As an Inspire Atlanta participant, I am excited to join the fundraising efforts of my 2021 cohort to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our community. 

During the last recession, I found myself working three jobs and barely living JUST over the 200% poverty line - the cutoff for many aid programs including any reduced power/water/ and gas rates. I had done everything "right" - went to college, had a savings account and 401K but the "Great Recession" didn't care. No amount of clipping coupons, extra babysitting gigs, or "skipping the $5 latte" helped. What helped was an amazing support system of friends and family. I never feared homelessness because I knew I had a support system that could help me if I needed them to and within a few short years that struggle was a distant, yet life-changing memory. 

Prior to COVID-19, 17% of women in Metro Atlanta lived below the poverty line. Current data shows that the economic impact of COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting women more than men, particularly women of color.  As the only public foundation in the state of Georgia solely dedicated to women and girls, The Atlanta Women's Foundation (AWF) is uniquely positioned to address the barriers that women in poverty face - barriers like access to childcare, higher education opportunities, mental health services, and access to COVID-19 resources. 

I am fundraising on behalf of the AWF to fulfill its mission to be a catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls. I am fundraising to help support women and girls in becoming the best version of themselves. I am fundraising to be the support system local women and girls can rely on so they can create the future of their dreams. Will you join me?

Learn more about AWF at atlantawomen.org