Meet Demeitrice Collins | Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Demeitrice Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Demeitrice, what do you want your legacy to be?
**Legacy Statement**
I want to be remembered as someone who empowered youth through education, especially in financial literacy. My goal has always been to equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and break cycles of poverty. Through The Literacy for Youth Foundation and the Cathy Collins House of Hope, I’ve worked to create lasting change in both education and community service.

Above all, I hope my legacy reflects a life dedicated to impact, service, and uplifting others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I built a career in real estate and finance, closing deals and building wealth. But along the way, I began to notice something that deeply troubled me: the same people I was helping buy homes or manage money were often the ones struggling to understand basic financial principles. I didn’t just see clients—I saw families, parents, young people who had never been taught how money works, how credit can build or break you, how to build a future instead of living paycheck to paycheck.

That realization shifted everything. In 2009, I stepped out on faith and launched **The Literacy for Youth Foundation**, a nonprofit committed to educating youth in financial literacy. I wanted to build something that didn’t just serve—but transformed. It wasn’t easy. I was fighting against generational cycles, limited resources, and at times, self-doubt. But I also knew the cost of doing nothing was far too high.

What sets me apart is not just what I do—but *why* I do it. I didn’t create this foundation to get praise or recognition. I created it because I’ve seen firsthand what a lack of financial education can do to a family. I’ve watched people lose everything simply because no one ever taught them differently. My books, *“Sally Saver and The Treasures in Time”* and *“Sally Saver and The Egyptian Credit Caper,”* were born out of that urgency—to teach the next generation what many of us had to learn the hard way.

But it wasn’t always smooth. There were times I wanted to quit. Times when doors closed, when funding dried up, when people didn’t believe in the vision. But I leaned on faith. I leaned on community. And most importantly, I leaned on purpose. I surrounded myself with people who reminded me of why I started.

Today, I stand proud—not because of titles or awards—but because I know that what I’ve built is making a real difference. Through partnerships with school systems, government leaders, and national platforms, we’ve equipped thousands of young people with tools that will shape their future. And through our second nonprofit, **The Cathy Collins House of Hope**, we’ve expanded our mission to serve the homeless, those in transition, and vulnerable families with real, tangible help.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? *Your business is only as powerful as the purpose behind it.* Success without service is empty. The world doesn’t need more entrepreneurs chasing clout—it needs visionaries who are willing to serve, sacrifice, and stand in the gap.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I didn’t build this to be famous. I built this to be faithful. To show the next generation that legacy is greater than luxury. That literacy is power. And that no matter where you start, with passion, prayer, and purpose—you can create something that outlives you.

That is my story. That is my why.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

**Day 1: Arrival + Classic Atlanta Fun**

* **Lunch at Ponce City Market** – Grab tacos from Minero or burgers from H\&F, then stroll the BeltLine.
* **Skyline Park** – After lunch, head to the rooftop of PCM for carnival games, mini golf, and city views.
* **Evening at Top Golf Midtown** – Drinks, music, and friendly competition.

**Day 2: Rise, Grind & Real Estate Hustle**

* **Workout at Fitness 2020** – Start the day with energy.
* **Follow Along in the Field** – Show them the ins and outs of Atlanta real estate: open houses, million-dollar listings, and your favorite up-and-coming neighborhoods.
* **Dinner at Seasons 52 in Dunwoody** – A fresh seasonal menu in an elegant atmosphere.
* **Evening Stroll & Shopping** – Wind down with retail therapy at Perimeter Mall.

**Day 3: Self-Care + Shopping Day**

* **Treat Your Feet (Buckhead)** – Enjoy a full body massage or reflexology session.
* **Healthy Lunch at Fresh to Order (F2O)** – Quick but flavorful.
* **Shopping Spree at Lenox Square** – Name brands, designer stores, and people-watching at its finest.
* **Optional Add-on:** Drinks at **The Garden Room** if the mood calls for a glamorous nightcap.

**Day 4: Explore the City + Evening Chill**

* **While I Work:** Give them ideas like:

* Georgia Aquarium
* MLK Historic Site
* Center for Civil and Human Rights
* World of Coca-Cola
* **Evening Meet-Up at Atlantic Station** – Movie at Regal or bowling at Bowlero.
* **Dinner:** Try **Allora** for Italian or **Yard House** for variety and drinks.

**Day 5: Outdoor Adventures & Local Flavor**

* **Brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe (Midtown)** – Start with some Southern comfort food.
* **Piedmont Park / Botanical Garden** – A relaxing walk and beautiful nature.
* **Evening Festival or Outdoor Concert** – Depending on the weekend,

* Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival
* Atlanta Jazz Festival
* Food truck parks (like at Grant Park)
* **Dinner:** Eat at a food stall or find a local gem nearby the event.

**Day 6: Buckhead Vibes + Nightlife**

* **Late Breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club**
* **Visit The Battery Atlanta** – Explore shops, bars, and catch a Braves game if they’re in town.
* **Dinner:** **Canoe** – A scenic spot by the river with incredible food.
* **Night Out in Buckhead** – Try **Whiskey Blue**, **Havana Club**, or **Red Martini** for a lively Saturday night.

**Day 7: Church, Brunch, and Wind Down**

* **Morning Service at your home church** – Let them see the community side of your life.
* **Sunday Brunch at South City Kitchen or Negril ATL** – Southern or Caribbean vibes.
* **Afternoon Wind-Down** – Maybe a park walk, quick museum stop, or just lounge time before departure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I give all glory and honor to God—my provider, my strength, and the source of every good thing in my life. Without Him, none of this would be possible. He gave me the vision, the favor, and the grace to grow beyond my circumstances, to pour into others, and to receive blessings I never thought I deserved. Even in my weakest moments, when I felt unseen or unqualified, God whispered, *”Keep going—I’m not done with you yet.”* And so I did.

To my beautiful wife, **Bre Collins**—thank you for being the steady in my storm. You’ve seen me at my best and at my most broken, and through it all, you never wavered. Your love has covered me. Your faith in me has grounded me. When the world got loud, you reminded me who I was. You didn’t just stand beside me—you held me up. I’m a better man because of you.

And to one of my dearest friends, **Mayor Angelyne Butler**—thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to serve your community. You opened a door that led to purpose far greater than anything I could have imagined. Watching your leadership, your heart, and your fearless commitment to your people has inspired me deeply. You didn’t just show me how to lead—you showed me why it matters. You reminded me that making a difference is not about being seen, but about *seeing others.*

These moments, these people, these blessings—are not by chance. They are divine. And I carry every single one of them in my heart as I keep walking in purpose. Thank you, God. Thank you, Bre. Thank you, Mayor Butler. You are all part of the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Website: https://www.thehouseofhope.org

Instagram: dlsellsatl

Linkedin: Demeitrice Collins

Twitter: Demeitrice Collins

Facebook: Demeitrice Collins

Youtube: @demeitricecollins2323

Other: Other I.G. pages…. cchouseofhope
dftfoundation…..htarealtygroup……23andlove……sallysaverseries

Image Credits
@elizabethpagephoto……Elizabeth Page
@peachcityphotography……Jamal Blu Delaoth
@earlgreyimaginative…….Jason Earl