With Atlanta Public Schools on spring break this week, organizations across the city are expanding programming to give teenagers safe, structured places to spend their time.
The Atlanta Police Foundation's At-Promise Center is hosting the Hope Meets Promise teen conference, specifically timed for the break. The program serves youth between the ages of 12 and 18, offering daily activities and what organizers describe as a therapeutic environment.
"It's very much needed. It's therapeutic. Having to come up here every day, doing different activities," said Daejah Nichols, an 11th grader participating in the program.
Mayor Andre Dickens is urging parents to connect their children with safe spaces during the break. The At-Promise Centers represent the city's most visible youth intervention effort, combining Atlanta Police Foundation resources with community programming.
Jasmine Carter with the Atlanta Police Foundation noted that the conference "gives them something super positive to do" during a week when school is out and unsupervised time increases.
The At-Promise Centers operate year-round but ramp up programming during school breaks, when demand for structured youth activities peaks across the city.
