In this episode of the Impact x Intersection podcast, Analisa Wade, MBA ’25, sits down with Georgia Works CEO Darlene Schultz to discuss how the organization changes lives. This episode offers listeners an in-depth look at Georgia Works through Darlene’s perspective, highlighting the importance of adaptable leadership, the organization’s structured approach, and its unique definition of success.
Schultz begins by sharing her personal view on leadership and how she’s evolved her style to meet the specific needs of Georgia Works, which was founded in 2013 to help men rebuild their lives through workforce development and support.
The episode also delves into the organization's problem-solving strategies. A few years ago, the Georgia Works team noticed that, while many of their program graduates were experiencing great progress, they were still struggling to find stable housing. To address this, the organization merged with another nonprofit—originally founded as The Housing Tonight, Inc. (HIT)—to expand its mission and offer comprehensive support services that help individuals secure long-term housing.
What sets Georgia Works apart, Schultz explains, is its departure from the widely adopted "housing first" model. While acknowledging this approach can be effective, she emphasizes that Georgia Works tackles the root causes of homelessness—such as addiction and mental illness—through its workforce development program.
“We want to address these issues [addiction, mental illness] alongside providing housing,” says Schultz. “By confronting them head-on, these men have a better chance of not returning to prison, jail, or homelessness.”
Tune in to the episode to learn more about how Georgia Works is empowering men and supporting the Atlanta community through its transformative workforce development initiatives.