About @Promise

About @Promise

Additional services provided include individual therapy, group therapy, educa­tional assistance, GED classes, skills testing, workforce prep, and arts & music instruction.

The @Promise Initiative’s mission is to reduce crime by diverting susceptible young people from mischief and petty criminal activity toward productive lives.
More than 2,000 youth have formally enrolled in the @Promise programs since operations began in 2017. APF has estab­lished three @Promise Centers with plans to open a fourth in 2026.

More than 30 social service agencies work as partners of APF and APD, surrounding enrollees with professional services including psychological counseling, tutoring, men­toring, and health & wellness program­ming. Individualized programs are based on a comprehensive therapeutic assess­ment for all enrollees.

About @Promise

The @Promise Initiative’s mission is to reduce crime by diverting susceptible young people from mischief and petty criminal activity toward productive lives.
More than 2,000 youth have formally enrolled in the @Promise programs since operations began in 2017. APF has estab­lished three @Promise Centers with plans to open a fourth in 2026.

More than 30 social service agencies work as partners of APF and APD, surrounding enrollees with professional services including psychological counseling, tutoring, men­toring, and health & wellness program­ming. Individualized programs are based on a comprehensive therapeutic assess­ment for all enrollees.

Additional services provided include individual therapy, group therapy, educa­tional assistance, GED classes, skills testing, workforce prep, and arts & music instruction.

Who We Are

Launched in 2017 by the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), the @Promise Center was created to address rising youth crime rates and provide young people ages 12-24 with the resources to eliminate barriers and build promising futures. While recidivism rates among justice-involved youth are influenced by external factors such as family socioeconomic status, neighborhood crime levels, negative peer influences, and behavioral health challenges, the @Promise program tackles these challenges head-on by establishing safe spaces and offering comprehensive support services.

Through programs like academic support, workforce development, mental health counseling, career coaching, conflict resolution, and life skills training, the @Promise program has become a cornerstone of positive youth development in Atlanta. Thanks to strategic partnerships and community involvement, the program has expanded citywide, with multiple centers serving over 1,000 youth annually.

Looking ahead, the @Promise program is committed to further growth by introducing college preparatory assistance, entrepreneurship training, and enhanced mental health
services. By reducing recidivism, fostering trust between youth and law enforcement, and strengthening neighborhoods, @Promise continues to transform lives and build safer, stronger communities across Atlanta.

Our History

2017

Program Inception and Opening of the First @Promise Center

The Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) launched the @Promise Youth Program in late 2017, opening its first center in Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood. As a new initiative and model, the focus during the early years was on recruiting participants, refining operations, and establishing a strong foundation for the program. The center offered resources such as academic support, workforce development, and mental health counseling, quickly becoming a cornerstone for youth seeking positive alternatives.

2020

School on the Move Initiative

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread school closures, APF launched the “School on the Move Initiative” to support virtual learning for @Promise youth. This adaptive approach ensured students stayed engaged academically during a challenging time. The success of this initiative later inspired the development of an out-of-school suspension program, providing structured learning environments for students facing disciplinary challenges.

2021

Launch of the Second @Promise Center

Building on the success of the first location, APF expanded operations with the opening of a second @Promise Center near Atlanta’s Pittsburg and Capitol View neighborhoods. This marked the beginning of the program’s growth into multiple neighborhoods, extending its reach and impact to more youth.

2022

Launch of the Third @Promise Center and Integration of APAW

In 2022, APF opened the third @Promise Center on the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA campus near the Ben Hill neighborhood, further broadening access to critical resources. This year also saw the formal integration of the At Promise At Work (APAW) program, enhancing workforce development initiatives with job shadowing, internships, and life skills training to prepare youth for financial independence and professional success.
2026

QuikTrip’s $3.5M Donation for the Fourth @Promise Center

QuikTrip, a dedicated corporate partner, made a $3.5 million contribution to support the creation of the fourth @Promise Center, set to open in 2026 on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. This new center will continue expanding the program’s mission, providing a safe space for youth and fostering positive community development.
Future

Present and Future Goals

Today, the @Promise program serves over 1000 youth annually across its three centers, with plans to establish additional locations and expand programming. New initiatives include college preparatory assistance, entrepreneurship training, and enhanced mental health services. APF remains committed to empowering Atlanta’s youth, reducing recidivism, and building safer, stronger communities.

Our Leadership

Lakeisha Walker

Chief Programs Officer – Youth Division

Erica Collins

Director of Youth initiatives

Rudy Simpson

Program Manager

Truist/Andrew and Walter Young

Andre Brown

Program Manager

@Promise West

Jasmine Carter

Program Manager

@Promise South

Our Key Program Partners

Our Impact

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Youth recidivism rate vs. national youth recidivism rate of over 70% in the last five years

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High school graduation rate

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Employment rate

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Behavioral health assessments ongoing