About ATL: Advance The Lives
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.
The Team
Matt Ryan
Co-Founder
Sarah Ryan
Co-Founder
Taylor Stanley
Program Director
A Closer Look At ATL Playbook Programs
Black Joy Fund
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 OLine (Offensive 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 and legislation for sustainable long-term change.