Mission
A mission rooted in dignity,
opportunity, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency empowers financially vulnerable individuals in our community to become self-sufficient, sustainably employed, and economic contributors to society.
ACSS was formed in 2010 through the merger of Atlanta Enterprise Center and Samaritan House of Atlanta.
Its roots trace back to the social justice initiatives of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Midtown Atlanta.
Every service is built to move clients toward stability, advancement, and meaningful work.
Clarity of purpose. A stronger path forward.
ACSS combines practical career services with a deeply human, relationship-centered model that honors the potential of every individual it serves.
Our Mission
Empower financially vulnerable individuals in our community to become self-sufficient, sustainably employed, and economic contributors to society.
This mission guides every ACSS service area—from orientation and coaching to financial empowerment, digital skilling, and employment placement.
Our Vision
To be recognized as a leader in bridging the gap for equitable workforce opportunities in Greater Atlanta and beyond.
ACSS envisions a community where access to opportunity is expanded, barriers are addressed, and individuals can pursue long-term economic mobility.
The principles behind every program, partnership, and client interaction.
ACSS leads with values that reinforce accountability, restoration, and respect while keeping self-sufficiency at the center of the work.
Self-Sufficiency
We equip individuals with the tools, structure, and support to build lasting stability and independence.
Personal Commitment
Progress is rooted in ownership, consistency, and the belief that transformation requires active participation.
Accountability
We set clear expectations and partner with clients to create measurable, forward-moving goals.
Spiritual Restoration
We honor the whole person and recognize that confidence, healing, and renewed purpose matter in the journey.
Respect for the Individual
Every client is met with dignity, empathy, and a belief in their potential to overcome barriers.
A Hand Up — Not a Handout
Our work is designed to create opportunity, agency, and sustainable pathways forward.
A hands-on model built for real-life barriers and long-term success.
ACSS builds lasting connections with clients and meets them with the belief that change is possible, regardless of circumstance.
The organization prepares participants for meaningful careers of their choice through coaching, planning, and industry-aligned opportunities.
ACSS recognizes the unequal impact of socioeconomic barriers and works to connect clients to tools, resources, and supportive services.
Partnerships with housing programs, social service agencies, training providers, and employers strengthen every client pathway.
Focused on workforce readiness, connection, and community response.
Develop a highly skilled, employment-ready workforce through training, coaching, and practical readiness support.
Connect vulnerable populations to meaningful, career-oriented jobs that lead to greater economic mobility.
Engage Atlanta’s workforce system in responding to the employment needs of disenfranchised populations across the community.
Serving individuals facing employment barriers across Greater Atlanta.
ACSS is built to serve communities that are often overlooked in traditional workforce systems while helping each client move toward stability and advancement.
Unemployed & Underemployed Adults
Career readiness support, job search strategy, and placement assistance for adults seeking stronger pathways to work.
Those Experiencing Homelessness
Employment pathways paired with supportive services and resource connections that strengthen stability.
Veterans
Targeted training and employment support designed to meet the needs of veterans and their transition goals.
People with Disabilities
Coaching and referrals that support access to meaningful career opportunities and community resources.
Older Workers
Skills refresh, career pivots, and employment support for older adults pursuing their next chapter.
Youth (18–24)
Career readiness development and early workforce navigation support for young adults entering the labor market.
Returning Citizens
Re-entry focused coaching, employer connections, and supportive guidance that help restore opportunity.
Individuals & Families in Subsidized Housing
Employment support delivered in partnership with housing and community-based programs.
A five-step pathway to career success and economic mobility.
ACSS offers a structured progression that begins with intake and trust-building and continues through placement, retention, and advancement.
Orientation & Intake
- Determine eligibility and connect with clients
- Set expectations and identify assets & barriers
- Establish short- and long-term goals
Career Readiness Assessment & Training
- Identify skills, strengths, and experiences
- Focus on soft skills and professional growth
- Increase financial literacy and digital skills
Career Planning & Case Management
- Develop individualized career action plans
- Provide intensive coaching and resource linkage
- Connect to benefits and financial coaching
Job Training & Placement
- Enroll clients in industry-aligned training
- Provide access to direct employment opportunities
- Support career-oriented placement preparation
Job Retention & Career Advancement
- Offer a minimum of 12 months of support
- Provide retention incentives and advancement guidance
- Connect clients to new opportunities and savings supports
Mission-aligned programs backed by measurable outcomes.
ACSS delivers services through a growing portfolio of programs while demonstrating impact through enrollment, training completion, job placement, wage growth, retention, and financial empowerment.
Signature Programs
CareerWorks, Veterans Employment and Training, Westside Works, AARP Back to Work 50+, and Forest Park Elevate.
Core Services
Career advisement, digital skilling, financial education and coaching, career accelerator bootcamp, rapid employment, and supportive services.
Community Partnerships
ACSS works alongside employers, training providers, housing programs, and social service agencies to strengthen outcomes.