Building Hope Through Community Partnership at ATLAS Ministry 

At BankSouth, community partnerships are not about signage or symbolism. They are about showing up, listening, and helping build something that will matter long after the ribbon is cut. 

This fall, members of the BankSouth team stepped inside the newly constructed ATLAS Ministry facility adjacent to Greene County Elementary School. What we walked into was not just a building, but a carefully designed space built around one simple idea: meet children where they are, care for their most basic needs, and give them room to grow. 

As ATLAS Executive Director Ryan Gibadlo guided us through the facility, he explained that every square foot was created with intention. Even the mezzanine, which serves as a lobby for the auditorium, doubles as a place where students gather after school for snacks and connection. 

That understanding shaped the design. A full kitchen with walk-in coolers and freezers allows ATLAS to stock food weeks at a time, ensuring students are welcomed with a full belly before they’re asked to focus, learn, or participate. 

The space is also built to move. Concrete floors were chosen not for cost, but for durability, allowing tables to be cleared so kids can play soccer, human foosball, or whatever activity the day calls for. Even the hanging lights were designed to be hit by flying balls. Just a small detail showcasing that everything here is purposeful. 

At the heart of the facility sits the BankSouth Assembly Center, known as The Nest. 

“The Nest is where the journey begins,” Ryan explained. “It’s where you’re nurtured, fed, and start receiving what you need for life.”

Designed to grow big while staying personal, The Nest can hold up to 250 children during camps, then transform into an intimate gathering space with small groups seated around the stage. Chairs are portable by design, encouraging kids to pile in, move freely, and truly make the space their own. 

The auditorium was intentionally designed to feel like an outdoor amphitheater, bringing the energy of camp indoors. Ryan described it as “Chastain Park in the air conditioning.” An indestructible LED screen stands ready for music, games, and worship, built to withstand the joyful chaos of kids being kids. 

Natural light pours in through large windows that can be opened or darkened as needed. There is room to dance, to laugh, to clap, and to connect. It is a space meant for expression, not perfection. 

BankSouth’s support helped bring this vision to life, ensuring that ATLAS Ministry could complete a facility designed for dignity, flexibility, and care. The result is a place where children and families can feel safe, welcomed, and valued from the moment they walk through the doors. 

ATLAS Ministry plays a vital role in Greene County and its surrounding community by advocating for children and supporting families with compassion and purpose. Their belief that everyone is created with a mission closely aligns with BankSouth’s commitment to strengthening the communities we call home. 

Partnerships like this remind us that meaningful impact happens when local organizations and community-focused businesses invest together. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside ATLAS Ministry and proud to support a space that will serve generations of children and families. 

We remain committed to building stronger communities through relationships, service, and purposeful giving — because when our communities thrive, we all do.