their educational and professional journeys, and we were so happy to cap off the year with a stroll through the stunning (though frigid!) exhibition. Scroll to check out photos from the IRC in Atlanta’s trip to Garden Lights, Holiday Nights!

IRC in Atlanta's Youth Program Manager, Julie Goldberg, and Housing Coordinator, Shaina Applewhite.
IRC in Atlanta's Youth Program Manager, Julie Goldberg, and Housing Coordinator, Shaina Applewhite.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
IRC in Atlanta's Housing Coordinator Shaina Applewhite.
IRC in Atlanta's Housing Coordinator Shaina Applewhite.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Students outside of the Garden Nights, Holiday Lights
Students outside of the Garden Nights, Holiday Lights display.
Photo: Students outside of the Garden Nights, Holiday Lights display.
Youth Futures students entering the Tunnel of Light at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students enter the Tunnel of Light at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students entering the Tunnel of Light at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students explore the Tunnel of Light at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Students walking through the Tunnel of Lights
Youth Futures students explore the Tunnel of Light at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students standing in the Tunnel of Light at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students stand in the Tunnel of Light at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students standing in the Tunnel of Light at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students stand in the Tunnel of Light at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures student standing outside of the Tunnel of Light at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures student stands outside of the Tunnel of Light at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students in the Glowing Grove at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures Coordinator Rudi Mucaj and students in the Glowing Grove at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students smile in the Butterfly Brook at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students smile in the Butterfly Brook at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students being photographed by Student Support Specialist Jodi Cantor
Youth Futures students line up for the Student Support Specialist Jodi Cantor's photo-op.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Butterfly Brook display at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Butterfly Brook display at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students staring in awe and warming their nose.
Youth Futures students stare in awe and warm their noses at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
The Ice Goddess at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Ice Goddess display at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students smile at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students smile at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students enter the Canopy Walk at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Youth Futures students enter the Canopy Walk at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Canopy Walk at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Canopy Walk at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Canopy Walk at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Canopy Walk at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Student Support Specialist Jodi Cantor and Youth Futures students smile for the camera at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Student Support Specialist Jodi Cantor and Youth Futures students smile for the camera at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students look at Student Support Specialist Ajok Dut's photo.
Youth Futures students look at Student Support Specialist Ajok Dut's photo.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Youth Futures students sitting with a frog statue at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Youth Futures students sitting with a frog statue at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

 

Youth Futures students hugging under the Kiss Me Arch at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Youth Futures students hugging under the Kiss Me Arch at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Student Support Specialist Ajok Dut and a Youth Futures student smile at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Student Support Specialist Ajok Dut and a Youth Futures student smile at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

 

To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

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