GA HR1772

Georgia House of Representatives recognizes and commends Laura Drake upon her retirement after 18 years as director of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry in Gwinnett County

Drake previously volunteered with the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, serving as a client assistance volunteer and president of its Board of Directors before leading the Southeast Gwinnett ministry

The Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry was founded in 1991 by Don Ashworth, uniting four local churches, and has grown to include more than 25 churches plus businesses, civic groups, schools, and individual donors

The ministry purchased a 15,000 square foot facility in Grayson in 2013, moving into the permanent location in 2014, which supports food distribution, volunteer operations, and seasonal programs

Under Drake's leadership, the ministry grew to serve thousands of families annually with food assistance, emergency aid, and spiritual support through volunteer-powered operations