2023 Sue Wieland Embracing Possibility Award Honorees
The Sue Wieland Embracing Possibility Award is a special $20,000 grant given annually to one of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s grantee partner organizations. Every year, AWF selects an organization that demonstrates an outstanding ability to make a significant impact in the lives of women and girls through their ongoing work. The organization’s success is showcased by using an example of one individual the organization sees as a shining example of their program.
The 2023 Sue Wieland Embracing Possibility Award winner is LiveSafe Resources, and their shining example is Macy Johnson.
LiveSafe Resources empowers domestic violence survivors to reclaim their lives with dignity and strength, serving as a beacon of hope and restoration. Their multifaceted approach delivers not just immediate safety but also long-term healing and independence for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
LiveSafe Resources serves as a community partner, creating a haven where survivors receive tailored support — from emergency shelter to transitional housing, legal advocacy, and counseling services. Their year-round initiatives encompass a spectrum of empowerment programs, including financial literacy workshops, self-defense training, and support groups, ensuring a successful journey from crisis to stability. LiveSafe Resources also extends its impact through community education, outreach programs, and partnerships to foster a safer, more informed society that stands united against violence and assault.
Macy Johnson’s Story
At 25, Macy Johnson embodies the resilience and hope that LiveSafe Resources champions. As a single mother to twin three-year-old daughters, Macy faced a harrowing domestic violence situation that left her unable to work and, ultimately, without a home. The fear instilled by her children’s father, who doubted her capability to survive independently, was a catalyst for Macy to seek help and defy those doubts.
With nowhere to turn, Macy contacted various organizations before finding LiveSafe Resources, which offered her shelter and a pathway to self-reliance. The organization’s comprehensive services — including rental and food assistance, legal support, and counseling — gave Macy the tools to rebuild her life. She has since moved from emergency shelter to transitional housing, taken charge of her finances with budgeting assistance, and pursued further education. Macy’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the critical role of LiveSafe Resources in turning the tide for women in dire circumstances.
To learn more about the transformative work of LiveSafe Resources and the inspiring story of Macy Johnson, we invite you to watch the video celebrating this year’s honoree.
In Memory of Sue Wieland
In 2021, we lost our beloved former AWF Board Member, Sue Wieland. She served on the board from 2000 to 2006 and remained an active supporter and donor to AWF long after her board service ended. Sue was known for her generous spirit and big smile and believed passionately in giving back to the community. She is famous for saying, “What you keep, you lose, and only what you give remains your own.” Thanks to a generous gift from Sue and her husband, John, in 2006, we annually recognize one of our grantees with the Sue Wieland Embracing Possibility Award to honor Sue Wieland’s legacy.
