More than 220 men receive critical services through a community-led health and wellness initiative
On Father’s Day Weekend, a powerful act of compassion unfolded in the heart of Atlanta as more than 50 volunteers joined forces to deliver healthcare, support and dignity to over 220 men residing at Atlanta Mission’s Shepherd’s Inn shelter.
Hosted by Atlanta to Anywhere Community Events and Screenings (A2CES) in partnership with Atlanta Mission and more than two dozen healthcare, community and faith-based organizations, the Health & Wellness Initiative offered far more than medical services. It provided an opportunity for connection, encouragement and hope for men who often face significant barriers to healthcare access.
From early morning until afternoon, residents moved through a series of wellness stations receiving free health screenings, eye exams, hearing tests, prostate cancer education, dental consultations, clothing, hygiene supplies and grooming services. The event coincided with Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day Weekend, underscoring the importance of preventive care and community support.
Meeting Critical Needs with Compassion
For Dr. Adebayo Akintobi, family physician, medical director of South DeKalb Family Physicians and co-founder of A2CES, the event represents a mission that extends beyond healthcare.
“We’re here today rendering services, but more importantly, connecting with these gentlemen to let them know they are not forgotten on Father’s Day weekend,” Akintobi said. “We are all part of a community, and together we want to help take care of their needs.”
Akintobi explained that the initiative brings together clinicians and organizations under one umbrella to serve those who are uninsured, underinsured and unhoused. Participants received screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and prostate cancer, while specialists provided podiatry, vision, hearing and dental services.
Importantly, the care did not end when the event concluded.
“Anybody who has an abnormal test result today will not be left alone,” Akintobi said. “They can receive medications and follow-up care through our healthcare partners.”
The event’s prostate cancer screening efforts were particularly significant. Through partnerships with organizations such as ZERO Prostate Cancer and Georgia Urology, men over 40 had access to screenings and referrals for follow-up treatment when needed.
“We know that when prostate cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable,” Akintobi said. “Our responsibility is to make sure these men get the testing they need.”
More Than Healthcare
One of the most popular stops throughout the day was the grooming station, where 20 volunteer barbers from Kindred Barber & Beauty Academy donated their services. Fresh haircuts and beard trims helped participants leave feeling renewed and confident.
The initiative also distributed clothing and personal care items, reinforcing the event’s larger message: every person deserves to feel valued.
“This is what our community should do,” Akintobi said. “We pull up each other, stay connected and make our community better.”
A Mission of Transformation
For James Lingo, campus director of Shepherd’s Inn, the event aligned perfectly with Atlanta Mission’s broader goal of helping individuals rebuild their lives.
“One of the most important things is making sure they feel loved and understand what community is all about,” Lingo said.
As the largest homeless shelter organization in the Atlanta area, Atlanta Mission provides housing, recovery programs, job readiness support and long-term pathways out of homelessness.
“We support individuals who have been displaced and help reconnect them to the community,” Lingo explained. “We want them to feel valued, loved and know that we’re here for them.”
Throughout the year, Atlanta Mission hosts holiday celebrations, community events and volunteer opportunities designed to improve quality of life for residents while fostering meaningful relationships with supporters.
Building Momentum for the Future
The Father’s Day initiative is part of A2CES’ growing effort to address healthcare disparities across metro Atlanta. What began nearly three years ago as an outreach event serving more than 500 people in Woodruff Park has evolved into a citywide collaboration involving healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and community advocates.
“We knew there was a growing need in our community,” Akintobi said. “Our responsibility is connecting the dots and bringing people together to serve those who need these services.”
The work will continue this fall with the inaugural Race for P.A.C.E.S. (Prostate Awareness, Cancer Education & Screening) 5K/10K Walk-Run on September 12, 2026, aimed at increasing awareness around men’s health and preventive screening.
As volunteers packed up at the end of the day, one message remained clear: healthcare is most powerful when it is paired with compassion, community and the belief that no one should be forgotten.