Our Mission

ATL exists to alleviate structural barriers that impede the success of Black Youth by aiding after-school programs in Atlanta with increased social capital to support Black children and families in vulnerable communities.

Together, with support from other area nonprofits, businesses, academia, professional athletes, law enforcement, and community advocates, ATL provides vital resources to Atlanta youth development organizations that share our commitment to significantly improve the educational advancement, social-emotional development, and economic mobility of Black Youth ages 5 to 24.

We Believe

Every Black child deserves to be ‘The Quarterback’ of their life. In football, the quarterback is the most essential player on the field, making critical decisions, calling the plays, and guiding the team toward ultimate victory. Similarly, Black children are the quarterbacks of their lives, making crucial choices and navigating challenges. For example, a solid team is needed in football to help them craft well-executed plays to thrive.

Message From Founders

In the summer of 2020, we made a public commitment to listening and learning more about the inequities in our city of Atlanta. Like so many others we were moved by everything going on in the world, to be a part of the change we felt our society needed. We created a GoFundMe campaign to not only make our own financial commitment, but to create inclusion and action across our entire community. a We were overwhelmed by the response that helped us raise over 1.3 million dollars. As a result, we felt the need to create an organization that would help make a meaningful and sustainable impact.

The Story of ATL

Matt and Sarah Ryan launched ATL: Advance The Lives in 2020 with the mission to alleviate structural barriers to Black youth success by working with after school programs to increase the social capital of Black youth and their families. By engaging with Atlanta athletes, Advance The Lives will work to combat the systemic barriers that Black youth face by partnering with out of school time programs and local organizations to build long-term community engagement and create educational opportunities.

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