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

Hi Roubens, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The principle that matters most to me is community. Growing up with a single mother who raised four children with the help of our community, I experienced firsthand the power of collective support. That experience shaped my dedication to giving back. I believe that no one succeeds alone, and it’s essential to lift each other up. This principle drives everything we do at Forthekidsga, from supporting local youth to organizing community events. Our focus is on building strong, compassionate connections that empower the next generation to thrive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At Forthekidsga Inc., our mission is to uplift and support the youth in the Douglas County community through sports, education, and outreach programs. What sets myself/ us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to empowering the next generation, not just with resources but with meaningful relationships and experiences. We focus on creating opportunities where they may not otherwise exist, whether it’s providing sports equipment, hosting community events like our upcoming Fall Festival, or recognizing students who excel in school with special rewards.

Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. Growing up in a single-parent household, I witnessed my mother work tirelessly to provide for four children, but we always had help from the community. Those experiences instilled in me the importance of community, and I knew early on that I wanted to give back.

The road hasn’t always been smooth, though. Starting a nonprofit comes with challenges—securing funding, finding support, and keeping the momentum going. But every challenge was an opportunity to learn. I’ve learned that persistence is key, and that when you truly believe in a cause, others will believe in it too. I also learned the value of collaboration—partnering with local schools, businesses, and individuals has been crucial in expanding our impact.

The lesson I want to share is that no dream is too big if you have a passion for it. I want the world to know that Forthekidsga isn’t just an organization; it’s a reflection of my own journey and the belief that with the right support, we can create lasting change in the lives of young people. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got a full taste of Atlanta’s vibe. Here’s a quick itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival & Chill
We’d start with some classic wings at J.R. Crickets or The Wing Bar—both spots are a must for wing lovers. Afterward, we’d hang out at Ponce City Market for some drinks, rooftop views, and good energy.

Day 2 – Sports & Food
Since soccer is my favorite, we’d catch an Atlanta United game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, and the crowd is always pumped. Post-game, we’d head over to Antico Pizza for some killer pasta and Italian dishes—trust me, it’s a local favorite!

Day 3 – Gun Range & Outdoor Fun
We’d hit up the Quickshot Gun Range for some target practice, then cool off with some refreshing drinks at The Battery Atlanta, where there are plenty of great spots to eat and drink, like Yard House or Terrapin Taproom.

Day 4 – Museums & Culture
A visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights would be on the list, followed by a trip to Piedmont Park for some chill time outdoors. For dinner, we’d grab some pasta at La Grotta or Fritti—both have top-tier Italian vibes.

Day 5 – Day Trip
Maybe we’d take a quick road trip out to Stone Mountain for a hike or even visit Lake Lanier for some water activities. On the way back, we’d hit a local brewery like Monday Night Garage or SweetWater Brewery to wind down.

Day 6 – Atlanta Fun
We’d explore Little Five Points for some cool shops and street art, then grab some BBQ at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. To top it off, we’d visit Topgolf or go go-kart racing at Andretti Indoor Karting for a fun, competitive night.

Day 7 – Departure Day
Before heading out, we’d enjoy a relaxed brunch at Sun in My Belly or Flying Biscuit Café—some of Atlanta’s best spots to grab a great breakfast and wind down.

Atlanta has something for everyone, from sports and food to outdoor adventures and culture!

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the entire Douglas County community, which has been a vital part of my journey and the growth of Forthekidsga. From the local schools, families, and businesses to the volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and resources—none of this would be possible without their support. A special shoutout goes to my mother, whose strength and resilience taught me the value of giving back, and to all community partners, who have been generous partners in our events. Lastly, I want to recognize the young people we serve—they inspire me every day to keep pushing forward.

Website: https://www.forthekidsga.com

Instagram: @zlornl / @forthekidsga

Twitter: @zlornl / @forthekidsga

Facebook: @Roubens Paul / @forthekidsga

Image Credits
@Cpskki @Gmthan

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