Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency

What Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency does

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS) is a private, Atlanta-based 501(c)(3)-style nonprofit workforce development organization that supports financially vulnerable individuals in Greater Atlanta through career coaching, vocational training, job placement, and 12+ months of retention support. Founded in 2010 through the merger of Atlanta Enterprise Center and Samaritan House of Atlanta — with organizational roots traceable to social justice initiatives of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Midtown Atlanta — ACSS operates a portfolio of programs including CareerWorks (general workforce services), Veterans Employment and Training (supported by a $475,000 U.S. Department of Labor Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grant), Westside Works (construction trades training partnership, 700+ graduates, $20M+ in cumulative client wages), Forest Park Elevate (south metro extension), CTO Connect (IT career pathways), Youth & Young Adult Programs (including Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program and UFOR with Trees Atlanta), AARP Back to Work 50+, and a Financial Opportunity Center. Service delivery spans three physical sites — the main office at 80 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW, a Westside Works satellite at 261 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW, and the Forest Park Elevate office — and includes recurring hiring events that connect 500+ job seekers annually with 100+ employer partners across hospitality, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and IT.

ACSS does not operate proprietary technology platforms; case management and client tracking rely on standard off-the-shelf systems, and intake is captured via a Salesforce Web-to-Lead form on atlantacss.org. The organization employs 11–50 staff across career development, financial coaching, and program management functions, led by President & CEO Dana Inman (20-year tenure) and a Board of Directors drawn from firms including Bennett Thrasher, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, Genpact, Georgia Tech Alumni Association, and Habitat for Humanity International.

The business model is grant- and donation-funded, not fee-based: services are provided free to clients, and revenue is assembled from federal grants (notably U.S. DOL), state and city workforce funding (City of Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment Services, City of Forest Park), foundation grants (AARP Foundation), corporate and individual donations (via Click & Pledge and Giving Tuesday), and employer partnerships that provide in-kind placement pipelines. Customer segments served — at no cost — include unemployed and underemployed adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, older workers (50+), youth aged 16–24, returning citizens, and residents of subsidized housing, with referral flow sourced from community partners including Hope Atlanta, Atlanta Mission, Gateway Center, The Shepherd's Inn, and Calvary Refuge.

Name

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency

Legal name

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency

Website

https://atlantacss.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is a Greater Atlanta nonprofit that provides free career coaching, vocational training, and job placement services to financially vulnerable adults, veterans, youth, returning citizens, and individuals experiencing homelessness, funded primarily by federal, state, and city grants plus charitable donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Readiness, Career Pathways & Youth Employment Nonprofits (BPAGADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA), Dislocated Worker & Rapid Response / Reemployment Programs (EDAAAOAF), Career Coaching, Mentoring & Placement Support Services (EDAAAKAO), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job readiness training
• Career coaching
• Veteran employment assistance
• Financial coaching services

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: ACSS receives federal and state grant funding, including U.S. Department of Labor grants for veterans programs (CareerWorks Veterans Program: $475,000). Funding supports workforce development operations, training programs, and supportive services.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations support ACSS operations. The organization runs Giving Tuesday campaigns and accepts contributions through platforms like Click & Pledge. Donors are positioned as critical partners enabling client transformation.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS) is a nonprofit workforce development organization that provides career readiness training, vocational coaching, job placement assistance, and 12+ months of retention support to financially vulnerable individuals across Greater Atlanta. The organization delivers services through a five-step pathway covering orientation, assessment, career planning, training/placement, and retention, with wraparound supports including financial coaching, digital skilling, transportation assistance, and housing navigation. Programs include CareerWorks, Veterans Employment and Training, Westside Works, CTO Connect, Forest Park Elevate, AARP Back to Work 50+, Financial Opportunity Center, and Youth & Young Adult Programs.

Product overview

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS) offers a comprehensive portfolio of workforce development programs and services designed to help financially vulnerable individuals achieve self-sufficiency through sustainable employment. The core programs include CareerWorks (general workforce services), Veterans Employment and Training (veteran-specific support), Westside Works (construction trades partnership), CTO Connect (IT career pathways), Financial Opportunity Center/Financial Coaching (financial empowerment), and Youth & Young Adult Programs. Additional programs include Forest Park Elevate (Forest Park residents) and AARP Foundation BACK TO WORK 50+ (older workers). Supporting service offerings include Career Accelerator Bootcamp, Digital Skilling workshops, and Rapid Employment Services. All programs follow a 5-step pathway: Orientation & Intake, Career Readiness Assessment & Training, Career Planning & Case Management, Job Training & Placement, and Job Retention & Career Advancement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CareerWorks Comprehensive workforce development program providing career readiness training, job placement assistance, and retention support for unemployed and underemployed adults across Greater Atlanta.
• Veterans Employment and Training Program Targeted employment assistance program for veterans, supported by the U.S. Department of Labor Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program ($475,000 grant), providing career coaching, job placement, and supportive services.
• Westside Works Construction trades workforce development program in partnership with Westside Works, offering industry credentialing, hands-on training, and direct employment pathways for Atlanta residents; has produced 700+ graduates earning $20M+ in collective wages.
• AARP Foundation BACK TO WORK 50+ Evidence-based workforce reentry program for adults over 50, providing skills training, coaching, and job search support through a 7-step job search methodology; delivered as an AARP Foundation grantee program.
• Forest Park Elevate Workforce development initiative for homeless, unemployed, and underemployed Forest Park residents, offering career assessments, coaching, job readiness training, and placement services in partnership with Calvary Refuge and City of Forest Park.
• CTO Connect IT career development program providing 40 hours of hands-on training, help desk fundamentals, career coaching, and employer connections for underemployed individuals pursuing technology careers.
• Youth & Young Adult Programs Workforce readiness services for youth ages 16-24, including Job Readiness Bootcamp, Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program, Urban Forestry Career Pathways (UFOR), and Summer Career Programs.
• Financial Opportunity Center Comprehensive financial empowerment services including financial coaching, budgeting guidance, credit health improvement, homeownership planning, and integration with career development services.
• Financial Coaching Personalized financial coaching focused on budgeting, credit improvement, savings building, and long-term financial stability connected to employment success.
• Career Accelerator Bootcamp Intensive 15-20 hour workforce readiness training covering resume development, interview preparation, and personal, professional, and financial skill building.
• Digital Skilling Technology skills training including digital assessments, certifications, and workshops covering Microsoft, Google, AI, and social media tools.
• Rapid Employment Services Direct candidate matching, hiring events, employer recruitment, and job retention support services for employer partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 700 program graduates from Westside Works with $20M+ in collective wages earned
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Westside WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACSS partners with Westside Works to provide workforce training, credentialing opportunities, and employment pathways in the construction trades industry. The partnership has produced 700+ program graduates who earned over $20M in collective wages. ACSS staff operate from the Westside Works satellite location.
• City of Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program and Summer-to-Permanent Employment Program. ACSS hosts Job Readiness Bootcamps for youth ages 18-24 as part of this workforce development initiative.
• Trees AtlantacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Urban Forestry Career Pathways (UFOR) program providing paid on-the-job training in urban forestry, greenspace maintenance, environmental conservation, and sustainable infrastructure for young people.
• Goodwill of North GeorgiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTO Connect program partner providing IT career pathway support and workforce development collaboration.
• Georgia TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTO Connect program partner providing employer connections and career pathway support in technology sector.
• Emory HealthcareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTO Connect program employer partner providing career and apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare technology.
• McKenny'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTO Connect program employer partner providing career and employment opportunities.
• City of Forest ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Forest Park Elevate workforce development program serving homeless, unemployed, and underemployed Forest Park residents. Program office located at 819 Forest Pkwy, Suite D, Forest Park.
• Calvary RefugecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless shelter partner for Forest Park Elevate program. Guests at Calvary Refuge receive workforce development services and employment pathway support through the Elevate program.
• Clayton State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForest Park Elevate training partner providing access to adult education, digital literacy, and industry-focused workshops.
• Atlanta Technical CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForest Park Elevate training partner providing hands-on training and certifications in high-demand fields including healthcare, IT, HVAC, and automotive repair.
• Clayton County Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForest Park Elevate education partner providing GED prep and foundational education to ensure participants are ready for workforce training or employment.
• Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions (MAX)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAX is a collaborative network of leaders across workforce development, education, philanthropy, government, and industry working to improve alignment and outcomes across Metro Atlanta's workforce systems. ACSS CEO Dana Inman serves as President of MAX Executive Board (2026-2027).
• The Shepherd's InnminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMen's shelter referral partner that connected client Glenn Stevenson to ACSS CareerWorks program.
• Hope AtlantaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner that directed veteran client Dwight to ACSS CareerWorks and Veterans Employment Assistance Program.
• Gateway CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHomeless services organization that referred veteran Tony Forman to ACSS after he began a recovery program.
• Atlanta MissionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner that directed veteran client Dwight to ACSS services.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Goodwill of North Georgia: Atlanta-area workforce development nonprofit offering job training, placement, and career services across multiple populations. Already an ACSS CTO Connect program partner, but operates at significantly larger scale with broader employer footprint across the same geography.
• Urban League of Greater Atlanta: Regional Urban League affiliate delivering workforce development, youth employment, and economic empowerment programs for underserved Atlanta populations — directly comparable mission, target segments (including returning citizens and youth), and employer engagement model.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit providing training and corporate placement for young adults from underserved communities. Comparable target segment (youth/young adults), training-to-placement pathway, and employer partnership model — though operates at national scale with employer-paid contract revenue.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free IT training and career pathways for adults from underserved backgrounds, directly comparable to ACSS's CTO Connect program. Similar employer-paid training model (including partnerships with major employers) for technology-sector placement.
• Atlanta Mission: Atlanta homeless services organization that is both an ACSS referral partner and operates its own workforce re-entry programming for similar populations experiencing homelessness. Comparable wraparound service model and population focus, though more housing-centric.
• Hope Atlanta: Atlanta social services nonprofit providing housing, homelessness prevention, and employment support. ACSS referral partner but also a comparable workforce development provider for similar vulnerable populations in the same metro market.
• Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS Atlanta): Atlanta-based nonprofit offering career counseling, vocational services, and workforce development programs. Comparable career coaching and employment placement services for diverse populations in the same metro area.
• Catholic Charities Atlanta: Regional Catholic Charities affiliate delivering workforce development, refugee resettlement employment services, and financial empowerment programs. Comparable mission, free-to-client model, and target populations including immigrants and low-income families in Metro Atlanta.

Broad incumbents

• National Able Network (AbleUp): Larger multi-state workforce development organization operating federally funded employment programs including Senior Community Service Employment Program (similar to AARP 50+ model) and disability employment services. Comparable federal-grant-funded workforce services model, though operates at significantly greater scale.

Others

• Trees Atlanta: ACSS partner on the Urban Forestry Career Pathways (UFOR) program providing paid on-the-job training. Not a workforce peer, but a programmatic training partner that delivers the employer/host-side of ACSS's youth workforce programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/atlantacss
• Facebookfacebook.com/AtlantaCSS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/atlanta-center-for-self-sufficiency-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency