Connecting Communities: Hillside Inc. & The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta

In many of Atlanta’s underserved neighborhoods, residents face overlapping challenges, financial stress, unstable housing, trauma, and limited access to behavioral and mental health support.

The Connecting Communities initiative, led jointly by Hillside Inc. and The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, seeks to meet people where they are — in apartment communities, after-school clubs, and local gathering places.

During Atlanta Way Day, Hillside Inc. and The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta collaborated to share their “Connecting Communities” initiative! This initiative is a compelling example of meeting families where they are and delivering essential behavioral health, legal, and support services directly into apartment complexes and after-school programs.

Hillside Inc. (a nonprofit focused on youth and family behavioral services) brings vast knowledge in trauma-informed care, counseling, and wraparound support. The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta add its presence in trusted youth spaces, its broad network of sites, and engagement with families. Together, this collaboration overcomes traditional barriers: transportation, stigma, and fragmented services.

How will it work?

Through Connecting Communities, teams embed behavioral health, eviction prevention, domestic violence resources, and case management directly into communities. For instance, residents may receive support in their own apartment complex, or youth at club sites may access mental health check-ins during after-school hours. The program’s flexibility allows participants to engage in ways that feel safe and convenient, not siloed or overwhelming.

What makes this collaboration powerful?

Proximity & accessibility — Bringing services into neighborhoods helps reduce no-show rates and reduce burdens.

Holistic support — Because Hillside already works in multiple spheres (mental health, family services), the program can address root causes, not just symptoms.

Youth & community synergy — The Boys and Girls Club’s trusted role with families helps build trust and lowers resistance to intervention.

On Atlanta Way Day, presented by Atlanta Way 2.0, the Hillside & Boys & Girls Club team shared their story of how these services are not just delivered, but woven into daily life! Together they invite us to imagine new ways to reduce friction.

Your role in advancing this work

Volunteer with Hillside Inc. or the Boys & Girls Club to support outreach in neighborhoods served
Help connect funding, pro bono legal support, or mental-health providers who can embed in community settings
Share their story with your networks to build awareness and momentum

Join us in lifting up this project by becoming an activator, help spread the word, or contribute your time or resources to help the “Connecting Communities” model reach more families.

Visit Atlanta Way 2.0 to learn more and discover how you can help shape Atlanta’s next chapter, one act of service at a time.