ABOUT ATL: ADVANCE THE LIVES
The Story of ATL
ATL: Advance The Lives was founded in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in response to nationwide social unrest regarding systemic racial barriers in America. Like many others, Matt and Sarah Ryan were greatly moved to become part of the change and cultivate a new culture where every voice is valued, every opportunity is embraced, and every dream is nurtured. ​
The couple began by committing to listening and learning more about the inequities impacting vulnerable Black communities in Atlanta. After gaining new and valuable insights, Matt and Sarah consulted with thought partners from all backgrounds in Atlanta to help shape a bold vision for ATL. Out of these discussions emerged the theme, ‘Fight Inequality Where It Starts.’ This theme helped to channel organizational focus on efforts that would yield the most effective and sustainable impact: supporting local safety nets for Atlanta’s Black Youth.
ATL’s mission is bold but necessary: Through partnerships with like-minded organizations, businesses, professional athletes, academia, law enforcement, and community advocates, ATL works to dismantle structural barriers in Atlanta and create new equitable pathways to help the city’s Black Youth and communities thrive.
Taking a new and unique approach, ATL keenly focuses on increasing social capital for smaller community after-school programs that serve Black children and families in historically marginalized communities. With solid support from diverse partners, ATL has made great strides toward alleviating systemic barriers that negatively impact Black Youth in the city by fostering robust community engagement and support for after-school programs that make a significant and long-term positive impact.
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