Adrienne Gates is the embodiment of social work in action. As the founder of P.O.W.E.R. Atlanta Inc, (Pathways of Wealth and Economic Resources a humanitarian initiative based in Atlanta’s West End, Adrienne brings a holistic, community-centered approach to helping the city’s LGBTQIA+ and underserved communities thrive. During our interview, a revolving door of patrons—seeking food, job resources, and more—reflected the heartbeat of the organization: a lifeline for many who feel left behind.
We sit in the headquarters of P.O.W.E.R ATL located in the West End. Boxes of aprons for the upcoming food pantry sit stacked on a chair and surrounding floor. Adrienne explains, “Whatever you put out, it gets going.” This attitude is evident every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., when P.O.W.E.R.’s food pantry opens its doors to hundreds of people. But food isn’t the only offering, P.O.W.E.R. serves a much larger mission—addressing critical needs like job readiness, financial literacy, and health education, while fostering a community where everyone belongs.
P.O.W.E.R.’s origins trace back to Adrienne’s experience in tax preparation in 2017-2018. She realized that many of her clients lacked basic financial skills—whether it was budgeting, navigating promotions in their careers, or understanding taxes. “People didn’t know how to maintain paying their bills, attain better jobs, or even access food,” Adrienne recalls. To address these gaps, she started offering classes in resume writing, job interviewing, and basic computer literacy, helping people navigate their way to better opportunities.
The results speak for themselves. Every week, P.O.W.E.R. serves over 280 people, sometimes reaching as many as 300 during emergency events, such as hurricanes. But beyond survival, Adrienne aims to equip people with skills that allow them to thrive.
One of the standout features of P.O.W.E.R. is its commitment to intersectionality. Adrienne has built a team that includes Indigenous folks, trans people, people living with HIV, and volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. “Kwamisha Little Wing, who grew up on a reservation, and I have such different experiences,” she notes, emphasizing the importance that P.O.W.E.R. ‘s staff and volunteers mirror the diversity of the community they serve.
“I believe anyone can benefit from our services,” Adrienne states. Whether it’s providing utility assistance, healthcare navigation, or ensuring that transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals feel welcome, P.O.W.E.R. is a grassroots operation that has become an essential part of the community.
In addition to economic empowerment, P.O.W.E.R. also focuses heavily on health education. Many community members were unaware of their health status, so Adrienne began organizing health fairs to offer health services ranging from free diabetes and cholesterol testing to STI testing. Partnering with AID Atlanta’s Men Engagement Group and A Vision 4 Hope, the organization has expanded its outreach, growing from 35 to 87 people receiving regular health services. Adrienne proudly notes that three people were recently linked back to care through their programs.
Despite its grassroots origins, P.O.W.E.R. continues to grow strong and steadfast . Adrienne talks excitedly about future plans—expanding services to provide more housing for the unhoused, offering utility assistance, and strengthening ties with other community organizations. The key to their success, she believes, is staying connected to the people they serve. “When you come here, you’ll get a sense of privacy and kinship,” she says. “No matter your background, you will leave here with a sense of ‘this was cool, this was nice.’”
P.O.W.E.R. also works to improve the reception of their services by appointing Community Ambassadors who assist people with applications and other needs. “We’re a small operation, but we make sure to send Ubers for people who need to get here. It’s about meeting people where they are, with ‘right now’ solutions.”
She cites her mentor, Dedra Spears Johnson of Heart to Hand Inc., as her biggest inspiration for the future of P.O.W.E.R.. H2H Inc. hosted P.O.W.E.R. ATL for a two-day teach-in after they met at the BIO Medical Conference, an event centered around HIV prevention, treatment, and whole-person health, particularly focused on the needs of diverse communities. The P.O.W.E.R. team then incorporated Johnson’s model for future STI prevention, testing, and, soon, treatment as they enhanced services in their new office. From the day to day logistics, to the energy the team needs to bring, Johnson emphasized, “People deserve to see someone smiling when they come in—they’re going through a lot.”
Adrienne’s vision for P.O.W.E.R. is as inclusive as it is ambitious. With an advisory board that includes trans and LGBTQIA+ people, people with lived experiences of HIV, homelessness, and substance abuse, and even a community member with a Ph.D., Adrienne ensures that the organization reflects the community it serves.
Her approach to leadership and advocacy has made P.O.W.E.R. ATL is an integral part of Atlanta Pride. “We mix and mingle with everybody—at health fair pop-ups alongside Morehouse, events for World mental health day Morehouse, walking in the parades—it’s like a family reunion. You never know who you’re going to see,” she quips.
Looking ahead, P.O.W.E.R. has exciting events planned, including a Trunk or Treat for children and a Get Out the Vote campaign: P.O.W.E.R. to the Polls. As well as a move to a bigger office, to host the social needs of elderly community members. With each initiative, Adrienne hopes to expand the impact of P.O.W.E.R. while keeping her focus on the people who need it most. “What company do you know where you can get in touch with the CEO?” she asks with a laugh. “I want to stay involved with the community we serve.”