About Us

The Welcome Co-op is Georgia’s trusted advocate for new refugees, helping to secure housing and ensure a smooth and seamless transition for our state’s newest and ever-resilient residents.

As a collaborative effort between four-storied institutions — New American Pathways, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta, Catholic Charities Atlanta, and Inspiritus — the Welcome Co-op marshals the collective resources of each organization to make an impact even greater than the sum of its parts.

Together, we create partnerships with apartment complexes and affordable housing arrangements across the state. We welcome refugees from the moment they set foot on American soil and transition them to their new homes. And we operate a donation-driven thrift store, the Shop of Hope, that provides quality clothing and shoes to refugees at no cost.

Our Partners

As Georgia’s—and one day the nation’s— action-oriented model for resettlement, The Welcome Co-op is the tireless ally refugees can always turn to, fulfilling our mission regardless of cuts in funding, changes in housing policy, and shifting political winds.

Each year, we personally welcome thousands of refugees to Georgia, helping them obtain what they need to become self-sufficient, safe, and consistently contributing members of our communities, putting together new homes in their new home country.

Staff

Emily Laney

Executive Director
Languages: English, some Spanish
Emily Laney, LSMW is the Executive Director of The Welcome Co-op and has over 12 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and higher education. Most recently she served as the Executive Director at Girl Talk, Inc, where she increased the organization’s visibility, funding, and programming reach. She has also held leadership roles in development and programs at two of Atlanta’s refugee resettlement agencies, New American Pathways and Inspiritus. Emily is a licensed social worker for the state of Georgia and a Part Time Instructor of Human Services at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches courses on advocacy, community organizing and internship seminars. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Master of Social Work from Kennesaw State University.
Why The Welcome Co-Op? I am deeply passionate about the helping profession, particularly the work of welcoming refugees to Georgia and am grateful to be part of the collaborative model of The Welcome Co-op.
Carolyn Kelly

Resource Coordinator
Language: English
Carolyn has extensive experience working in the corporate sector, primarily in the cellular industry serving in the roles of Revenue Assurance and IT Project manager. She started serving at The Welcome Co-op Shop of Hope in July 2021 and set up the structure and procedures that allow us to provide families with clothing and basic needs.
Why The Welcome Co-Op? It has been rewarding to serve the refugee families and serve with dedicated volunteers.
Vedad Fatic

Logistics Coordinator
Vedad leads the logistics team in facilities management, housing set ups and supply procurement. A former refugee from Bosnia, Vedad has over 20 years’ experience providing housing and case management support to refugee families. His work experience also includes expertise in logistics, construction, and disaster response.
Languages: English, Bosnian, German
Why The Welcome Co-Op? There are people in need in the world and I love helping people. I know firsthand what it’s like to start over in a new place and I feel passionate about welcoming others.
Lino Momo

Housing Coordinator
Languages: Arabic, Dinka, Luo and Swahili
Lino Momo is the Housing Coordinator at the Welcome Co-Op. He is responsible for landlord relationships and securing housing for refugee families for partner agencies. Prior to his time with The Welcome Co-Op, he was a refugee resettlement case manager for three years and has over 12 years experience working in the nonprofit sector.
Why the Welcome Co-Op? I like working at Welcome C-op because it allows me to contribute to causes I deeply care about and that’s help those at disadvantaged to be able to stand on their own feet and also it helps my personal and professional growth.
Frank Muhindo

Logistics Specialist
As logistics specialist, Frank works to set up and inspect housing to ensure it is ready for families. A former refugee from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Frank has lived in Georgia for two years. Frank has several years’ experience in transportation and logistics and has an associate’s degree in business administration.
Languages: French, Kiswahili, Lingala, Luganda and English
Why The Welcome Co-Op? I feel good that I am helping other people. I experienced firsthand what it’s like to come to a new country and I like helping others in the same way.
Jakeb Sanders

Logistics Specialist
As logistics specialist, Jakeb works to set up and inspect housing to ensure it is ready for families. Jakeb is a recent graduate from Oglethorpe University with a major in physics. He was active in campus community service, establishing the first food pantry at the university. He comes to the co-op with logistics experience and is enthusiastic about using that experience to serve others.
Language: English
Why The Welcome Co-Op? Working at a job where I can help others natural thing for me, being able to help people has been ingrained in me for most of my life.