About Us

Board of Directors

Mrs. Cynthia Ellison, Founder / Executive Director

Dr. Charles A. Harper III

Mrs. Evelyn Hines-Harper

, Chairman of the Board

Secretary

Ms. Venita Waller

Mr. Arbie Wilson Sr.

Treasurer

Executive Summary

    First Light Vision, Inc. is a new Faith base establishment created and founded by Cynthia Ellison. Mrs. Ellison is a 21year Atlanta Transplant. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She originally moved to Atlanta with 3 small children in 1984. This was the beginning of a life experience that she would never forget. Through her faith and belief she was able to overcome many obstacles, trials and tribulations. Nearing homelessness many times herself, she was able to move forward, raising her 3 beautiful children with the support of her family, a great provider and husband Willie Ellison. During the past 6 years Mrs. Ellison has volunteered at various Homeless Shelters in the Atlanta Metro Area. Currently she is providing a leadership role at the Paradise Missionary Baptist Church in the capacity of Chairperson for the Homelessness Sub-Committee and Clothing Bank.

It became apparent early in her life that the call on her life was to provide shelter for the homeless. On the road of volunteering she experienced a profound sense of need (The First Light) to help the people in the community. The reality is that we can all be in a homeless situation no matter if you are a blue color corporate executive or jobless divorcee with children. Homelessness has no age or traditions. It is most important that we provide support for these women and children with a stable, cohesive, healthy and safe environment. We are preparing them to build self- esteem with the ability to become self-supporting in creating a solid foundation as an individual or for their families. 

First Light Vision’s targeted population is women and women with children. Homelessness has a number of diverse and complex factors that have contributed to the problems that cause homelessness. Some of the major causes are unemployment, domestic violence, substance abuse, low paying jobs, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, prisoner re-entry and individual tragedy. Atlanta’s homeless population on an average is estimated at 11, 000 or more in the streets of Atlanta on any given day or night by Research Atlanta. Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Even in the midst of economic boom, homelessness continues to plague the city, the state and the country.

We as a service provider will give the homeless the first light and expectation of the start of a new life by planning and implement services that will meet the needs of the homeless. 

The Multi-Service Center will provide transitional housing for 6mos, child care, clothing, budget and financial management, counseling services, hot meals, health care referral, vocational & educational services, job networking, social, moral & spiritual support. 

First Light Vision has partnered with the Anderson Firm, LLC, Clayton Task Force to End Homelessness, House of Refuge Ministries, SunTrust Bank, the Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, Mentor A Family Program @ Faith And The City, ENC Remodeling & Design and other agents to provide a solid supply of needs for the homeless.