Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

A proud graduate of Georgia State University with a B.A. in Marketing, Ms. Allen began her career in public service with the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Weed and Seed. There, she led community engagement initiatives, designed capacity-building strategies for grassroots organizations, worked closely with community and neighborhood leaders, and developed outreach campaigns to support city programs and community development initiatives.
Since co-founding RE, Ms. Allen has been instrumental in building strong partnerships with school systems, community leaders, elected officials, and service providers. Her strategic vision and collaborative leadership have helped position RE as a trusted and impactful organization in Atlanta’s educational and nonprofit landscape.
Ms. Allen and her co-founder have been recognized as trusted voices in education and community development, earning invitations to serve on numerous education-focused think tanks and advisory groups. Their leadership has contributed to strategic initiatives with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ transition team, Atlanta Public Schools, school board representatives, city council members, and local philanthropic foundations. Their lived experience and deep community insight have been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that advance educational equity on Atlanta’s Westside.

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Youthwork 2026 Mock Interview Competition

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Tangee Allen

Maria Armstrong

Terese J. Lackley

Dana Matthias

Tamara Burke

Grey Culver

🏈 Beyond the Field: Exploring New Career Possibilities with the @atlantafalcons! Our Raising Expectations students recently went behind the scenes with the Atlanta Falcons to explore careers beyond the football field! From walking the practice field with NFL scouts to stepping into roles as coaches, scouts, medical professionals and even the NFL Commissioner during a mock draft, our students discovered the many opportunities that exist in professional sports. At RE, we believe exposure creates opportunity. When young people see careers in action, they begin to imagine new possibilities for their futures. 💙💚 Thank you to the Atlanta Falcons for opening doors and helping our students envision what's possible! #RaisingExpectations #AtlantaFalcons #CareerExploration #MoreOpportunitiesMorePossibilities

For 30 years, Atlanta has been part of our story. Yesterday, our story is part of the Atlanta skyline! For three decades, Atlanta has been our home, and creating pathways to economic mobility for our students and families has been at the heart of our mission. Together, we’ve built an incredible RE Village committed to breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities and ensuring Atlanta’s young people have the support, resources and experiences they need to thrive. As we celebrate 30 years, we know that lasting change doesn’t happen alone. It takes a village of people who believe in the potential of every young person and are committed to creating opportunities for generations to come. To everyone who has been part of our journey, thank you for investing in our students, supporting our families and helping build a stronger Atlanta. You are an important part of our story and the future we’re building together. A special thank you to @georgiasowncu for featuring Raising Expectations above the Atlanta skyline as we celebrate 30 years of impact in the city we proudly call home! #RaisingExpectations #RE30 #REVillage #Atlanta

The big moments. The small moments. One unforgettable House Party! From music and art to a look at our past, present and future, our 30th Anniversary House Party was a celebration of everything that makes the RE Village special. A huge thank you to our incredible Co-Chairs, Carol Waddy and David Jernigan, our inspiring honorees Mayor Andre Dickens, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Sylvia Russell and Dr. Beverly Tatum, and everyone who showed up to celebrate and invest in our next 30 years. Together, we raised $60,000 during Fund the Mission, doubling our goal! These photos capture the energy, joy and community that made the night unforgettable. Link in stories! 30 years of impact. One incredible RE Village. And we're just getting started! #RaisingExpectations #RE30 #TheREVillage #Atlanta

Atlanta showed up for the RE Village. Our 30th Anniversary House Party was more than a celebration. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together around young people and believes in what is possible. We raised $60,000 in the room during our Fund the Mission, directly supporting Raising Expectations and the young people we serve. From Shanna Stephens sharing how RE changed the trajectory of her life, to Sylvia Russell surprising the room with a $30,000 matching gift, to generations of alumni, mentors, partners and friends celebrating together, the night was the RE Village in action. This is what 30 years of relationships looks like. And this is the village that will carry us into what comes next, including 25 Newcastle and even more opportunities for Atlanta’s young people. Thank you to Crystal Edmonson and the @atlbizchronicle for sharing the power of the night and the RE story. Atlanta, thank you for showing up. The House Party may be over, but we’re just getting started. Link in stories.

WE ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! We are so excited to celebrate 30 years of Raising Expectations with a FULL HOUSE tomorrow night! For three decades, this community has shown up for Atlanta’s young people, and we can’t think of a better way to mark this milestone than surrounded by the people who have been part of the journey. A quick reminder: No tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Only guests who registered in advance will be admitted. We can’t wait to celebrate 30 years of impact, relationships and Raising Expectations, House Party style!

90s ROLL CALL! Atlanta, who’s ready to party like it’s 1995? Because THIS house is going to be full. Mayor @andreforatlanta. Sylvia Russell. Dr. Beverly Tatum. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin. And that’s just our honorees. We’ve got Carol Waddy + David Jernigan co-chairing the celebration, @eperiodspeaks on the mic, RE alum @king_bashel helping host the party and @salahananse on the turntables. Sponsors include @chickfila @toweratl @thecocacolaco, Stockbridge @att @pncbank @deltacommunity, NTRC, @cricketwireless @cfneg, Alston & Bird, @collinsforkids @mattwestmoreland @jasonsdozier and @waynemartinforatlanta. In other words: Atlanta is showing up for RE. Now it’s your turn. Grab the overalls. Break out the tracksuit. Find the bucket hat. And start practicing whatever 90s dance move you probably should have retired 25 years ago. We’re celebrating 30 years of Raising Expectations, the people who built this movement and the young people who are taking it into the future. September 30 | 6:30 p.m. | The Supermarket Link in bio and stories. 90s attire encouraged. Now for the official roll call: Who’s coming, and what are you wearing? #RaisingExpectations #TheHouseParty #RE30 #Atlanta

This is what we mean when we talk about pathways to the future. These five young men have been putting in the work at @atltechcollege, earning credentials including CLA, forklift and OSHA 10 certifications through a special initiative co-created with neighborhood and community leaders. And these certificates are only the beginning. Their next step is earning their CDL permits. From there, they will enter an eight-week earn-as-you-learn program that will prepare them for opportunities in the lineworker profession, including the potential to one day work with @ga_power. College may be the right pathway for one student. The skilled trades may be right for another. Another young person may need credentials, hands-on experience or a connection to an employer to take that next step. Different young people. Different aspirations. Different pathways. One shared expectation: that every young person deserves the opportunity and support to build a future of their own.

Atlanta knows how to show up. For its teams. For its city. And, most importantly, for its people. As we get ready for @atlantafalcons football today, we’re celebrating two people who have shown up for Raising Expectations in a big way: @ryan_matt02 and Sarah Ryan. Matt, Sarah and the @advancethelives Foundation are part of the fabric of RE. Their belief in our young people and their investment in Atlanta have helped strengthen the community surrounding our students and that kind of support is what has made 30 years of Raising Expectations possible. Because RE has never been the story of one person or one organization. It’s the story of Atlanta showing up for Atlanta. And on September 30, we’re bringing that community together. The House Party is a party with a purpose: celebrating 30 years of RE, celebrating this city we love and celebrating everyone who has been part of our story and everyone who wants to be part of what comes next. Come celebrate with us. Link in bio and stories. September 30 | 6:30 p.m. | The Supermarket Atlanta, you’ve been part of our fabric for 30 years. Let’s party.

You have to see it to imagine yourself there. This summer, our RE interns hit the road for a visit to @cricketwireless, where they stepped inside a corporate workplace, met professionals and explored the many different paths a career can take. These experiences are about more than a field trip. They’re about helping young people enter new spaces, ask questions, make connections and begin to see themselves belonging there. And thanks to @impact100atlanta, we have the transportation to help get them there. Our vans are helping RE connect young people to opportunities throughout Atlanta and turn career exposure into real-world experiences. Thank you to Cricket Wireless for welcoming our interns and to Impact100 Atlanta for helping make access to experiences like this possible. See it. Imagine it. Become it.

30 years of Raising Expectations. Four extraordinary leaders. One unforgettable House Party. As we celebrate three decades of impact, we’re proud to honor leaders whose vision, leadership and commitment to Atlanta reflect the power of raising expectations: Mayor @andreforatlanta | Raising Expectations Award Mayor Shirley Franklin | Power of Expectations Award Sylvia Russell| RISE Award Dr. Beverly Tatum | Pathways to Opportunity Award Join us September 30 as we celebrate their impact and raise the resources to fuel RE’s next 30 years. And don’t wait. Early Bird pricing ends September 21. There are also still a few of our coveted RE Bucket Hats left for the first 100 ticket buyers. Link in bio and stories. Celebrate the legacy. Fund the future. Come to The House Party. #RaisingExpectations #TheHouseParty #RoadTo30 #Atlanta

More than thirty volunteers, including corporate executives, entrepreneurs, college deans, and financial advisors, served as Mock Interview Judges for the 2026 YouthWORK Summer Program, presented in partnership with the @cityofatlantaga Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP). Rising 9th through 12th-grade interns participated in the Mock Interview Competition as the final showcase of their four- to six-week career readiness training. Volunteers shared their professional expertise, offered constructive feedback, and created a supportive environment that helped the interns build confidence and prepare for future career success. And the Top Performers are… 1st - Ashanti 2nd - Demarion 3rd - Antonio 4th - Jomari Thank you to the amazing volunteers who joined us from companies including @cfneg, Malik Global Solutions, EPPIC Innovative Solutions, Stride South Advisors, @bestbuy, @thecocacolaco, @titans and @inspirebrands.

This isn’t just a 30th birthday party. It’s a celebration of 30 years of Raising Expectations and an investment in the next 30. Every ticket. Every sponsorship. Every person in the room helps fuel the programs and opportunities that help RE’s young people dream bigger, achieve more and build pathways to their futures. Celebrate the legacy. Fund the future. And the first 100 ticket buyers get an exclusive RE Bucket Hat. Get your ticket. Get your bucket hat. Show up for RE’s young people. 30 years got us here. Let’s fund what comes next. https://raisingexpectations.org/house-party/

Roots & Routes: Connecting Students to What’s Possible This summer, our Emerging Fellows took an important step toward their futures through Roots & Routes, the capstone experience of our YouthWORK Summer Program. Presented in partnership with the @@cityofatlantaga Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP), the experience culminated at @accenture, where Fellows had the opportunity to showcase all they had learned. Students put their networking skills into action, connected with professionals and mentors, and heard firsthand how today’s leaders navigated their own career journeys. The experience reinforced something at the heart of Raising Expectations: relationships can open doors, expand networks, and help young people see what is possible for their own futures. We’re excited to celebrate this year’s Roots & Routes winners: Cambron Teyonna Kirstyn Jameel A special thank you to Accenture for opening its doors to our students and to the volunteers, mentors, and professionals from companies including @cocacola @bankofamerica @accenture @unitedwayatlanta @cfgreateratlanta and @georgiatech who showed up for them. By sharing your time, experiences, and networks, you helped our young people build confidence, make meaningful connections, and see new possibilities for what comes next.

📼 REWIND. PRESS PLAY. MEET OUR CO-CHAIRS. Meet Carol Waddy + David Jernigan, the Co-Chairs helping us throw it all the way back for The House Party, Raising Expectations’ 30th anniversary celebration and fundraiser! They understood the assignment: 📼 Celebrate 30 years of Raising Expectations 🎧 Bring Atlanta together 💙 Raise critical funds for the next generation 🔥 Throw one unforgettable House Party On September 30, we’re celebrating where we started, the community that got us here and what’s possible in the next 30 years. Consider this your official invitation to get in the mix. Grab your crew. Get your tickets. And get ready to party with a purpose. https://raisingexpectations.org/house-party/ #TheHouseParty #RaisingExpectations #RoadTo30 #90sThrowback #PartyWithAPurpose #Atlanta

Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the power of nonprofits to strengthen communities, create opportunity and change lives. At Raising Expectations, we see that impact every day. For 30 years, our work has been about more than helping young people succeed in school. It’s about surrounding them with the relationships, resources and opportunities they need to discover their potential, build meaningful futures and become strong neighbors and leaders who make a positive impact on Atlanta. Our young people are not just the future of this city, they are an important part of its strength today. We’re proud to stand alongside Atlanta’s incredible nonprofit community and the partners, supporters and neighbors who believe that when we invest in young people, we invest in a stronger Atlanta for all of us. Happy National Nonprofit Day! #NationalNonprofitDay #RaisingExpectations #RoadTo30 #AtlantaNonprofits #InvestInYouth #Atlanta

📟 BEEP BEEP. YOU’VE GOT A MESSAGE. 911: THE HOUSE PARTY IS CALLING. Tickets are ON SALE NOW! Have you saved your spot? 📅 September 30 🎶 90s vibes 🎉 30 years of Raising Expectations 💙 One unforgettable party with a purpose 143 RE. C U @ THE HOUSE PARTY. Link in bio and stories! #HousePartyATL #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #90sThrowback #PartyWithAPurpose

📼 TICKETS ARE LIVE! 🎉It's time to party like it's the 90s! 🎶 Join us for The House Party as we celebrate 30 years of Raising Expectations with a night of fun, nostalgia, and impact. 🎟️ Early Bird Tickets are just $150 through September 7. 🧢 The first 100 ticket buyers score an exclusive RE bucket hat! 🤝 Looking to make an even bigger impact? Join us as a sponsor to celebrate with us while investing in brighter futures. Come celebrate, make memories, and help build brighter futures for Atlanta's youth with your investment in Raising Expectations! https://raisingexpectations.org/house-party/ Grab your crew and get your tickets today! #HousePartyATL #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #PartyWithAPurpose #90sThrowback

🎓 Project Dorm and College Ready is underway! Ashanti and James have done the hard work. They've earned their place in college; now let's help them arrive ready to soar! Through Project Dorm and College Ready, we're asking our #REVillage to help furnish their dorm rooms with the essentials they'll need to start this exciting new chapter with confidence. Links in stories! Every item purchased is more than a dorm essential—it's an investment in a student's future and a reminder that an entire community is cheering them on. Let's send Ashanti and James to campus ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to succeed. #ProjectDorm #CollegeReady #RoadTo30 #REVillage #CollegeBound

All the signs are there… You have to know where to look 👀 Thirty years in the making, the House Party is more than a milestone celebration, it's a fundraiser with purpose, fueling Raising Expectations' mission for the next 30 years. We’re keeping the location under wraps for now, but the streets might tell you everything you need to know. This isn’t just another celebration. It’s a night to honor 30 years of Raising Expectations, community, connection, and impact. For three decades, Raising Expectations has helped students dream bigger, build confidence, and discover what's possible when a community believes in them. Now, it’s time to bring that same energy to the House Party. 🏠💙💚 https://raisingexpectations.org/house-party/ Think you know the spot? Drop your guesses below! House Party • September 30

Our team is very excited to share that we’re closing out our summer programs in partnership with summer_youth_program this Thursday for our Roots & Routes Networking Capstone event hosted by Accenture. Looking forward to sharing updates and pictures showcasing our talented and gifted Atlanta youth, along with the amazing volunteers that will be joining us.

Clear vision. Bright futures. 👓💙 Thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, our students are heading into the school year with new glasses and the confidence to succeed. At Raising Expectations, we believe every child deserves the tools they need to thrive. Your support helps make that possible. Thank you for helping our students see their potential and soar! ✨ #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #StudentSuccess #CommunityImpact #SeeToSucceed

What was your favorite 90s Atlanta memory? From the ‘96 Olympics to Atlanta’s music, sports, and culture, the 90s helped shape the city we know today. 🏆🍑🎶💚 Founded in 1995, Raising Expectations has been creating opportunities, building relationships, and supporting young people across Atlanta for 30 years. As we count down to the House Party: 30 Years in the Making, we’re looking back at the moments that shaped our city and celebrating the community that helped make this impact possible. 🏙️ ✨ Drop your favorite 90s Atlanta memory below.👇 House Party: 30 Years in the Making September 30, 2026 #ThrowbackThursday #RoadTo30 #HouseParty30YearsInTheMaking #RaisingExpectations #30YearsOfImpact #90sAtlanta

Please join us in welcoming Catherine Markwalter as Interim Resource Development Officer at Raising Expectations! Catherine brings extensive experience in fundraising, marketing, and strategic communications, with leadership roles spanning both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Most recently, she led Reach for Excellence to a record fundraising year, helping expand opportunities for students with limited resources. Her passion for community, relationship-building, and creating pathways to success makes her a wonderful addition to our team. We’re excited to have Catherine join us as we continue investing in the futures of Atlanta’s young people. Welcome, Catherine!

Looking for a way to give back? Join us by volunteering as a Mock Interview Judge for our YouthWORK Summer Program. By sharing your time, experience, and encouragement, you can help young people build confidence, strengthen their professional skills, and prepare for future success. The attached flyer and sign-up link have all the details.

Juneteenth reminds us that history is not just something we remember, it’s something we continue to write. In a moment when so many young people are searching for hope, purpose, and possibility, the work of Raising Expectations feels more urgent than ever. We honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom by ensuring that the next generation has access to opportunity and the belief that their future is not defined by their circumstances. Because freedom is not only about what we are liberated from, it is also about what we are empowered to become. Today, we celebrate Juneteenth with gratitude, reflection, and a continued commitment to investing in young people and the communities they will lead.

Before the selfies, before the filters, before the group chats... there were Polaroids. As we count down to House Party: 30 Years in the Making, we're flipping through some of our favorite snapshots from the Raising Expectations journey. From students discovering their potential to mentors opening doors and a community showing up year after year, these moments remind us that big dreams start with people who believe in you. ❤️ Every photo tells a story. 🎓 Every story represents a relationship. 🚀 Every relationship helped build 30 years of impact. What's your favorite Raising Expectations memory? Share it below! 📼 House Party: 30 Years in the Making 📅 September 30, 2026 #ThrowbackThursday #RoadTo30 #HouseParty30YearsInTheMaking #RaisingExpectations #30YearsOfImpact Atlanta

Excited to be part of @nbcuniversal #CreativeImpactLab Workshop and to help bring the Raising Expectations story to life. The event was filled with inspiring speakers, thoughtful conversations, and creative collaboration around how we can use media and storytelling to drive meaningful change. We walked away feeling inspired and energized by the power of media to make an impact and amplify the stories that matter most. And look forward to working with our dynamic team at NBC Universal and @reimagineatl! We can't wait to share how this partnership will help raise awareness for our mission, our students and families, and the future of 25 Newcastle.

📼 HOUSE PARTY: 30 YEARS IN THE MAKING 📼 Alright Atlanta, it's time to rewind the tape. Before smartphones, before streaming, before social media was a thing, Raising Expectations was already helping young people build brighter futures and stronger communities. Now we're turning 30, and we're throwing the ultimate House Party. Think mixtapes. Think Polaroids. Think old-school ATL vibes. Think the friends, mentors, teachers, and champions who helped shape your journey. For one unforgettable night, we're bringing together alumni, supporters, partners, and community leaders to celebrate 30 years of relationships, opportunity, and impact, and to help build the next 30 years for Atlanta's young people. 🎧 Throwback beats 📸 Retro photo moments 🎮 90s-inspired experiences 🏠 A first look at the future of Raising Expectations ❤️ Stories that remind us why community matters Because some things never go out of style. Save the date: September 30, 2026 More details dropping soon: https://raisingexpectations.org/house-party/ Trust us—you'll want to be on the guest list. #RoadTo30 #HouseParty30YearsInTheMaking #RaisingExpectations #Atlanta

As we continue the Road to 30, we’re seeing in real time what it takes to remove barriers and create lasting pathways for Atlanta’s families. Recently, that looked like a full circle moment. An e cargo van made possible through the generosity of partners like @mercedesbenz via one of their ambassadors and our supporters, @ryan_matt02 with the @advancethelives Fund. Safe and affordable housing through @westsidefuturefund and volunteers from @morehouse1867. All entities played a role in helping us activate resources to support two of our young people as they transitioned into their very first apartment. This is what the Raising Expectations continuum of care looks like in action. From education and mentorship to housing stability and workforce pathways, every piece matters. Every partnership matters. Every moment of support builds toward something bigger. Because when a student succeeds, it takes a village, and we are grateful that Raising Expectations can play a role in connecting the dots, ensuring that young people and families have a chance to move towards self-sufficiency. We’re grateful to the partners, funders, and volunteers who make moments like this possible and who are helping us power the future for the next generation. Join us on the Road to 30. Link in stories. Because creating opportunity takes all of us.

This is what impact looks like in real life 💛 During a recent visit, @impact100atlanta got to see their investment in action with Raising Expectations and the results are powerful. Because of their support, two new passenger vans are now on the road helping remove one of the biggest barriers families face: transportation. That means more students showing up More families staying connected More young people able to fully participate in programs that support graduation and what comes next This is the power of collective giving. It turns ideas into action and action into opportunity. We’re grateful for partners like Impact100 Atlanta who are helping create real pathways for students and families across our city 💛 #Impact100Atlanta #RaisingExpectations #CommunityImpact #ItTakesAVillage #Atlanta

✨ 30 × 30 Story As we continue sharing the stories that define Raising Expectations, we’re proud to spotlight the voices of students whose lives have been shaped by this community. Jade shared: "Raising Expectations impacted my life by being a village of support that surrounded me with encouragement and guidance. Most importantly, they taught me the value of Black Excellence. Because of Raising Expectations, I carry myself with more confidence, pride, and purpose." For nearly 30 years, Raising Expectations has helped students discover their strength, their voice, and their future. More 30 × 30 stories coming soon. #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #StudentVoices #30YearsStrong

30 Years. 30 Stories. Removing Barriers. Creating Opportunity. For many families, stability isn’t about trying harder, it’s about having reliable, consistent access to the resources that make daily life possible. For the past five years, Raising Expectations has walked alongside one family that has done everything right: they work, they show up, they stay committed, and they partner with our team to help their children maximize learning and opportunity. But without reliable transportation, every day became a logistical challenge. Multiple bus routes, long commutes, and unpredictable timing made it hard to keep work schedules steady, and even harder to create consistency at home. Then an incredible opportunity arrived: a donated car in great shape, with just one previous owner. We knew it could be a game-changer for a family in need, and we knew exactly who it could help most. Thank you, Kiah Carpenter, CISA, MBA for your support of our mission and for helping our families with an impact that lasts! That one change created a ripple effect: • More stability at work • More time together as a family, instead of early departures and late arrivals on public transit • Access to more affordable housing options, no longer limited by bus lines and transit hubs • Reliable transportation to grocery stores and healthier food options • More ability to plan ahead, pursue goals, and keep moving forward Removing barriers isn’t our primary focus but it’s often what makes everything else possible. To the donor who chose to give this car to a family in need instead of selling it: thank you. We are deeply grateful. Join us on the Road to 30. Be part of the stories that are removing barriers and creating opportunity across Atlanta. Whether you give, share, or get involved,your support helps move families forward. Link in stories! #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #AtlantaNonprofits #Opportunity #CommunityImpact

The future felt real 💛 Through Take a Student to College Day, our students walked the campuses of spelman_college, @morehouse1867, and @cau1988—and started to see what’s possible. From meeting student mentors to exploring campus life, this day was about more than a visit—it was about belonging. Because when students can see it, they can believe it. And that belief changes everything. Thank you @bonnerscholar, @spelmanserves1881 and @bonnercau1988 for sharing with our students. #RaisingExpectations #TakeAStudentToCollegeDay #FutureLeaders #AtlantaYouth #CommunityMatters

Now you know we couldn't do one without the other, they are affectionally known as Spelhouse after all. This is what showing up looks like from our young men at @morehousecollege 💛! This National Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating our incredible volunteers from Morehouse College who are making a real difference in the lives of our students. They’re mentors, servant leaders and role models. They don’t just give their time, they help our students see their potential and believe in their future. And that’s the kind of impact that changes everything. Thank you, Morehouse, for being such a powerful part of our community since Raising Expectations started this journey in 1995. 💛 #NationalVolunteerMonth #RaisingExpectations #MorehouseCollege #FutureLeaders #CommunityImpact #partnersforgood

The power of community looks like this 💛This National Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating our amazing volunteers from @spelmansga who pour into our students in the most meaningful ways. They show up as mentors, role models, and big sisters—helping our students build confidence and believe in what’s possible. And that kind of impact lasts far beyond the classroom. Thank you, Spelman, for leading with heart 💛 #NationalVolunteerMonth #RaisingExpectations #SpelmanCollege #CommunityMatters #VolunteerImpact

Because of YOU… our students are now seeing clearly. 👓 We are so thankful for this amazing community. Now, these students can: ✨ See the board ✨ Read with confidence ✨ Fully participate in class Something as simple as a pair of glasses has changed everything. Thank you for helping our students learn, engage, and thrive. #SeeBetterLearnBetter #RaisingExpectations #CommunityMatters #RoadTo30

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t. For 30 years, we’ve been working to change that and through our 30 x 30 Stories, we’re sharing the real impact behind that work. Stories of growth. Of resilience. Of what’s possible when opportunity meets support. We’re honored to be recognized by Senator @sonyahalpern_ and the Georgia Senate for three decades of impact to our city and state. These 30 years belong to every story and we’re just getting started. #30x30Stories #30YearsOfImpact #OpportunityForAll #Atlanta

What a night. 🎩🥃 Because of you, Bourbon, Brims & Sticks welcomed new monthly donors into our Road to 30 campaign and strengthened a community showing up for Atlanta’s youth. Your support fuels real impact: 96% of our students graduate high school on time—and 65% continue their journey beyond. Thank you to our incredible sponsors @deltacommunity, Stockbridge, and The Willoughby, and to our partners @greenwoodwhiskey, @bmfranklinco, and @showmesmokekc for bringing this evening to life. ✨ Keep it going—join us on the Road to 30 As we celebrate 30 years, consider giving $30 or a meaningful increment of 30—to help shape what comes next. 👉 https://secure.givelively.org/donate/raising-expectations-inc #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #AtlantaImpact

It’s 404 Day… and this one feels special. 🧡 We’re proud to be honored by Nikema Williams as part of the Small Business and Community Council’s one-year anniversary, recognizing organizations and businesses shaping Atlanta’s future. For over 30 years, Raising Expectations has been committed to empowering Atlanta’s youth and families and today, we celebrate alongside fellow changemakers who are doing the same. This is what 404 Day is all about: community, connection, and impact. @404day #404Day #ATLStrong

⚡✨ Learning by Doing - Some of the best learning happens when students use their hands and their imagination. We're always excited to see what our talented team creates for our students and when we see them designing, building, and creating, from making electric cars to putting on a fashion show using cardboard and recycled materials we know they're on the right track. These hands-on projects help students think creatively, solve problems, and discover new talents. Because when young people create something with their own hands, they also start to see what they’re capable of building for their future. #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #STEAM #FutureCreators

We love seeing our students experience new opportunities beyond the classroom — and we’re grateful to @thewelchmartialartexp for welcoming our students each week. Through martial arts and Tai Chi, students explore new interests, build discipline and confidence, and expand what they believe is possible. Because Raising Expectations has been place-based in the community for years, we know the partners whose unique talents can help broaden our students’ experiences. We like to think of it as being a piece of Velcro, connecting our scholars with the incredible opportunities already happening in our community. Thank you for being part of the village of support that surrounds and uplifts our students. #RoadTo30 #RaisingExpectations #VillageOfSupport #YouthLeadership

We were proud to be part of Fitness on the Field, a day filled with movement, joy, and community—bringing young people together around wellness, connection, and possibility. One of the most meaningful moments was unveiling a mural that now lives at Raising Expectations—a bright, permanent reminder for the kids we serve that they are seen, supported, and capable of more than they may imagine. This mural isn’t just art. It’s encouragement kids can see every day. It’s a reminder that expectations matter—and that when young people are surrounded by belief, they rise. Wellness for kids is about more than staying active. It’s about confidence, belonging, and knowing your community is cheering you on. We’re grateful to help create spaces where kids feel inspired—not just for a moment, but every day. 💪✨ #RaisingExpectations #KidsFirst #YouthWellness #ExpectMore #AtlantaKids #CommunityCare

🎉 We’re Launching 30 × 30 Stories! 🎉 This year marks 30 incredible years — and we’re celebrating in a big way! Introducing 30 × 30 Stories — 30 stories of impact, inspiration, and transformation that reflect the heart of our community. We’re kicking it off by hearing from our Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Maria Armstrong and Tangee Allen. Their vision 30 years ago sparked a movement that continues to change lives today. Over the next few months, we’ll share stories from students, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters who have helped shape this journey. Each one is a reminder that when we come together, powerful things happen. 💛 Follow along. 💛 Share your favorite stories. 💛 Celebrate 30 years with us. Here’s to the past, present, and what’s ahead! #30Years #30x30Stories #CelebrateImpact

🎩🥃 Bourbon, Brims & Sticks An evening where craftsmanship meets purpose. From master distillers and hat makers to cigar artisans, we’re celebrating creators who pour intention into every detail, just like Raising Expectations, a nonprofit that takes great care in crafting brighter futures and opportunities for Atlanta’s youth. These students face big challenges: • 100% qualify for free/reduced lunch • 98% live in households earning under $30K • 100% are first‑generation college students But with engagement in Raising Expectations, the results speak for themselves: ✨ 96% graduate high school on time ✨ 99% first generation college students ✨ 65% complete post-secondary learning (college, skilled trades, certifications) Your ticket helps transform challenges into opportunities. Join us and be part of the craft that changes lives. Link in bio.

We gathered around the table for a moment of dinner and dialogue, rekindling the kind of everyday togetherness that once defined family life but too often feels lost in the busyness of today’s world. For 30 years, Raising Expectations has created programs rooted in community, designed not just for families, but with families. The 4th Annual Family Dinner Table is a beautiful example of that commitment in action. An evening of togetherness with young people, parents, community members and Atlanta Police officers, sharing a meal and meaningful conversations that connect us to one another. Our team was excited to host this evening with our partners at the @atpromiseatl West, bringing families together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and unity of our community. This is what 30 years looks like: • Projects grounded in trust • Spaces built for belonging • Community leading the way Because when families gather, communities grow stronger. #RaisingExpectations #30YearsOfImpact #RootedInCommunity #AtlantaCommunity

At Raising Expectations, we are proud to be an organization that stays flexible and nimble, ready to meet opportunity when it shows up. The Real Estate Enrichment Program, REEP, is a perfect example. Nearly five years ago, former Raising Expectations volunteer and Stockbridge executive Bianca Cassidy approached us with an idea to expose our students to careers in real estate. We were all ears. Today, we are in our third cohort of REEP students participating in a robust, career-centered leadership program that supports their post-secondary educational pursuits with scholarship opportunities. Over the holiday season, REEP students joined their mentors from Stockbridge for a special evening at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, followed by dinner at Bianca’s home. The evening celebrated connection, mentorship, and what it looks like when opportunity meets experience. REEP exists to expose underserved and underrepresented high school students to the world of commercial real estate. Through foundational training, mentorship, and real-world experiences, we are opening doors to an industry that has historically been difficult to access. REEP is about helping real estate reflect the real world and showing students that they belong in these spaces. We are deeply grateful to the mentors and partners who continue to invest their time, guidance, and belief in the next generation. #REEP #WorkforceDevelopment #MentorshipMatters #RealEstateCareers #RepresentationMatters

See Better. Learn Better. Clear vision changes everything. Four Raising Expectations students urgently need eye exams and glasses to succeed in school. Imagine trying to learn when you can’t clearly see the board. When reading feels blurry. When participating feels overwhelming. Something as simple as a pair of glasses can unlock a student’s ability to: ✨ LEARN ✨ ENGAGE ✨ THRIVE This year, we can’t rely on former partners to cover this need as funding was lost. These students are counting on us. $85 brings the world into focus. Your gift covers: 👓 An eye exam 👓 Two pairs of glasses 👓 Confidence in the classroom Scan the QR code and help a student see their future clearly. Link in stories. #EngagewithRE #SeeBetterLearnBetter #RaisingExpectations #EducationMatters #AtlantaNonprofit #RoadTo3

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