ATL Blog
Dec 11, 2024
It's the season of spreading love and joy—the holiday season, a sacred time when our shared values of giving back and service are most deeply felt.
Like other nonprofits, ATL: Advance The Lives exists to fulfill a special social mission in our society: to create positive change. At ATL, we do this by providing financial support to after-school programs in Atlanta communities that serve as vital safety nets for children in need. During this special time of year, we are often reminded of the important role service plays in helping us advance the lives of others.
In the words of Civil Rights Activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” This powerful call to action underscores that the essence of greatness lies in our capacity to serve. There are no prerequisites to serve other than a heart full of grace that is powered by love. ATL directly and profoundly impacts Black Youth's lives in underserved communities across Atlanta. We do this by providing access to resources and programs that aid children in need socially, emotionally, and psychologically. Service is the core of our organization, and we exist because of the service of others. Without our supporters who choose to step beyond their comfort zones to give and connect in ways that nurture our collective well-being as a society, there would be no ATL. That’s why we believe and know that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers.
Following the tragic murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, our ATL Founders, Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan and his wife Sarah made a personal commitment to listen and learn more about the inequities that exist for vulnerable communities in the city of Atlanta. Like many others, they were greatly moved to become part of the change needed to help propel our society and humanity forward. They chose service as an opportunity to make a positive impact, guided by sensitivity and a clear conviction to be part of the solution.
Together, they made a significant financial contribution, and with a deep desire to be inclusive and create new pathways to unite all Atlanta communities, they also established a GoFundMe campaign. This campaign helped Matt and Sarah raise more than 1.3M dollars in additional funding, ultimately leading to ATL's successful launch. Their story is an extraordinary testimony to the transformational power of service.
ATL was born out of love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to stopping inequality where it starts—in adolescence. Through service this season and every season, ATL serves as a beacon of hope and possibility for generational change through simple acts of kindness. There is no limit to what serving others can do.
Join our ATL squad and be part of cultivating a new culture—where every voice is valued, every opportunity is embraced, and every dream nurtured.