When people turn out for Saturdays EDGE (Empowering Diverse Generations Through Education) event, they will not only be in for a good time and some great entertainment, but they will also be giving a hand up to others in the community.

An array of free activities, including informative workshops, moon walks and three-on-three basketball, kick off at 9 a.m. and continue through 5 p.m. at 847 N. Ninth St. The workshops will deal with such social issues as sexually transmitted diseases, loneliness among seniors, and teen dropouts.

Another component of the event will be a talent expo at 7:30 p.m. at Griffin Auditorium.

According to Reginald Griffin, EDGEs chief executive officer, there will be various recording artists and record label representatives on hand looking for talent.

Hopefully, a lot of people will get the exposure they need and be able to move on to the next level, Griffin said.

The cost of the talent expo will be $10 for ages 17 and up, and $5 for everyone age 16 and under. Many of the participants who have signed up are from the Griffin area.

All monies raised during the evening event will benefit two of the organizations primary ministries - the Battered and Abused Women's Program and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program for Women.

EDGE is renovating two separate, side-by-side facilities to house up to 12 women in the two programs,

The nonprofit received a big boost Wednesday afternoon when Herring Trucking of McDonough and A Day for New Life of Atlanta, a faith-based ministry that helps men in transition, showed up with a 24-foot truck packed with donated clothing, furniture and other items for EDGE's facilities.

Bosco Cole, president of A Day for New Life, said he is excited about working with EDGE.

We had so much extra stuff that we wanted to bless his ministry because we share the same vision of helping people in this district, Cole said while helping unload the truck. This is a much-needed facility and organization. We look forward to networking together in the future and forever.

Carpet and plumbing items were donated to EDGE by Georgia Sunroom for the facilities that Griffin hopes to have open in the next 30 days.

This just about furnishes the facilities, Griffin said Wednesday. We will still be short a few beds. We want to house them in a comfortable, home-like setting. There will be plenty of living space for everyone.

For more information about EDGE, its ministries or Saturday's events, call 404-484-7377.