The Ulster Project Atlanta is an all volunteer, Christian-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for Catholic and Protestant teens of Northern Ireland and Atlanta to interact in a neutral environment, learn about each other's culture, and gain valuable conflict resolution and mediation skills. Ulster Project Atlanta has been active since 1994 and has hosted teens from Omagh, County Tyrone each summer since its inception. Each year we bring 8 teens aged 14 – 16 (four Roman Catholic and four Protestant) to Atlanta during the month of July. They are matched with 8 metro Atlanta teen and families, who will host them for the entire month of July. All 16 teens participate together in church services, workshops, community-service programs and fun activities together. In our 12+ years of operation, we have directly impacted the lives of almost 200 American and Northern Irish youths. Indirectly, we have touched their friends, families and the communities of both Atlanta and Omagh. While we serve the teens from Northern Ireland, a key element of the program is to impact the youth of the metro Atlanta area and their families. Also, in addition to directly serving the 16 youths, the youths themselves serve the metro Atlanta community. Each year, we collaborate with churches and other organizations – particularly those that focus on underprivileged children – to provide our teens with volunteer opportunities.

There are few times when a teenager can be a true agent for peace. In this instance however, young people acting with good will and with the support their families, their churches and organizations can make a real difference!

Update on this Year's Ulster Project

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Thanks to everyone at St. Peter and St. Paul who helped make this year's project a brilliant  success, especially the Freels, Penter, Wagner and Williams families who opened their homes and provided much needed transportation.  Our appreciation is also extended to Father Aaron, Tom Ader, Suzy Bristow, Pat Souza, Carol Lade, Carol Bowser, the Outreach Committee, Charlie Tighe, the Choir, the Praise & Worship Group, Andy Creed & the Godfellas! To learn more about Ulster Project Atlanta and how you can help, please visit our website at http://www.ulsterprojectatlanta.org/ or contact Melinda Shannon Freels at (770) 509-0752.