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What we do 

Our Mission

We sow seeds in our own backyard: We cultivate change and healing that transforms communities to move families from surviving to thriving.

Our Vision

Building community through relationships based on LOVE, FAITH, and COMPASSION.

Our Future

As we grow, our vision is to expand these pillars to reach even more families, empowering communities to thrive for generations to come.

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The Four Pillars of
The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center

At The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center (AAAWLC), our mission is grounded in service, compassion, and healing. Our work is guided by four foundational pillars: Health, Education, Social Justice, and Faith and Healing. These pillars serve as the framework for our programs and initiatives, addressing the needs of our community holistically. Together, they create a powerful, interconnected approach that moves families from surviving to thriving.

Together, These Pillars Create Change

By addressing health, education, social justice, and faith and healing, we aim to transform communities and move families from surviving to thriving. These pillars guide every initiative we undertake, reflecting our commitment to holistic, impactful service.

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Our Approach

Service

Serving others with our gifts and talents 

Foundation Building 

Relationships and Trust 

Strength & Support

Connection Healing 

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Health

Programs

Description

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VIBE/SistaCoach Program:  Supporting Black Moms and Babies

Thought Partner Program: Moving from Surviving to Thriving 

We believe that access to quality healthcare, housing, and wellness resources is a fundamental right. Our health pillar addresses the social determinants of health by providing comprehensive support that empowers individuals and families to lead healthier lives.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Case Management: Offering personalized support to help individuals navigate challenges related to healthcare, housing, and social services.

  • Housing Support: Assisting individuals and families in securing safe and stable housing to create a foundation for better health and well-being.

  • Food Access: Connecting communities to nutritious food through programs that address food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles.

  • Educational Workshops: Providing practical tools and knowledge to help families prioritize their health and well-being, covering topics like nutrition, preventative care, and financial literacy for health stability.

  • Black Maternal Health: Ensuring Black mothers have equitable access to resources and support for healthy pregnancies and births.

  • Community Health Workers: Delivering culturally competent outreach and education to promote health equity and wellness in underserved communities.

HousingWORKs: Building Foundations for Stability and Growth

CHW: Transforming Communities

Thought Partner Program: Your Partner in Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals

Community Health Worker (CHW)

Services: Bridging Health and Community

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Education

Description

Education is more than acquiring knowledge, it is the foundation for personal growth, equity, and systemic change. At AAAWLC, we focus on creating safe, supportive environments that empower young people to thrive in their education while addressing systemic barriers to educational equity.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Safe and Supportive Environments: Partnering with schools, families, and communities to create spaces where

  • youth feel valued, understood, and empowered to succeed academically.

  • Scholarships: Providing financial support to students pursuing higher education in fields like social justice, education, social work and other similar skills.

  • Workshops and Training: Equipping youth and families with tools for academic success, advocacy, and leadership.

  • Leadership Development Programs: Fostering confidence, resilience, and skills for youth to become leaders and changemakers.

  • Policy Advocacy: Addressing racial disparities within the education system by advocating for policies that promote equity, inclusion, and opportunity.

  • Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness of the systemic challenges faced by underserved youth and amplifying their voices to inspire change.

  • Co-Creating Solutions: Collaborating with youth, families, and stakeholders to develop innovative approaches that advance education justice and remove barriers to success.

Programs 

Backyard Scholars & Leaders:  Sowing  seeds of educations

P.O.W.E.R. : People Organizing with Equity and Resilience 

CHW: Transforming Communities

*in addition to all of our Health Programs

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Social Justice

Description

We are committed to dismantling systemic inequities and promoting justice for underserved communities. Our social justice work empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and their communities, creating sustainable change at the local and systemic levels.

  • Addressing Racial Inequities: Advocating for policies and practices that dismantle systemic racism and improve outcomes for Black residents in areas like housing, healthcare, and education.

  • Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with community leaders and stakeholders to support and advance policies that promote equity and opportunity for marginalized populations.

  • Community Empowerment: Providing resources and platforms for residents to amplify their voices and advocate for systemic change.

  • Participatory Defense: Assisting system-impacted families and youth in navigating the justice system while advocating for reforms to ensure fairness and accountability.

  • Youth Justice Coalition: Mobilizing youth and partners to advocate for policies that create equitable opportunities and reduce recidivism.

  • Restorative Justice Circles: Promoting healing, accountability, and community resilience.

P.O.W.E.R. : People Organizing with Equity and Resilience 

Participatory Defense Hub 

Youth Thriving Beyond Bars 

SJC Youth Justice Coalition : All youth are sacred

STAR: Skilled Through Alternative Routes 

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Faith and Healing

Description

Faith and healing are at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in the legacy of Pastor Amelia Ann Adams, our healing work creates culturally responsive spaces where individuals, families, and communities can reconnect, process trauma, and find restoration. We focus on bridging gaps between traditional and non-traditional mental health approaches while advocating for systems that prioritize healing over harm.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Cultural Mental Health Counseling: Increasing access to culturally aligned mental health services that honor the unique experiences and traditions of our community.

  • Bridging Clinicians and Communities: Building connections between mental health professionals and the communities they serve to ensure care is accessible, relatable, and effective.

  • Educational Healing Workshops: Hosting workshops that promote cultural and non-traditional mental health practices, such as mindfulness, storytelling, and restorative circles, empowering individuals with tools for personal and collective healing.

  • Creating Safe Spaces: Establishing trauma-informed environments for youth, families, and adults to process emotions, build resilience, and foster supportive connections.

  • Advocacy for Healing Policies: Supporting policies that prioritize restorative practices over punitive measures in schools, workplaces, and community systems, reinforcing the importance of healing in justice and education systems.

  • Faith-Based Healing Programs: Offering spiritual support and guidance through initiatives like Family Healing Circles and Empowered Women of Excellence, helping participants find strength and restoration in their faith.

Empowered Women of Excellence

Family Healing Circles

Black Parents Healing for Thriving Families

Future Vision:
As we grow, our vision is to expand these pillars to reach even more families,

empowering communities to thrive for generations to come.

Call to Action:
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, join us in this vital work.

Together, we can create lasting change.

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