Atlanta, GA — FOCUS North America is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashton Walker as the new Center Director of Loaves & Fishes – FOCUS Atlanta, a dynamic outreach ministry serving vulnerable individuals and families across the Atlanta metro area.
Ashton brings a rich background in urban studies, education, and ministry to his new role. He spent his childhood at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio City, Philippines, and spent summers serving at the Great Joy Christian Media Center in Singapore. Currently residing in Clarkston, Georgia—a vibrant refugee resettlement hub—with his wife and two children, Ashton is a member of St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church.
He holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, with a focus on urban history. Ashton is especially passionate about how the Church can respond to the shifting balance of wealth and poverty in American cities. Most recently, he has taught elementary school Social Studies and Science and serves on Clarkston’s Historic Preservation Commission.
“Ashton brings a thoughtful, grounded, and mission-driven approach to the work of FOCUS,” said Steven Christoforou, Executive Director of FOCUS North America. “His blend of academic insight, hands-on experience, and deep Orthodox faith makes him an ideal leader to guide FOCUS Atlanta into its next season of growth and community impact across the metro area.”
Under Ashton’s leadership, FOCUS Atlanta aims to deepen its outreach efforts, strengthen partnerships in the city, and expand its ministry, particularly in underserved communities.
“It is truly a blessing for us to grow this ministry alongside the growth of the Atlanta metro area by staying focused on our core imperative to feed, clothe, and visit our neighbors in need,” said Walker. “I’m very excited about the ministry that FOCUS Atlanta shepherds and the paths it will follow as more metro Atlanta churches answer the call to serve.”
About FOCUS North America:
FOCUS Atlanta is one of eleven local FOCUS Centers operated by FOCUS North America. FOCUS North America is the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve. A pan-Orthodox ministry affiliated with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, FOCUS serves the poor by bringing together Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occupation, Clothing, Understanding, and Shelter.
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