Breaking Barriers, Building Women: Economic Empowerment Program

Breaking Barriers, Building Women is AWF’s strategic initiative to advance economic mobility for women in metro Atlanta. Now in its fifth year, this program focuses on education, housing, job training, and financial empowerment—giving women the tools to overcome systemic barriers and build lasting stability.

What We Fund: Higher education & scholarships for student mothers; Child care & living expense assistance; Housing & emergency shelter; Job training & tech career pathways; Financial literacy & mental health support.

2024–2025 Impact Snapshot: 254 women reached across 5 nonprofit partners; 469 positive outcomes in income, degree completion, housing & more; 242 gained knowledge, skills, and self-determination; 221 took action—enrolling in school, finding housing, completing programs; 29 capacity-building outcomes enhanced nonprofit impact. Multiple outcomes per woman are possible.

Our Grantee Partners: Atlanta Habitat for Humanity · Clayton State University Foundation · H.O.P.E. Inc. · Nicholas House · Per Scholas. AWF is grateful to The Coca-Cola Foundation for its funding in support of a sixth year of the Breaking Barriers, Building Women: Economic Empowerment Program.

Impact Story: Syteasha’s Strength. When Syteasha lost one of her children, her world fell apart. Grief overwhelmed her, and with no income, she and her three remaining children soon lost their home. That’s when she found AWF grantee partner Nicholas House. Through AWF-supported economic empowerment programs, Syteasha and her family entered the New Horizons program, which gave them the time, space, and support to begin healing. Her case manager stood beside her as she fought to rebuild her life, encouraging her through every setback. With therapy, determination, and unwavering support, Syteasha secured a job as a cook, then rose to become head chef. Now, she’s saving for a home and dreams of launching her own business.