Who We Are
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
The mission of Community Helping Place is to address with care and compassion, the needs of the people of Lumpkin County by delivering services that strengthen and transform lives.
Our Vision
Quite simply:
Meeting Needs. Transforming Lives.
Our Desire
is to be a place where everyone is welcome and treated with dignity, while needs are addressed and individuals are valued and celebrated. We do this work by partnering with over eighty agencies, businesses, institutions and faith communities, and engaging nearly three hundred volunteers per year.
Our Staff
Melissa Line - Executive Director, LMSW
Contact: chpdirector@communityhelpingplace.org
Melissa Line came to CHP as the Executive Director in June 2019, after working with families and children professionally for 20 years. Melissa holds a BS in Family Psychology and an MSW with a concentration in Families and Children. She is also a proud member of the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club. Melissa is overjoyed to work with the wonderful team of staff and volunteers at Community Helping Place and looks forward to the future!
Paula Payne – Director of Development and Operations
Contact: paula@communityhelpingplace.org
Paula Payne has been a cornerstone of Community Helping Place since 2008, playing a key role in the growth and success of the Anne Green Free Clinic. With a background in managing a Free Clinic in Kentucky, Paula brings a wealth of experience in operations and management, along with a Business degree. She is a dedicated member of the Dahlonega Women’s Club and is deeply committed to serving those in need with compassion and excellence.
Debi Holloway – Director of Client Services
Contact: debi@communityhelpingplace.org
Debi Holloway joined the staff of CHP in 2017 as the part-time client navigator, eventually moving into her current full-time position where she provides direct support and oversight of the Food Pantry, Summer Food Program, Emergency Assistance and The Spirit of Christmas program. Debi’s educational and life experiences in social work have given her many useful skills and tools for serving those in need in our community.
AJ Daniels – Case Manager
Contact: AJ@communityhelpingplace.org
AJ Daniels
AJ Daniels joined the Community Helping Place team as a Case Manager after previously serving as a graduate intern. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Global Mental Health at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland. During his internship, AJ worked closely with clients and gained experience in many areas of CHP, both in the office and out in the community. His compassion, dedication, and heart for service made him a natural fit to join our team in this new role.
Tristen Parrish – Communications Manager
Contact: tristen@communityhelpingplace.org
Tristen Parrish is the Communications Manager at Community Helping Place, where she uses her creativity and heart for service to connect people with purpose. She joined CHP in May 2023 and previously served as administrator of Concord Baptist Church’s Dahlonega Campus.
A proud mom of two, Tristen is passionate about serving her community and also sits on the Board of Directors for Lumpkin County Family Connection.
Regina Wright – Case Manager
Contact: regina@communityhelpingplace.org
Regina Wright serves as Case Manager at Community Helping Place, where she brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community service. She lives in Dahlonega with her husband and three children and is deeply rooted in the local area.
Regina has served as a mentor with Lumpkin County Family Connection, is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a past president of the Kiwanis Club, and is actively involved at Dahlonega Presbyterian Church.
Ilire Zeneli – Business Manager
Contact: ilire@communityhelpingplace.org
Illire Zeneli is the Business Manager at Community Helping Place, where she brings extensive experience in financial management and a passion for supporting nonprofit work that makes a difference.
Outside of work, she enjoys life with her spirited toddler and loving spouse of nearly a decade. Balancing family and career keeps her grounded and motivated in all she does.
Erin Cook – Clinic Outreach Manager
Contact: erin@communityhelpingplace.org
Erin Cook is a Certified Medical Assistant and Clinic Operations Manager for the Anne Green Free Clinic at Community Helping Place. With years of experience working alongside Dr. Kim Kurtz, Erin now oversees clinic operations and leads the Mobile Community Outreach program, bringing healthcare directly to those in need in Lumpkin County.
Linda Sanchez - Clinic Operations Manager
Contact: linda@communityhelpingplace.org
Linda Sanchez is the Clinic Operations Manager for the Community Helping Place Anne Green Free Clinic. Linda is a certified dental assistant, who also helps with the day-to-day operations of the clinic front office. Linda is bilingual in Spanish and English and brings a warmth and joy to her work with all patients. Linda has four children and one grandson! In her spare time, She is a proud member of the Gold City Lions Club and a faithful volunteer at the Torch working with children and puppet ministry, and she loves dogs!
Dr. Brad Blazek – Counselor
Contact: brad@communityhelpingplace.org
Dr. Brad Blazek began providing counseling and therapy services at Community Helping Place in 2019. Today, he works alongside a team of case managers to help clients address and overcome the root causes of their challenges. Brad is often described by clients as a vital source of support and a trusted guide on their path to healing.
Blue Barry – Director of Pest Control
Blue Barry was rescued by a food pantry volunteer and surrendered to animal control who found him the ideal job and lifestyle working at CHP in the Rock House office. His official job title is Director of Pest Control, but he has quickly moved into his secondary roles as Official Greeter and Emotional Support Cat for the office. Blue Barry can be found in the laps of clients and staff alike, always ready to be petted and provide comfort and support.
Our Board of Directors
Thank You to Our Community Partners
