(June 17, 2024) — In a momentous event this past Friday, the Atlanta Police Foundation celebrated the groundbreaking of its fourth @Promise Center, a vital addition to the community-focused initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting Atlanta’s youth. The new center, located at 2175 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, promises to extend its transformative impact on young people aged 12-24.

Highlighting the event, QuikTrip announced a generous $3 million gift towards the @Promise project, underscoring the commitment of business leaders, philanthropic organizations, and the City of Atlanta to making the city safer and more supportive for its youth.

“Every year in Atlanta is now the year of the youth,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, 61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta. “That’s why it is important for us to make these investments.”

Aisha Jefferson, QuikTrip’s Corporate Communications Manager and native of Atlanta, stated,

“The first time we [QuikTrip] visited the @Promise Center, we immediately saw the difference it made and how it aligns with our company’s mission to make communities safer and stronger.”

She continued, “As a company that is proud to do business here in Atlanta, we have a role to play in addressing challenges that youth face because they impact everyone in our community.”

The groundbreaking ceremony featured speeches from several distinguished leaders:

  • Dave Wilkinson, President & CEO, Atlanta Police Foundation
  • Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta
  • Assistant Chief Carven Tyus, City of Atlanta Police Department
  • Councilmember Andrea Boone, Atlanta City Council
  • Eunice Glover, NPU-I Chair
  • Aisha Jefferson, QuikTrip

“The @Promise Center difference is that we offer more than recreational activities,” said Dave Wilkinson, President & CEO of APF. “We provide a comprehensive suite of services that include criminal record expungement, educational assistance, individual and group therapy, GED classes, workforce development, and arts instruction in music and filmmaking. In addition, all youth are welcomed despite their circumstance or criminal history. Our goal is to reduce crime and guide youth towards productive and promising futures.”

Dave Wilkinson expressed deep gratitude for the community’s involvement and concluded the ceremony with all the community and business leaders coming together and breaking ground to kick off the new project. The fourth @ Promise Center is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2025.

For those interested in supporting the @Promise program, more information is available at atlantapolicefoundation.org. Contributions and involvement from individuals and organizations are crucial in eliminating barriers faced by Atlanta’s youth.

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About the Atlanta Police Foundation: The Atlanta Police Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that brings together private sector leaders from the business and philanthropic communities to support public safety initiatives designed to make Atlanta the safest large city in the nation. Its unique public sector/private sector partnership is focused on reducing crime and ensuring that Atlanta’s law enforcement professionals have the resources, incentives, and training to sustain a highly motivated police force that meets the demands of 21st-century policing. APF programs include the @Promise Center, Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, Atlanta Police Leadership Institute, Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta, Connect Atlanta camera program, Repeat Offender Commission, and Secure Neighborhoods program. APF funds, supports, and implements programs to create a safe and equitable environment for all Atlanta residents. To learn more, visit atlantapolicefoundation.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X.