redefinED atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every student in Atlanta has the opportunity to attend a high-quality public school, announced that it recently awarded a $100,000 grant to two parent groups, The Atlanta Thrive and the Latino Association for Parents in Public Schools (LAPPS), in order to create a COVID-19 relief fund that assisted metro-Atlanta families struggling with housing, food insecurity, and other basic needs during the pandemic. 

“Many of Atlanta’s families faced food and housing challenges even before this health crisis,” said Ed Chang, executive director of redefinED atlanta. “COVID-19 has further exacerbated these inequities while amplifying other stressors, potentially causing increased childhood trauma that will affect the ability of their children’s future learning.” 

The “For Us By Us Atlanta Fund,” launched June 1, provided hundreds of Black and Latino families with grants up to $599 each. redefinED atlanta chose The Atlanta Thrive and LAPPS to administer the fund since these organizations consistently work with families and partner organizations throughout the city, establishing trust and relationships that helped them identify families who still had the most unmet needs and did not have access to other supports. 

“Atlanta Thrive members have been volunteering at food distribution sites and delivering food to families who needed it since schools closed in March. We knew firsthand that our neighbors required more help and are excited we were able to provide it through our work with redefinED atlanta and LAPPS,” said Kimberly Dukes, executive director of The Atlanta Thrive.  

Ricardo Martinez, president of LAPPS, commented, “COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Latino and Black communities, especially as the majority of our families do not have the luxury of working from home. Relief from this fund has helped families take care of themselves during the pandemic and safely get back to work when called upon.”

redefinED atlanta’s relief fund was established to provide support for families experiencing heightened or extended hardships during this time. The nonprofit will continue to work with parent and community leaders to assess needs and support school leaders with innovative learning solutions for a strong start in August, and work towards minimizing the learning loss that will impact our students during this crisis.