Support historically excluded children and communities that have faced limited access to resources.
The mission of Sheltering Arms is to close opportunity gaps by transforming the lives of children and their families through high-quality affordable early childhood education and leadership in the field.
In 1888, a group of civically-minded Atlanta women began Sheltering Arms to serve as a safe space for the children of textile employees while their parents worked in the mills. Over the next six generations, Sheltering Arms developed into a nationally recognized early education institution.
Sheltering Arms nurtures 2,100 children and their families each year, offering learning opportunities to children as young as six weeks.
High-quality early learning programs have an incredible impact on our children. Children attending quality early learning programs are more likely to graduate high school, earn higher wages, and live their full potential.
Sheltering Arms programming includes the whole family. Our two-generation approach allows families to succeed emotionally, academically, and financially.
Sheltering Arms operates 11 neighborhood centers in the metro Atlanta area. Each center provides high-quality early education and comprehensive family support services in our NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited facilities in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta provided a loan to the state’s largest providers of Head Start – a federally funded early education program – to avoid a lapse in services due to the federal government shutdown. The federal grant runs out Oct. 31 for Head Start programs at Sheltering Arms, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Easterseals of North Georgia.

This is critical moment for Sheltering Arms and the 2,100 children and families we serve across the metro Atlanta area. Like many early education providers, we are facing unprecedented challenges due to the “childcare cliff” that threaten our ability to deliver the high-quality care and education our children deserve. We are taking decisive action to protect what matters most, our classrooms, teachers and the families who depend on us. Now more than ever, your gift can make a lasting impact. Please consider investing in the future of Atlanta’s children. Together, we can create the foundation they need to thrive. Thank you for your support!
They may look like babies, but don’t let the chubby cheeks fool you. These babies are reminding us why investing early means investing in the future. Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success. Your support helps children grow, thrive and reach their full potential, starting from day one.

Congratulations to our very own Blythe Keeler Robinson, President & CEO of Sheltering Arms, for being named one of the 100 Most Influential Black Women in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business League!

We are currently accepting applications for children from 6-weeks to 5-years-old. Limited availability in some groups.
At Sheltering Arms we approach family engagement, and all of our work, through a two-generation lens. That is to say we don’t just serve children or parents, but families, two or more generations of them.
Recently, we had the honor of celebrating Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman, Grady Jarrett as our Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient. Hear from Grady and his mother as they share their inspiring journey with us at Sheltering Arms.

Sheltering Arms is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to our Board of Directors, Johncia Bartley and William Corley.

Thanks to our guests, partners, sponsors & board members, we exceeded our fundraising goals at the event! And special thanks to Grady Jarrett and his family for coming out. We appreciate you taking time to support our work breaking down barriers. It means so much to our Sheltering Arms family. If you would like to give, but did not have a chance to, please click the button below.

Are you ready to elevate your style and support a great cause? Our Sheltering Arms online store is now open! Parents, team members, sponsors, partners – everyone’s invited to shop the latest apparel and accessories.
Elisha Jarrett, Honorary Chair
William Fogler
Antwan Hairston
Julia Houston
Jesse Killings
Nicole Layne
David O’Banion
Elizabeth Correll Richards
Blythe Keeler Robinson
Lovette Russell
Patrick Warren
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In Kind Sponsor

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