Social drivers in health dramatically impact an individual’s and health system’s ability to improve health and well-being. Disaggregated socioeconomic and race data related to health outcomes are critical to improving health disparities for women and children. Partners are evaluated and investments are awarded based on a high degree of alignment around healthcare access, care coordination, and integration of care to meet patients where they are, as well as in collaboration with community providers. Our intent is to improve health disparities in the five county service areas of Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton and Gwinnett.
Mrs. Williams’s desire to help women and children centered on providing support to those who struggled to access care due to the lack of insurance or means to meet medical expenses over a prolonged period of time. The Foundation recognizes that communities of color are the most underserved by the health community. The Foundation collects demographic data on the women and children served by Foundation grants and communities of color continue to make up the largest proportion of those served. The Foundation also collects data on grantee demographics in an ongoing effort to achieve health equity and deliver care and assistance to those most in need.
In a 2017 report by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation designed to increase consensus around the meaning of health equity, a definition was provided that is the “north star” for our Foundation. It states, “Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care.”
Annually, the board of trustees reviews an internal equity audit to reveal and address the inclusion of and investment in women, youth,and families, while prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The results for 2020-2024 are compiled below:
Board Diversity: 80% female and 80% African American
Diversity of Staff and Consultants: 55% female, 45% BIPOC
Diversity of Investment Managers: 15% female and 17% BIPOC
Diversity of Grantees: 72% female-led, 49% BIPOC-led
Of the 23,592 Individuals supported by grants: 63% African American, 16% White, 12% multi-racial, 2% Asian and 7% Other.
This online PhotoVoice exhibit is a collective portrait of care—care that is preventive, compassionate, culturally grounded, and rooted in community. Through these photographs and captions, we witness what healthy access to healthcare truly looks like for women and children: it is not only a clinic visit or a screening, but a trusted hand, a safe space, a shared meal, a moment of joy, or a second chance. These stories remind us that health is built where people live, learn, gather, and heal together—at schools, shelters, camps, community centers, courtrooms, and kitchen tables.
Across these images, common themes emerge:
Resilience in the face of hardship
The power of connection
The importance of meeting people where they are
We see women navigating pregnancy, homelessness, migration, and recovery—supported by wraparound services that honor dignity and choice. We see children learning about emotions, nutrition, movement, and wellness long before illness takes hold. We see prevention in action: mental health check-ins, vision screenings, nutrition education, trauma-informed care, and joyful physical activity that strengthens both body and mind. Each photo reflects a system of care that understands health as holistic, intergenerational, and deeply human.
Together, these stories also highlight the essential role of collaboration. Healthcare providers, educators, advocates, community leaders, and neighbors come together to remove barriers—whether those barriers are cost, language, fear, stigma, or access itself. What emerges is a vision of health equity that is not abstract, but tangible: diapers exchanged at baby showers, books read in exam rooms, yoga practiced on football fields, and healing circles formed in times of grief and change. This exhibit invites you to slow down, look closely, and listen to the lived experiences behind the statistics.
A.G. Rhodes Atlanta resident enjoys spending time in Horticultural Therapy. This resident favorite program offers a wealth of cognitive and emotional benefits, especially for older adults. It can be very relaxing, a great form of stress release, and is always fun!
Due to inclement weather, the 2022 Health Fair moved indoors while maintaining COVID-19 safety measures. Hosted by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW), the annual event brought vital health resources directly to Mechanicsville. Community partners provided wellness education, fresh produce guidance, hygiene supplies, and maternal health items—creating a positive, family-friendly space that continues to grow each year.
The Youth Peer Health Workers participated in a successful Summer Camp Community PhotoVoice Contest and celebrated at Zoo Atlanta.
In May 2022, Ms. Johnson enrolled at Gateway Center’s Trinity Women’s Center determined to achieve stable housing. Despite challenges, she met every obstacle with resilience and grace, telling her Case Manager she would “handle my business.” She diligently became document-ready, saved consistently, and secured housing in under three months—proving focus, perseverance, and support can make dreams a reality.
“What’s My Connections?” is a Post-it brainstorming activity that closes Connections Matter trainings by turning learning into action. Participants identify ways to strengthen connections within their families, friendships, workplaces, and communities—such as hosting family dinners, checking in on friends’ mental health, coaching youth sports, and applying two-generation approaches. This example highlights staff at Fulton County Juvenile Court, who are working toward becoming a trauma-informed court.
“I persevered through abuse, divorce, homelessness, assault, and job loss due to lack of childcare and support. Today, my children and I have rebuilt with stability, counseling, budget coaching, and reliable transportation from Heirborn Servants. I’m pursuing Radiology and grateful beyond words. Through the storm, we made it—healthy, empowered, and committed to opening doors for others.”
To advance its mission of improving the health of low-income women and children, Georgia WIC District 4 partners with Open Hand Atlanta to deliver Cooking Matters, a hands-on nutrition and cooking program. Offered virtually during COVID-19, the program builds skills for healthy eating on a budget, boosts WIC voucher redemption and retention, and provides produce deliveries and monthly taste-test kits for families and early childcare providers.
Phenomenal Women's Health, Inc. educates, equips, empowers, and supports underserved women and girls to live a healthier, fulfilled lifestyle by making well-informed decisions about their mind, body, fiscal and spiritual health.
“I lost myself, I forgot who I was. Thank God we looked for help and by faith, we found Ser Familia! As a family, we are doing good. As parents we are doing good.” Client from Triple P Program
The mission of The Boyce L. Ansley School is to help break the cycle of generational poverty by providing collaborative family support and a rigorous academic program that empowers children and families to thrive beyond circumstance. We understand the critical role that mental health plays in cognitive development and philanthropic support helps us integrate social emotional practices seamlessly into our academic program.
Whitefoord Nurse Practitioner, Rose, giving a talk to parents at the school-based clinic at KIPP Woodson Park Academy’s YMCA Early Head Start Program about heart health on Valentines Day.
Nutrition for Wellness: Craft Saturday with Healthy Kids, hosted by the Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Foundation, supports healthy kids engaging in a fun food art activity after learning about food groups.
Nutrition for Wellness: Diabetes Awareness Month, hosted by the Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Foundation, supports youth participants sharing healthy snacks tips with Veterans during the Taste of Health Wellness Expo.
RG Team Members Neha K (Strategy Director) and Audrey I (Regional Program Director) share information on statewide strategies to address the mental health crisis across Georgia.
The Women’s Academy has served 67 women across the GED, Career Readiness, and Apprenticeship Track. 13 participants completed all requirements of the career readiness track and entered the paid Apprenticeship Track. Over 1700 hours were delivered for adult educational attainment (GED).
Over 1,100 individual and group therapy sessions have been offered by licensed and qualified WA clinicians. There have been 416 case management sessions, 216 primary care, medical referrals, or additional community service referrals (dentist, doctor, physical therapist, orthodontist, optometrist, cardiologist, psychiatrist, and other service supports).
1. For clients like Constance W. (left), access to behavioral health services —including mental health group sessions facilitated by CaringWorks care coordinators like Attallah G. (right)—are critical to health, wellness, and sobriety. 2. Our team hosted a holiday party for the families in our MOVE Dekalb Program. We filled the hallways and offices with presents in advance of this special event. This photo shows one office that was filled with holiday cheer just waiting on our families to pick them up before they celebrate the holiday as a family.
View Point Health: An afterschool program staff wanted to make sure they are best meeting the needs of their youth and families by participating in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to learn what is typical adolescent behavior and what they may notice if there is an emerging mental health need. This is a large Post-It note they completed during the training, showing their learning as it was taking place.
Dharma Project instructors lead Carver STEAM Academy football players through a yoga session.
The Dharma Project brought together two NFL players – Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant and Houston Texans wide receiver Amari Rodgers – with the Carver STEAM Academy football team to discuss the value of yoga. From left: Amari Rodgers, Safia Icgoren, Rutu Chaudhari, Liz Vanderhoff, and Richie Grant.
2023 Graduates
From Woods to Home: In 2023, Ujima Way helped Ms. Melissa transitioned from living in a tent near a busy intersection to stable housing in Decatur. Her journey—marked by resilience, loss, and healing—highlights the power of compassion, persistence, and community. Melissa is one of 103 individuals Ujima Way has helped transition from homelessness since 2020.
"Are you going to be doing the face painting?" "Yes, we are!" Older members of the South Atlanta Youth Group help paint faces at the annual Easter egg hunt, hosted by Focused Community Strategies.
Three years after the start of the pandemic, people are able to safely gather. Community events, hosted by Focused Community Strategies, like this help homeowners access home repairs that could help them save on utility costs.
Thomasville Heights homeowners access home repairs through the Georgia Smart Communities Challenge. One participant noted these repairs would reduce financial strain, giving him more time to care for his aging mother. Photo credit: Focused Community Strategies
A Black family receives free diapers from SisterSong’s Birth Justice Care Fund at a community baby shower
Building a Healthier Democracy: Vot-ER's 2023 Healthy Democracy Campaign was the most diverse and innovative yet—featuring 49 teams and 165 participants across roles. For the first time, they launched intraprofessional events, team-based participation, and encouraged high-impact actions. Vot-ER remains committed to centering BIPOC and underinsured communities in the movement for a more inclusive, healthier democracy.
Screening and improving vision is the first step for every child's to reach their academic, social and emotional potential.
Screening and improving vision is the first step for every child's to reach their academic, social and emotional potential.
Screening and improving vision is the first step for every child's to reach their academic, social and emotional potential.
Screening and improving vision is the first step for every child's to reach their academic, social and emotional potential.
Screening and improving vision is the first step for every child's to reach their academic, social and emotional potential.
Here are two Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center using a new computer, provided by the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation, to enter data about the Activities of Daily Living (AD Ls) for the residents under their care. The new computers are much faster, more reliable, and user-friendly than the iPads used previously, which saves the CNAs time and allows them to devote more time to vital patient care.
This photo highlights the impact of Diamond In The Rough through alumni Sadie (left) and Dahlia (right), who now serve as mentors and volunteers. Sadie joined in middle school and is now an Agnes Scott College graduate mentoring weekly. Dahlia, who began in 6th grade, recently graduated from the University of Georgia and continues giving back to the program that shaped her journey.
A group of Kate’s Club teen members participating in a therapeutic activity in the new Multipurpose Room, which was funded by the It’s Okay to Grieve Capacity Building Campaign
A successful community event providing medical care to ten children and through sharing Halloween candy, smiles to dozens more.
NAMI Georgia facilitator provides a 50-minute class to teachers called Ending the Silence, a free, evidence-based session for middle and high school students.
Kamden, and his mother on his first-ever visit to the DDD Foundation. Kamden has autism and severe behavior disorders. This photo depicts the gentle nature of providing sedation medications to our patients who are often very frightened. Kamden’s mother was allowed to hold him and soothe him.
A young Camp Wonder camper receives a dressing change in the new medical lodge at Camp Twin Lakes’ Rutledge-West campus during Summer 2023. Onsite medical care is central to the camp experience, providing critical daily treatments for children with complex health needs. Partners like Camp Wonder and the Williams Syndrome Association value the medically supported environment, where dedicated staff can safely and fully meet campers’ unique health needs.
When Ms. Phillips enrolled at Trinity Women’s Center, she was determined to secure housing and employment for her growing family. A single mother expecting her second child, she faced unexpected medical challenges but remained hopeful. Within five months, she achieved stable employment, reliable childcare, and permanent housing—demonstrating resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to her children’s future.
This is a photo is called "Moon on the Dark" and is of the moon over the water at a lake. It reminds me of how I feel about Embrace because they lighten up my life and bring me hope and happiness. I remember when I arrived in the US, how my life was covered with darkness and I felt so lonely. I did not know how hard it is to be far from everyone you know and you love. Being in a new place where you don’t know anyone, you can’t speak like them, you can’t understand what they are saying. And being pregnant is the worst thing in that situation. I still remember that I was crying the whole time, days and nights, and did not know what to do. I still remember my first appointment when I went to the OB - I was so scared and feel so embarrassed that I couldn’t communicate with her. She tried to use an interpreter, but nobody responded. But when I got connected with Embrace, I felt so happy and excited! When I talked with my Community Liaison, I kept crying and explained my problems. She calmed me down and said, “You are not alone. Everyone who comes from other countries has the same experience and we will help you. You are not alone anymore.” I had a feeling that I found my family and everyone that I was missing. It's been almost three years, and still I feel Embrace is like a Home.
“CRM + Art Clay Brains” Activity – 4-5 year old children learned about the 3-part brain and their emotions. Using playdoh, the children created a model of the brain and labeled it with the “thinking, emotional, and survival brain.” The children really enjoyed learning about how their brain holds their sensations, emotions and thoughts.
“I lost a decent job that put me really behind in my rent and car payments. So eventually my car was taken and I was about to be evicted along with my three children. I quickly had to choose a job that didn't compensate that well in order to have money for Uber and Lyft rides to get to school, work and for my son to get home from games and practices. With this car I can take better job offers and be able to have transportation and save more money. This car will help me get to my Nursing clinicals and be able to show up for my children and their activities.” - Car Gifting recipient. **This recipient is on track to graduate from nursing school in May 2024.
Empowering women through compassionate care. A moment of joy as a smile reflects the gift of free gynecologic care, breaking down barriers and nurturing health and happiness. Every woman deserves access to quality healthcare, and together, we're making it possible.
“At L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, we know that the more we can work together the stronger our organization will be. We strive to embody our definition of teamwork – leveraging our strengths and mitigating our weaknesses to achieve our goals – because we know that together is the only way to live out our mission.”
Our Zumba classes and Yoga classes at CBWW were used as an outlet for people’s mental and emotional stress. We believe that physical wellness coincides with mental wellness and there are proven benefits of physical exercise on mental health. When women come together to exercise, it also creates a safe and encouraging space where people of all physical abilities can be free in themselves.
We held a Community Lifeline Event (an event open to everyone in a community that often follows a formal Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) training) at which there was strong attendance by over 50 people from the Clarkston community. At this event, members of the community were given a flower (which signify moments of belonging, connection, love, fun, pride, etc.) and were told that the rope represented the lifeline of Clarkston. At one end of the rope is the beginning of the Clarkston community, leading up to the present day. Attendees were asked to think about their favorite moments in Clarkston, write about one of those moments briefly on a post-it note, and then to place the flower/post-it note in chronological order on the rope.
GUIDE2Wellness event promoted Resilient Gwinnett trainings, parenting manuals for new parents, and Learning Concept cards.
Gwinnett County Detention Center civilian staff participated in a joint NARCAN and QPR training conducted by View Point Health to be able to support and assist residents, community members and each other. Photo courtesy of View Point Health.
Resiliency Week 2024 was a powerful success for Cobb Collaborative. From receiving a city proclamation to hosting a week of free events—including a Partner Appreciation Breakfast, community summit, wellness walk, Resiliency Dinner, and a full-day retreat—this initiative brought together diverse members of the Cobb County community to promote mental well-being, self-care, and trauma-informed practices. The ripple effect continues, as local leaders are now replicating these models across under-resourced areas to foster healing and connection.
The ACSRI 2024 initiative supported resilience in Clayton County through Healing Circles that provided safe spaces for educators, caregivers, and youth to process trauma and build connections. The program also introduced art therapy, engaging over 500 participants in creative healing. A men’s and boys’ circle included reflective role play addressing real-life challenges and emotional experiences.
The dedicated team behind Resilient Georgia—part of a statewide coalition of 900+ partners—continues to lead the charge in building a trauma-informed network of care across the state. Through prevention, early intervention, advocacy, and collaboration, they are creating a stronger, more resilient Georgia for children and families.
A mother and her children reading together while they wait in the exam room for their pediatrician. Reach Out and Read Georgia incorporates books in pediatric care and encourages families to read aloud together.
At a March 2024 Basics Palooza at Park Street Elementary’s Pop Up Preschool, caregivers engaged in emotions charades to help children identify and name feelings. Centered on Basics Principle #1, “Maximize Love, Manage Stress,” the activity promoted emotional awareness, strengthened language development, and empowered families to respond thoughtfully to children’s behaviors.
Approximately 30% of the young women Covenant House Georgia serves in our residential program are either pregnant or have a child not currently in their care due to the lack of housing options available to them.
1. Client on the left, Client’s mother in center, Families First Certified Peer Specialist Sandra Ibarra-Aleman on the right. The client came to Families First because he was experiencing significant anxiety around thunderstorms and times of separation from his mother. We have been able to support the client and his mother with Counseling, Psychiatry, and Peer Support services. With these services, the client and mother have learned strategies to help manage anxiety in addition to medication support and have reported decreased anxiety. We have also been able to help the client’s mother advocate for the client’s educational needs during Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings. 2. November 15, 2024, we had the privilege of conducting a Thanksgiving lunch for the Chispa PAT Program and the St. Patrick Catholic Church community. It was a successful event. We were fortunate to have volunteers from Georgia State who helped with different activities for the kids. We enjoyed arts and crafts, ball games, and a delicious lunch for every mom and child, with approximately 75 to 80 people in attendance. It was heartwarming to see the families’ happiness as they shared a meal and bonded with their children during this special time.
The author shares her journey as a new refugee mother who experienced severe depression during pregnancy, compounded by unemployment and isolation. After her son Ahmad was born with respiratory distress and spent time in the NICU, she found support through the Embrace organization, which helped her heal and grow. She is now a certified community health worker, grateful for her resilience and recovery.
Community members and students gather around a flagpole on the Apalachee High School campus near Winder, Georgia, on Sept. 8, leaving flowers and messages to memorialize the four people killed in the Sept. 4 shooting there. (Andy Miller for KFF Health News)
The picture is the grant awards event supporting five organizations that are focused on providing culturally competent mental health service to young Black men. These organizations all received $40,000 to bolster services.
HB582, advocated by Women on the Rise, has passed and allows judges to consider documented abuse when it significantly contributed to a crime, enabling more appropriate sentencing based on individual circumstances. Importantly, the bill is retroactive, offering potential relief to currently incarcerated individuals and those on lifetime parole who qualify under its provisions.
As you reach the end of this exhibit, we hope these images linger—not just as documentation, but as inspiration. They show what is possible when healthcare is grounded in trust, prevention, and community voice. When women are empowered with resources, when children are supported early, and when systems respond with compassion rather than judgment, health becomes something people can claim—not something they must fight for alone.
These photographs call us forward. They remind us that building healthy futures for women and children requires sustained commitment, shared responsibility, and the courage to imagine care differently. Whether you are a provider, policymaker, neighbor, or advocate, you are part of this story. May these moments strengthen our collective resolve to keep bringing healthcare to the people, centering dignity, and opening doors—so that hope, healing, and opportunity remain accessible to all.
Note: The names of individuals have been changed to protect the confidentiality of those photographed in this exhibit.
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The Foundation utilizes a one-step, online grant application submission process for receiving and considering grant requests. It is strongly encouraged that potential applicants communicate with the Foundation’s executive director prior to submission of any proposal.
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