(Feb. 24, 2025) — In Atlanta, where youth crime rates have posed significant challenges, community-driven solutions are making a lasting impact. The @Promise Initiative, launched by the Atlanta Police Foundation, provides young people ages 12-24 with essential resources to eliminate barriers and build promising futures. Through comprehensive support services—including career readiness programs, mentorship, mental health counseling, and safe community spaces—@Promise is tackling the systemic challenges that often lead to recidivism among justice-involved youth.
Strong partnerships, like our collaboration with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, are key to the success of @Promise. By bringing youth-focused organizations together under one roof, @Promise Centers provide wraparound support services at no cost to participants. Through programs like @Promise@Work and the Skills Enhancement and Employee Development (S.E.E.D.) initiative, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta assist our efforts to transform lives, one young person at a time.
One standout figure in this effort is Keisha J. Kelley, a Career Specialist at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. For three consecutive @Promise@Work cohorts (cohorts 11-13), Kiesha has served as a mentor and advisor, guiding participants through a 12-week workforce development program that helps them turn career aspirations into reality.
Beyond her role at @Promise, Keisha is also a sports reporter for Black colleges, balancing her professional expertise with her deep dedication to empowering young people.
“I love working with young people. I always tell people I’ve worked with student-athletes for years, so I work with college-aged students all the time. Just being able to make an impact on students’ lives is my motivation.”
The @Promise@Work program is designed to meet young people where they are—offering tailored guidance based on their unique goals and circumstances. While some participants are prospective or current college students, others have navigated the Fulton County Juvenile Court system and are seeking a fresh start. Whether their aspirations lie in entrepreneurship, skilled trades like cosmetology and automotive, or advancement in education, each participant receives personalized support to help them achieve their next steps.
Keisha finds her greatest reward in witnessing their growth.
“Seeing them come in and soak up all of the resources, seeing them actually be intentional—when they go through this 12-week program and not only walk away with a certificate but also a plan for their next steps, like starting a business, going to college, or starting an apprenticeship—that’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
Working with youth from diverse backgrounds comes with challenges, especially when some may lack the same drive or readiness as others. Kiesha acknowledges that guiding young people through these moments requires authenticity and dedication.
“If someone wants to come into this space, I would say you can’t fake passion. You either have it or you don’t. If you’re mentoring somebody, you want to pour into those young people.”
Her approach to mentorship is rooted in relationship-building and meeting participants where they are, ensuring that each young person feels heard, supported, and empowered to take control of their future.
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta and other partners play an essential role in advancing @Promise’s objective to eliminate barriers and create new opportunities for Atlanta’s youth. Their dedication not only reduces youth recidivism and crime rates but also fosters long-term success for young people who might otherwise lack access to these life-changing resources.
As the 15% decline in youth crime from 2023 to 2024 demonstrates, programs like @Promise—driven by passionate mentors like Keisha and committed partners—are making Atlanta a safer and more promising place for future generations.
For more information about the @Promise Initiative and how you can support or get involved, visit atpromisecenters.org.
Written by APF Communications Intern, Jaelen M.
