Dare to dream story of impact

At Atlanta Angels, we are committed to creating meaningful relationships that empower youth to overcome obstacles and thrive. Our Dare to Dream®​ program matches mentors with youth to navigate life's challenges together, providing advice, encouragement, and a supportive community. 

A profound example of the power of relationships is the relationship between Josh & Emmanuel. Before being matched in our program, Josh* was navigating tough times, struggling in school and balancing responsibilities at home that made it difficult for him to reach his full potential. 

“I was failing school. I had no passing grades. I had 30s, 40s, It was so bad”

But everything changed when Josh was eventually placed with the Neal family. It was here that he began to receive the support he needed. Initially, Emmanuel was there to help Josh with his academic struggles, but over time, he saw the need to form a deeper bond.

“From the beginning, I really didn’t want it to be a temporary thing,” Emmanuel explained. “I wanted to find a way to get involved and help beyond just that initial meeting in the classroom.” 

Josh and Emmanuel’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of mentorship and community. Josh’s resilience paired with Emmanuel’s mentorship led to a powerful moment when the pair graduated within days of each other. For Josh, this was extremely meaningful as he became the first one in his family to graduate, breaking a generational cycle and setting an example for his younger siblings. 

This is what our programs are all about! We are building communities of people that are changing the way children, youth, and families experience foster care.

For a full glimpse into their journey, check out their interview! 

Want to be a part of a story like Josh’s? Visit our page to learn more about how you can become a mentor! 
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*Name changed for privacy purposes

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