A nonprofit organization recognized Atlanta Public Schools for supporting at-risk students and working with it to help victims of domestic sex trafficking.

The Atlanta-based Wellspring Living gave the school district its 2019 HOPE Award. The nonprofit partners with APS to provide services to students at two non-traditional high schools, Phoenix Academy and Forrest Hill Academy.

In a written statement, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said the programs have been “healing and restorative” for students.

Wellspring Living was founded in 2001. The organization assists victims of domestic sex trafficking with various services, including residential programs.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Devon Horton — pictured speaking at the State of the District Address in March 2024 — has resigned as DeKalb County's school superintendent in the wake of a federal indictment on charges that he accepted kickbacks in his previous job in Illinois. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2024)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Featured

Mathew Palmer, a former Delta Air Lines employee, at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.  Palmer was fired less than two weeks after writing a post on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Natrice Miller/AJC)