Close the Gap on Opportunity

Meet the MAAC Initiatives!

The MAAC initiatives serve as a launch pad for youth transitioning from foster care and preparing for independent adulthood, as an additional source of support for youth who are placed both through MAAC's residential programs and with other agencies. These teams are focused on what happens #Beyond the foster care system for our youth.

The young people served by these programs demonstrate resilience and hope every day - but this year has been challenging. Urgent needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic put so many young people at risk. Students who may have lost their employment are facing eviction once supports expire. Emerging adults are struggling to make ends meet between utilities and transportation expenses, having to choose between food security or other critical needs. Providing concrete supports in times of need can create a tangible sense of security and permanency for youth in foster care whose lives have often been defined by instability. The impact of knowing that someone hears their need, that someone has their back, that someone believes in investing in their success, that they matter, is life changing. An investment can mean and make the difference between dreams being derailed, or driving forward! Let’s make sure the hope and promise of these goals can weather this current storm, and young adults can continue to emerge into adulthood not only surviving, but THRIVING!

The MAAC Initiatives include: 

The Anthem IT Apprenticeship program helps young people along a vocational pathway in the IT field, preparing them for career success as independent, self-sufficient adults after foster care supports end at age 21. 

Teen Parent Connection ensures pregnant or parenting youth in foster care receive customized services and parenting education,  empowering them to form nurturing, positive bonds with their babies. 

Opportunity Passport provides financial literacy education and matched savings grants, linking youth to opportunities vital to building their future. 

Georgia EmpowerMEnt amplifies youth voice by engaging young people authentically to lead change within Georgia's child welfare system based on their own lived expertise in foster care.  

As a result of the Initiatives - 

Youth who have experienced foster care are able to strengthen their resilience and social safety net. They have concrete supports and links to resources in times of need. They are prepared to handle the everyday occurrences of adult life - such as doing laundry, paying bills, making a budget, navigating healthy relationship choices, and setting goals for their future. They experience more economic security and have more lasting social connections - two factors key to success after life in foster care. MAAC youth touched by the Initiatives have numerous opportunities to access information, form bonds with supportive peers and caring adults, make positive strides, and advocate for the next generation. These programs have provided critical support to young adults transitioning from foster care during COVID-19, ensuring that they can remain safe and stable during these times.

When you give to the MAAC Initiatives: 

You're supporting experiences #Beyond the limitations of foster care - opportunities that provide normalcy for youth and expand their horizons despite the challenges of the pandemic. You're providing bonding activities for teen parents and their babies, coupled with the education and skills they need to successfully take on their new role as "Mom". You're helping us supply basic essentials like pots & pans for the youth who just moved into their first apartment, or matching their savings for the deposit on that apartment. You're helping youth find their first vehicle to get to school, work, and other critical opportunities. What we do promotes a healthy journey from adolescence into adulthood - with some of the safety and structures their peers might take for granted. When you give, you help make it all possible.