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

Hi Emilee, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
One of my favorite quotes I recently heard was “we are not limited by known solutions.” I love that because when you are working with kids and teenagers, it’s really easy to one, forget that you are dealing with real humans with real feelings and real situations that they are feeling deeply. And two, a lot of times, you come up against these situations with them that you feel like you have no idea how to help or what the next step is. It has forced me to think outside of the box in regards to our relationships with our kids in Hogansville and how to help them keep moving forward when they have all odds stacked against them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2021, we helped start Pioneer Youth, which is a branch off the non-profit, Pioneer Georgia. We wanted to create a safe place for youth in our community in Hogansville, GA to come hang out, build relationships with safe adults, and to learn basic life skills. We opened our doors in January 2022 and have been going 100mph since. Every day we are seeing between 30-40 youth come through our doors and it is the best kind of chaos you can imagine. All our programs are completely free for our youth and families and we are 100% donor and grant funded.

As anything thats “worth it”, it was not easy in the least bit to get to where we are in these short 10 months. There has been literal blood, sweat and tears go into creating Pioneer Youth what we wanted it to be for our community. But, the difference between this and any other business or venture is that it has nothing to do with us. Everything we do, every decision we make is always rooted in what’s best for the kids in Hogansville. We see these kids as part of our families and want the very best for them. We are constantly putting our best foot forward to create the best possible atmosphere and programs for them. Our team wants to continue to see our youth grow into strong young men and women who have found purpose for their lives. So, no matter how hard things seem or feel- giving up is never an option for me or our team.

When you set a goal so far past yourself- when you aren’t the focus of the success or growth, it makes all of those hard moments worth it. It sets a fire in you that can’t be blown out by a little adversity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Yes! I love this question because Hogansville is such a hidden treasure in Georgia and one of my favorite places on earth! I think everyone should come here if they get the chance too!

We would spend Friday afternoon at Pioneer Youth with the kids playing, finishing their homework for the weekend, serving dinner and having lots of fun! After we close up The Center we would head to the 1890 room for dinner and drinks! That evening we could do a little stay-cation at the Grand Hotel which is located on Main Street. They have done a BEAUTIFUL job on the interior and keeping the original charm. Saturday morning is for the Farmers Market and coffee & breakfast at Fuel which is located in our Historic Train Depot. Saturday shopping in the afternoon at some of our favorite spots- Baraca, Tandem, Mute, and Haven Interiors with lunch and a treat from Main Street Market! Sunday morning we would grab a delicious brunch at 54 & Main and go for a relaxing stroll around Lake Jimmy Jackson!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, my husband, Alex. Growing up, I tended to always keep myself and my dreams in a box and ever since I met him 10 years ago, he has continually told me and taught me that I’m worth it and that I’m capable to pursue any idea that lights my soul on fire. He has supported me in every way since then and helped make all my dreams come true. And secondly, our people in Hogansville. I can’t imagine our lives or journey without every single one of them behind us, continually cheering us on and supporting us.

Website: Pioneeryouth.org

Instagram: Pioneer.yth

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