2025 GNFCC Nonprofit Award Winners Making a Lasting Impact: Chattahoochee Nature Center and RUMC Job Networking (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 108)
In this special episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast, host Rebekah Anderson sits down with the 2025 Nonprofit Award Winners to explore the remarkable impact of two standout organizations: RUMC Job Networking Ministry and the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Jay Litton shares how the job ministry at Roswell United Methodist Church has helped over 90,000 job seekers find meaningful work, combining practical support with faith and community. David Miles of the Chattahoochee Nature Center discusses how the center’s environmental education, volunteer-driven gardens, and legacy partnerships serve over 150,000 visitors each year—fostering stewardship for the Chattahoochee River and beyond.
Whether you’re passionate about workforce development, environmental education, or volunteerism, this episode celebrates the power of nonprofit leadership to create lasting change.
The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.
Key Takeaways from this Episode
Helping People Find Work is Helping Them Find Themselves – RUMC’s job networking ministry has supported over 90,000 individuals, helping restore identity, confidence, and community.
Nature and Nourishment Go Hand in Hand – CNC’s Unity Garden delivers 10,000 pounds of fresh produce annually to North Fulton Community Charities—all maintained by volunteers.
Legacy Built on Generosity and Longevity – With nearly 50 years of service, both nonprofits continue to innovate and expand—through tech tools like AI at RUMC Job Networking and major capital investment at CNC.
Volunteers Make the Mission Possible – Both organizations thrive because of their dedicated volunteers, many of whom are former beneficiaries of their services.
Education is Everywhere – CNC impacts 52,000+ students annually and offers immersive learning—from canoeing to conservation—on-site and in schools.
The River Connects Us All – The Chattahoochee River, source of 70% of Atlanta’s drinking water, is a vital thread in CNC’s mission to educate, protect, and connect.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to GNFCC 400 Insider
00:55 Meet the Nonprofit Award Winners
01:30 RUMC Job Networking Overview
03:53 Chattahoochee Nature Center Insights
05:15 Impact and Community Involvement
07:25 Volunteer Contributions and Sustainability
16:02 Getting Involved with Roswell UMC Job Networking
17:27 Navigating the Job Networking Ministry
18:08 Employer Engagement and Job Fairs
19:15 Volunteer Opportunities at the Nature Center
21:37 Success Stories from Job Networking
24:25 Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Achievements
27:48 Future Plans and AI Integration
31:39 The Importance of the Chattahoochee River
33:58 Getting Involved and Final Thoughts
The Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a private, non-profit environmental education facility located on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat adjacent to the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, Georgia. Its mission is to connect people with nature through immersive experiences, educational programs, and hands-on exhibits focused on the local ecosystem and the Chattahoochee River watershed.
Visitors can explore well-marked walking trails, a river boardwalk, beautiful butterfly gardens, and native plant displays, while observing rehabilitated birds of prey and other wildlife up close. The center features a Discovery Center with interactive exhibits, a high-definition theater, and a Nature Exchange for educational trading. Additional highlights include a wildlife rehabilitation clinic, sustainable community gardening in the Unity Garden, and popular seasonal camps for children. The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning about Georgia’s native plants, animals, and conservation efforts
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RUMC Job Networking
RUMC Job Networking is a volunteer ministry at Roswell United Methodist Church in Roswell, Georgia, offering support to individuals navigating job transitions or seeking employment. Established over 35 years ago, the ministry brings together job seekers, industry professionals, and volunteers for regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, excluding major holidays. Participants benefit from workshops on resume writing, interviewing, LinkedIn optimization, and other job search strategies, as well as one-on-one resume reviews with experienced recruiters and HR professionals.
The program is known for its welcoming and collaborative environment, providing both practical resources and emotional encouragement. Through initiatives like the Industry Guides, job seekers can connect with volunteers from various fields for targeted networking. Supported by a large network of volunteers and community sponsors, RUMC Job Networking also maintains an active online presence for sharing job leads and networking opportunities, helping participants stay motivated and connected throughout their job search journey.
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.
As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.
GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.
For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.
