Citizen of the Week: Ivory Cloud

Congratulations to Citizen of the Week: Ivory Cloud!

As a REACH teacher and transition lead, Ivory Cloud is helping bridge the gap between school and independence for students with special needs. Her work focuses on preparing students ages 18 to 22 for life after high school, equipping them with real-world skills and meaningful connections.

REACH, a post-secondary transitional program, is a partnership between the school system, local families, and the broader community. Students in the program learn how to navigate a work environment, cook simple meals, practice hygiene, and manage everyday responsibilities like ironing clothes and preparing for their day.

Cloud is the energy behind many of these opportunities. She’s built a network of partnerships with organizations and businesses across Fayette County, connecting students with job training experiences and showing the community what these young adults have to offer.

“I am here to be a bridge between them and the community and let their light shine,” Cloud said. “The light needs to shine on everyone, and those kids deserve their light to be shining for the world to see because they have so much to offer.”

REACH students have worked with the City of Fayetteville for nearly a decade, assisting with document preparation in the HR department. They’ve also teamed up with local restaurants like Your Pie, where students help prep vegetables, salads, and more to start the workday.

“I wanted to expand the REACH program and open up so many different doors for our students as opposed to just working simple basic jobs,” said Cloud. “Our students are amazingly happy, and they deserve opportunities.”

Originally planning to become an attorney, Cloud studied pre-law before discovering a passion for sociology. On the advice of a college classmate, she began substitute teaching and found her calling in special education. With a sociology degree in hand, she entered the classroom—and never looked back.

“I just totally feel like I was born to be a special education teacher,” she said. “I love seeing how education can change your life and what opportunities are able to grow from there.”

Cloud’s commitment to service goes beyond the classroom. Through her family’s nonprofit, Dreams of Lois, she continues to support others in need. Her philosophy is simple: give, serve, and love.

“My life is about giving and serving, and that gives me peace every day to be able to help somebody else,” she said. “I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m here to give and serve, and with that I’m happy and whole.”

Do you know a Citizen like Ivory? We’d love for you to nominate them for a future Citizen of the Week.

Anyone in Fayette or Coweta County can nominate a local resident to be featured. Submissions must include between 100 and 500 words explaining why your nominee deserves the spotlight and a photo of them. (Submissions without a photo cannot be accepted.) Fill out the nomination form here:
👉 https://thecitizen.com/nominate-a-citizen-of-the-week/

Each week, one honoree is celebrated in The Citizen, giving us all a chance to recognize the people who enrich our community with their character and care.

The Citizen of the Week is proudly sponsored by City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, a national leader in cancer research and treatment. With expertise across all cancer types and a commitment to whole-person care, City of Hope honors those who strengthen our communities through service, compassion, and resilience.
Learn more at cityofhope.org/atlanta.