"Here's the name, number, and address — you'll contact the family and deliver the gifts in person."
That wasn't quite the response Karhma Novak expected when she participated in an Angel Tree drive at her church. Like most of us, she assumed she'd pick an angel, buy the gifts, and drop them in the big donation box — simple and done. But the chance to meet the family face to face, not exactly what Karhma was expecting, but she was a trooper and went along. That moment sparked something bigger than she could've imagined.
Karhma immediately saw the family needed more than a few holiday presents — the home needed some serious repairs, no running water in the bathtub, the family needed connection, compassion, and love, simply put they just needed a little help. A long-time teacher with 17 years in the classroom, Karhma didn't have "lead a nonprofit outreach sharing a little Jesus along the way" on her life's bingo card. But she's got a big heart and a drive that doesn't let her sit on the sidelines. So she jumped into action.
What started with a few calls to friends for help quickly turned into something much bigger. Before long, people were reaching out to her — offering food, clothes, supplies, and support. As word spread, her home transformed into a full-blown distribution center, with every room filled to the brim. Karhma's entire family — including her kids — pitched in to sort, pack, and organize donations, doing whatever it took to meet the needs around them. (Let's just say the HOA wasn't exactly thrilled.) Out of that beautiful chaos, i58 Mission was born — a grassroots movement fueled by faith, purpose, and a deep desire to meet people where they are.
Loving People with Dignity
Led by Karhma and an incredible team of volunteers, i58 Mission exists to esteem the marginalized, restore dignity, and meet physical needs — while also sharing the love of Jesus.
But this isn't your typical outreach. Each Thursday is designed to feel less transactional and more relational — with every detail intentionally crafted to love people well. The day starts with client registration between 8:30 and 10:00 AM, followed by a worship service led by rotating local churches. Participation is always optional — i58 meets people wherever they are in their journey, and no one is turned away.
Then the "shopping" begins. Picture a pop-up department store and a small-town grocery rolled into one. Clients move from hard goods — household items, decorations, even walkers for folks with mobility challenges — to food aisles stocked with everything from canned goods to dairy, produce, coffee, and "fancy bread" (as Karhma lovingly calls the pastries). There are themed birthday packs — from Minnie Mouse to Paw Patrol — complete with gifts, decorations, and party essentials. These birthday bundles allow kids to feel celebrated the way every child should on their special day. Inside, you'll also find rooms of neatly sorted clothing for every season and size — many items still brand new with tags — making it easy for families to find what they need with dignity. Even pet food is available. No detail is overlooked.
One story sums it up well. After a visitor helped with a water issue on-site, Karhma asked for their thoughts on the operations. She explained how important it is to serve with dignity — not knowing a client was within earshot. Suddenly, from around the corner, the client shouted: "if you don't got it when you get here, you got it when you leave!"
That's the heartbeat of i58.
Built on Faith (and Patience)
i58 draws its name and mission from Isaiah 58:6-12 — a call to action that reminds us Jesus invites ALL of us to do the work. It's not reserved for the qualified or the polished — it's for everyone. And if He calls you to it, He'll carry you through it.
Karhma knows this firsthand. As someone with a strong personality and a history of making things happen, the early days of i58 required learning a new pace. Patience. Trust. Waiting on God's provision. And time and time again, He's shown up.
Like this past summer, when a new school rule required clear backpacks. i58 had no idea how many were needed, but sure enough — when it came time to distribute — they had exactly the right number. Coincidence? Not a chance.
The Bigger Picture
Today, i58 serves hundreds of families in Coweta and surrounding counties with food, clothes, school supplies, and more. Their annual back-to-school program outfits over 120 kids with not just the basics, but with the kind of extras that make them feel seen, celebrated, and confident.
But the vision doesn't stop there. Karhma dreams of expanding their footprint, starting with a dedicated intake facility. Right now, the growing volume of donations can overtake their main space. A separate intake site would free up room for serving clients even more intentionally. With 15 acres to work with, there's room to grow — and they're trusting God to provide in His time.
Long-term, i58 hopes to build a full ecosystem of support. That means partnering with other nonprofits to provide not just food and hygiene products, but also health services, professional resources, and — most importantly — the hope of Jesus.
How You Can Help
Here's how you can support i58: Donate food — including staples like condiments, flour, sugar, and more. Contribute non-food items — paper goods, diapers, pet supplies. Volunteer your time — every Thursday is a chance to make someone feel seen and loved. Pray — especially for wisdom and provision as they explore expansion.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.thei58mission.org or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram @thei58missionsenoia. Or better yet — stop by the facility at 2450 GA-85, Senoia, GA 30276 and see the love in action for yourself.