THE ATL PLAYBOOK
The ATL Playbook (Playbook) and game plan for Atlanta’s Black youth mirrors the Victory Formation in football, which signifies a position of strength where success is assured. It is a Playbook designed to ensure Atlanta’s Black youth can confidently march into their Victory Formation and WIN. The Playbook currently consists of two game-changing programs, including the Black Joy Fund, which provides Black youth with joyful experiences that spur their imagination and nurture their emotional well-being, and The Black Youth Support Study Cohort, which offers crucial funding to vulnerable families in crisis via ATL’s after-school partners.
The Highlight Reel:
Black Joy Fund
Creating Unforgettable Memories for Black Youth
A quarterback’s highlight reel reflects their most unforgettable plays—the plays that helped shape their career and legacy. Similarly, ATL’s Black Joy Fund supports after-school programs that give Black youth access to unforgettable curated experiences that serve as highlight reels of their childhood. These special moments are infused with joy, enrichment, and opportunities often out of reach for children in underserved communities.
By focusing ATL funding efforts on programs such as the Black Joy Fund, we are helping ensure Atlanta’s vulnerable Black youth are actively engaging in activities that build confidence, boost creativity, expand their connections, and inspire their sense of possibility.
The O-Line:
Black Youth Support Study Cohort
Providing Protection and Insight for Black Youth and Families
Just as a quarterback needs a solid offensive line to provide a safe space of protection for intelligent decision-making during the game, the Black Youth Support Study Cohort is a protective shield for Black youth and their families. In addition to providing crucial financial support to families navigating unexpected emergencies, the Cohort collects valuable data to understand gaps in existing support systems better so that future efforts are more targeted and effective. This two-pronged approach allows ATL to offer immediate relief to families in need while gathering insights that aid in championing efforts for sustainable long-term change.
A student facing significant environmental stressors was responsible for helping pay household bills, often struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety. A.T.L. funding provided crucial relief by covering utility bills, allowing the student to focus on being a kid, attending school, and participating in extracurricular activities. This support not only alleviated immediate financial stress but also positively impacted the student’s overall well-being.
A high school senior, raised by their grandmother on a fixed income, had been a consistent participant at the At-Promise Center, where the family relied on support from both At-Promise and CHRIS 180 to meet basic needs. With ATL funding, the family received critical assistance for food, utility bills, and medical expenses. The student, who is diabetic, often prioritized household needs over their own, using available resources to care for their family. When the student requested help attending p
A participant’s father reached out to share his family’s challenges after reducing his work hours in an effort to qualify for food stamps, only to have their application denied. This left the family struggling to cover essential expenses, including food and their Internet bill—critical for his daughter to complete her homework and for the family to stay connected. Through our program’s support, the family received nutritious meals to last several weeks and assistance with their Internet bill. Th
A student facing significant environmental stressors was responsible for helping pay household bills, often struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety. A.T.L. funding provided crucial relief by covering utility bills, allowing the student to focus on being a kid, attending school, and participating in extracurricular activities. This support not only alleviated immediate financial stress but also positively impacted the student’s overall well-being.
"For youth from low-wealth households, adulthood arrives too soon as they often take on the responsibility of helping their families make ends meet. When we shared this reality with one of our supporters, the ATL Fund, they immediately stepped up and created the Black Joy Fund. We're incredibly grateful to Matt Ryan and ATL: Advance The Lives for providing the resources that allow us to take our youth on enriching outings that not only bring joy but also foster personal growth."