How the Run to Change a Life 5K Supports Families Across South DeKalb | NLCA
When most people register for a 5K, they think about the finish line. At New Life Community Alliance’s Run to Change a Life 5K, every step supports something much bigger.
The annual race brings together runners, walkers, families, community partners, and supporters from across metro Atlanta with a shared purpose: helping neighbors move from crisis to stability and toward lasting opportunity.
What makes this event special isn’t just the miles covered on race day. It’s the lives impacted long after the race is over.
More Than a Race
For nearly 25 years, New Life Community Alliance (NLCA) has served South DeKalb through a holistic model focused on five key areas: Dignity Services, Housing Support, Workforce Development, Education, and Health & Wellness.
Every year, thousands of individuals and families turn to NLCA for support during some of life’s most difficult moments. In 2025 alone, NLCA served 6,977 clients with the support of 3,560 volunteers who contributed more than 42,000 hours of service.
The Run to Change a Life 5K helps fuel that work. When participants register, sponsor, volunteer, or donate, they help make critical services possible for families throughout South DeKalb.
Supporting Families Facing Housing Instability
Housing insecurity remains one of the most urgent challenges facing many families in our community. Some families struggle to pay rent after a job loss. Others face utility shutoffs, unexpected medical expenses, or temporary homelessness.
NLCA works alongside these families by providing rental assistance, utility assistance, emergency housing support, case management, and pathways to permanent housing. In 2025 alone, hundreds of households received rental and utility assistance, while dozens of families received emergency housing support.
For families facing uncertainty, these services can provide the stability needed to move forward.
Expanding Access to Food and Essential Resources
No one should have to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table.
Through food distributions, hot meals, clothing assistance, hygiene services, and seasonal outreach programs, NLCA helps ensure neighbors have access to essential resources when they need them most. Last year alone, NLCA distributed more than 967,000 pounds of food, served more than 82,000 meals, and provided over 78,000 pounds of clothing through its Dignity Services programs.
These services provide more than temporary relief. They help restore dignity, confidence, and hope.
Creating Pathways to Employment
A stable job can change the trajectory of an entire family. That’s why workforce development remains a critical part of NLCA’s mission.
Through resume assistance, job readiness support, hiring events, and connections to employer partners, NLCA helps individuals pursue meaningful employment opportunities. In 2025, more than 1,700 individuals received employment assistance through NLCA’s workforce development programs.
Every race registration helps support programs that connect neighbors to opportunities for long-term economic stability.
Investing in Education and Health
Strong communities are built when people have access to education and healthcare. NLCA supports learners of all ages through early childhood education, afterschool enrichment, mentorship, and GED preparation programs. In 2025, the organization expanded its educational impact with the launch of the New Life Early Learning Academy.
At the same time, partnerships with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente and DeKalb Public Health continue to expand access to health screenings, wellness services, and preventative care throughout South DeKalb.
These investments help families thrive today while building a stronger future for tomorrow.
The Story Behind Every Finish Line
The impact of the Run to Change a Life 5K is ultimately measured in stories, not statistics.
Stories like James Sanders and his daughter Lovette. After experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, James and Lovette connected with NLCA through the Warming Station. Through case management, workforce support, and housing assistance, James secured employment and stable housing for his family. Today, Lovette is an honor roll student, and James is pursuing his dream of becoming a barber. One year after receiving help, they returned to NLCA as volunteers, giving back to others facing similar challenges.
Their journey is a reminder that transformation happens when communities come together to support one another.
Run to Change a Life
On September 12, runners, walkers, families, corporate teams, and community supporters will gather for the 8th Annual Run to Change a Life 5K.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record, enjoying a family fun run, or walking alongside friends, your participation helps support programs that provide food, housing assistance, workforce development, education, health services, and dignity-centered care throughout South DeKalb.
This race is also an Official Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, giving participants another reason to lace up their running shoes. But the real reward goes far beyond race day. Every step helps change a life.
Register Today
Join us for the 8th Annual Run to Change a Life 5K on September 12. Run. Walk. Volunteer. Sponsor. However you participate, you’ll help create opportunities for families across South DeKalb and invest in a stronger, healthier community for all.
