Hearts 4 Girls Gives Back
Hello Everyone! My name is Afulenu Layla McReynolds, and since the fifth grade, I’ve been fueled by a dream: to establish Hearts 4 Girls, a charitable organization dedicated to uplifting young girls, especially Black American girls who are too often overlooked and underserved. My heart has always been anchored in Atlanta, where the issue of homelessness among young Black girls continues to demand urgent attention.
Now in my second year at Clark Atlanta University, I remain committed to growing this mission. I believe deeply in the principle: “To whom much is given, much is required.” For me, this is more than a saying, t’s a call to action.
One of our signature initiatives is a 3-mile walk aimed at raising both awareness and donations. All funds go directly to shelters and predominantly Black schools in the metro Atlanta area, where resources are needed most and the impact is immediate.
As I continue my college journey, Hearts 4 Girls will continue to be a mqjor part of my life. This work doesn’t pause when life gets busy—it evolves with me. I will forever serve my community, because they’ve shaped who I am, and I’m committed to giving back in every way I can.
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About
Making Change Possible
Hearts 4 Girls a 501c3 non profit organization , focuses on the often-overlooked issue of homelessness among Black American girls in the Atlanta Metro area. My organization aims to do more than just provide temporary relief; it seeks to tackle systemic issues that perpetuate homelessness and social neglect.
Hearts 4 Girls Atlanta operates on a multi-pronged approach: support, and advocacy.
For long-term support one day we would aspire to collaborate with educational institutions and local businesses to offer scholarship programs and apprenticeships to young Black girls who are still attending school while dealing with homelessness. I believe that education and career advancement are vital for breaking this unfortunate cycle of poverty.
Lastly, advocacy is at the core of my mission. The organization will use social media campaigns, partner with influential figures, and collaborate with other advocacy groups to bring national and global attention to the plight of homeless Black girls. One of our major goals is to one day be able to lobby for policies that aim to reduce homelessness and enhance social services targeted at young Black girls and women.
By concentrating on a demographic that is often left out of the big conversation, Hearts 4 Girls fills a critical gap. We don't just aim to assist; we strive to empower, ensuring that these young women are seen, heard, and most importantly, loved.
Our Team.
Meet our dedicated team at Hearts 4 Girls:
Hello everyone! My name is Afulenu McReynolds, I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and the Founder and Director of Programs. I am a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University and a proud graduate of Atlanta Public Schools, I lead our outreach programs, including toiletry drives, community events, and campus-based initiatives.
Allysa Richardson, a senior at Spelman College, serves as our Director of Engagement. A native of Washington, D.C., she has spent the last two and a half years managing seeking partnerships with shelters, coordinating volunteers, and strengthening relationships with schools and community organizations.
Cameron Cox, a sophomore at Howard University and an Atlanta Public Schools alum, is our Director of Fundraising. Although she studies in Washington, D.C., she remains deeply committed to Hearts 4 Girls, overseeing our events, and establishing donor relations.
Jacob Jordan, a sophomore at Morehouse College and fellow Atlanta Public Schools graduate, serves as our Director of Outreach and Advocacy. He leads awareness campaigns centered on the experiences of Black teenage girls facing homelessness, amplifying their stories and needs throughout the community.
Together, this team; each serving for two and a half years, brings passion, purpose, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young girls across Atlanta and beyond.
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UpComing Events
Ways That We Help
Community Outreach
What We're Planning in the Future
At Hearts 4 Girls, we believe that change starts with bold ideas and intentional action. As we continue building our presence across the Atlanta our team is excited to brainstorm and plan impactful events that uplift young Black girls, engage college students, and support the community. Below are some of our upcoming goals, project ideas, and campus plans in development.
We are currently working to:
---Curate Monthly Mini Toiletry Drives
---Care Kit” Packing Days
---Campus Drop-Off Box (We did this at Benjamin E. Mays High School in 2023 and 2024)
---Collaboration with Other Student Organizations
---Volunteer Meetups (30–45 minutes) Short meeting where students sort donations, prep items, or create cards and affirmation notes for the kits
---3 Mile Walk around the AUC Bringing awareness to homelessness among the youth
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The AUC is more than just a collection of institutions, it's a movement for change. At Hearts 4 Girls, we believe service is justice and healing is revolutionary.
Want to help us bring one to life? Contact us afulenu@hearts4girls.com
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Volunteering
Feeling like there are countless pressing issues that no single program could make a marked difference? Our Volunteering initiative has proven to be a powerful tool for Hearts 4 Girls to successfully serve our community and improve countless lives.
