by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
Transformations gave those who had their lives changed by living at the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, a chance to tell their stories about how their experience at the center helped turn their lives around.
Thursday evening marked the 7th anniversary of Transformations. In the past, the event was held at the Times-Union Center, but for the first time it was held at the Florida Theatre. Forsyth Street was closed between Ocean Street and Newnan Street to hold the reception. Following the reception, about a dozen guests told their stories to a crowd of almost 2,000 people inside the Florida Theatre.
“We are very grateful to have great stories and we are honoring our volunteers, past board members and CEOs. That is a lot of people to acknowledge in an hour and a half,” said Sherry Burns president and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center. “We are celebrating 10 years of Sulzbacher history.”
Burns said the evening was perfect, with beautiful weather and it was good to see all of the center’s friends and supporters mingling at the reception.
“It is about transforming lives, not just the guests, but everyone that is there,” said Burns. “It makes you appreciate what a good life we all have.”
Transformations is designed to show people that even if the worst happens, there is good that can come out of it.
Jordan Boss, chief development officer, said Transformations helps take away the stereotype people have about homeless people.
“The center has an opportunity to introduce these folks to the public who have overcome obstacles and it shows the strength of the human spirit,” she said. “They are just like us.”
The Sulzbacher Center has been in existence for 10 years. They have 304 beds, but there are usually about 340 people staying on any given night. The center provides people with a temporary home with different programs to help each person get back on their feet.