.png)
(June 11, 2025) —For Sergeant Michael Smith, Father’s Day means more than just cards and family dinner, it’s a reminder of the precious time he now has with his children.
Smith, a 14-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department (APD), first heard about the Childcare Incentive (CHIP) program through an email announcement. With the rising costs of childcare, the decision to apply was easy. “The cost of childcare makes you want to avoid doing it,” Smith said. “Before the program, I faced real cost challenges because of how expensive it was.”
Launched by the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), CHIP provides subsidized childcare benefits to approved full-time sworn APD employees in good standing. Open to eligible officers with children ages 0 to 5 years, the program eases financial strain by partnering with licensed, quality-rated childcare providers in the state of Georgia.
For Smith, the program has been transformative.
“Spending less money on childcare allows me to spend more time with my kids,” he said. “It’s beneficial for me because I get to be more present, but it’s also beneficial for the kids because they get to interact with other children.”
The relief has gone beyond his wallet—it’s improved his quality of life. No longer burdened by extra shifts just to cover childcare costs, Smith says the program has brought balance, presence and peace of mind.
“I really feel supported,” he added. “I’m grateful there’s recognition of how important it is to help with childcare expenses.”
As we celebrate fathers across Atlanta this June, Sergeant Smith’s story is a powerful reminder: behind the badge is a dad working hard not just to serve the city, but to show up at home too.
To learn more about CHIP please visit our website.
Written by APF Communications Intern Kenya M.
