Anabeth Ivey has always loved giving back to her community. Now, 24, she works as a marketing and sales specialist at New Ventures, a nonprofit organization that provides job training.

Ivey’s role in marketing is to spread the word about New Ventures and to let the community know about the program.

“New Ventures offers a 400-hour training program to provide people in need with a good-paying job and benefits.” Ivey said. “My job is to provide the community with information about our program and to let people know what is available when it comes to job opportunities.”

Ivey attended LaGrange High School, and then went on to continue her education at Georgia Southern. Recently, Ivey graduated from Leadership Troup, a program that offers professional development opportunities in Troup County. Ivey said that there are 30 community members nominated for the program each year, and through that program there are opportunities to become more involved in the community.

“There are so many chances to learn about what’s going on in my community,” Ivey said.

“Through Leadership Troup, we learn about education, healthcare, and economic development among other things that are happening not only in LaGrange but also in Hogansville and West Point.”

Ivey moved back to LaGrange after college because she was offered an opportunity at LaGrange College. Ivey said that this helped to shape her into the young business professional she is today.

Ivey is involved in several service organizations in the community, including Harmony House and Circles for Troup. She is a part time youth minister at First Methodist, and the president of HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Engage). Ivey said that she loves giving back to her community.

“Giving back has always been big on my heart,” Ivey said. “The LaGrange community is so strong and encouraging. Everyone is so supportive and works together. LaGrange has invested so much into me, and I want to invest back.”

When Ivey is not at work or volunteering, she enjoys going out on West Point Lake, walking her dog, Pops, on the thread and going out to Wild Leap to hang out with friends.

—Photos by Jenna Oden, Story by Grace Braswell