Reach Your Full
Potential
At Rita's Helping Hand we understand that everyone’s journey is unique. That’s why our programs offer personalized learning paths tailored to your individual goals, strengths, and challenges. Whether you’re aiming for college, starting a business, or entering the workforce, we create a step-by-step plan just for you—so you learn at your own pace, focus on what matters most, and achieve real progress.
Rita’s Helping Hand serves families in which at least one parent/guardian or primary caregiver falls within our service age range (females 14–25, males 14–30).
We offer three programs designed to support
females ages 14–25 and males ages 14–30 .
Growth
Strength
Prosperity
Moneisha's Pearls
Moneisha’s Pearls exists to uplift and empower young women ages 14–25 experiencing homelessness, transitioning out of foster care, facing unemployment, or at risk of recidivism. Through housing stability and enrichment programs, we support healing, confidence, and positive life pathways.
Growth
The Justin Cole Initiative
To empower male youth and young adults ages 14–30 facing systemic barriers—including homelessness, aging out of foster care, unemployment, and risk of recidivism—with the tools, support, and guidance needed to build stable, independent, and purpose-driven lives.
Strength
Rita's College Plug
Rita’s College Plug is an educational access and enrichment program that connects youth and young adults to college, trade school, and career pathways. The program provides individualized guidance, academic support, and access to disability accommodation services to ensure participants can fully engage in higher education, workforce training, and career development opportunities.
Prosperity
Meet The Founder
Cherita Toussaint founded Rita’s Helping Hand with a passion for service and a deep commitment to uplifting youth and young adults. Inspired by her own life experiences and a desire to give back to the community, Cherita created an organization that offers guidance, support, and opportunities rooted in compassion, accountability, and faith.
Through thoughtfully designed programs, Rita’s Helping Hand meets individuals where they are—helping them build balance today, secure tomorrow, and thrive always. Cherita’s vision is centered on empowering others to recognize their worth, walk in purpose, and grow into their full potential.
Grow Your Faith
Community
Resources
Mental Health
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Click Here for Help
Silence the Shame
We exist to empower and educate communities on mental health and wellness.
Click here for Help
NAMI/Silence the Shame
WorkSource Atlanta
WorkSource Atlanta offers several career, education, and training services to help participants prepare for and obtain work. If you are interested in our services, you must reside in the city of Atlanta, register online, and attend an orientation.
Click here to learn more
Employment/Training
City of Atlanta Mayor’s Youth
Scholarship Program
The Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program (MYSP) was launched in 2005 to support expenses associated with college, so that financial hardship is not a barrier for students seeking higher education.
Click here to access scholarship
Education
Job Connection
Locate Job Fairs/Employers
MAX works to advance economic resilience in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Click Here to access employment
Opportunities
This organization does not provide Rental/Utility Assistance.
Donate to Rita's Helping Hand