Annual Report 2024

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR

When trekking on a long and difficult hike, sometimes one needs to stop, look back at how far they have come and then only can they look ahead, towards the horizon. Taking a break is essential to regain energy and gather motivation to continue the journey. This is exactly what ATD Fourth World USA did in 2024: we looked back at sixty years of presence in the country, sixty years of building deep connections and relationships with families experiencing the injustice of poverty. But while doing that, we took stock of our strengths and weaknesses: an honest introspection highlighting vital needs to strengthen our administrative needs as well as our human and financial resources. 

To tackle that, we took bold steps to redesign our internal operations towards more autonomy and efficiency. From hiring and working with consultants with expertise in nonprofit management to changing accountants and our payroll processing, we transformed our backend processes in order to be compliant again with current norms and regulations. Working closely with the Board, which gained two more members, we strengthened oversight and transparency at administrative and financial levels. 

All these changes laid a strong foundation for what came next: the launch of a nation-wide mobilization through the Strategic Renewal Dialogues. Connecting with past and present members and supporters of ATD Fourth World in the United States, these Dialogues aimed at putting our brains together to redefine our identity, mission and programs. The SRDs armed us with the tools - new mission and vision statements, new committees, new program ideas, and most importantly a renewed feeling of national unity and togetherness - that we needed to feel confident about our future as an organization.  

In a country currently undergoing many changes that will directly affect the most marginalized communities, this process gave us the inspiration needed to continue the long but meaningful walk towards a society without poverty/society free from the stigma, subjugation, and injustice which prolong poverty.

Thank you for walking alongside us. 

Monica Jahangir-Chowdhury
National Director
ATD Fourth World USA

 
 
 

Strategic Renewal Dialogue

Over 100 members were involved for over eight months in ATD Fourth World USA’s Strategic Renewal Dialogues (SRDs), aimed at renewing our focus and strategies for sustainability. From these dialogues we have the new Mission, Vision and Core Values as well as new strategies in 8 Desired Outcomes:

 
 

MISSION STATEMENT

Founded in a creative grassroots approach, ATD Fourth World USA integrates the expertise of those most marginalized into building supportive communities to counter the culture, institutions and systems that trap people in persistent poverty.

VISION STATEMENT

ATD Fourth World USA envisions a society free from the stigma, subjugation, and injustice which prolong poverty; and a future where everyone thrives in dignity.

CORE VALUES

Dignity
We place human rights at the center of our approach to poverty eradication. We reject the idea that anyone is useless or disposable.

Most marginalized
We know that meaningful participation and the expertise of those most isolated are required for transformation into a just society. 

Presence
We stand in solidarity and mutual understanding, by reaching out and being rooted in communities facing persistent poverty.

Community
We create caring community with people from all backgrounds, relying on each other to leave no one behind and to resist the worst conditions of poverty and exclusion.

Justice
We challenge, within a social justice network, a society that places profit over people and advocate prioritizing human well-being. 

Creativity
We integrate art, stories, questions, and reflection to develop innovative tools for mutual transformation. 


SRD DESIRED OUTCOMES

The last phase of the SRDs developed these eight areas for ongoing work.

Social Justice Networking Committee (SJNC)

Leadership Renewal Committee (LRC)

Fundraising & Communications Committee (FCC)

Recruitment & Retention Committee (RRC)

Systems for National Unity

Fourth World Alliance

National Gathering

 
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New York

 

60 Year Anniversary

In 2024, the ATD Fourth World team in New York celebrated the 60th year anniversary in the United States.

We held an exhibition entitled "Look at the Past, Face the Present, Build the Future." This exhibition invited the public to discover ATD’s journey—from our first steps on the Lower East Side, to our advocacy at the United Nations, to the innovative “Computers on the Street” program of the 1980s and ’90s, and the unique approach to knowledge-building we promote.

It highlighted the inspiring path we’ve traveled, person by person, made possible by the bonds and trust built over the years—laying a strong foundation to face today’s challenges and continue growing the movement in this city.


A Participatory Approach to Addressing NYC's Housing Crisis

We held a series of participatory meetings to explore ways of addressing the housing crisis in New York City. These dialogues deepened key themes that emerged from our recent advocacy work and the last cycle of the People’s University with NYC activists, and to connect with new partners and individuals with lived experience of poverty. Over four sessions, we discussed topics such as the voucher program, homelessness and shelters, community building, and NYCHA.

One of the meetings, titled "Neighborhoods Change: Do We All Feel Belonging?", focused on how neighborhood changes in recent years have impacted the most marginalized populations. Participants explored innovative projects that strengthen community ties, particularly those rooted in solidarity with people facing poverty.


Programs

Fourth World People’s University

Tapori

Festival of Arts & Learning

Story Garden: Brownsville, Brooklyn & Camba Flagstone Family Center

Webinars on United Nations Commission for Social Development & Commission on Status of Women

Social Justice Movie Club

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Writing Workshop

 
 

New Mexico

 

Family Accompaniment

The team in New Mexico has been accompanying and supporting families in navigating systems and overcoming the daily challenges of poverty. From picking up food from the food pantry, supporting an ally as a character witness in court, and helping a young man get his state ID, the New Mexico team strives to find ways to be an active part of this community.

For example, the team has been supporting a mother and her son in their fight for decent housing after being evicted from their trailer park and struggling to find stable shelter. Over the course of more than a year, ATD Fourth World supported them with their needs, from basic necessities to the application process, to group participation.

ATD Fourth World continues to stand with those affected by institutional failures. By fostering dialogue, building knowledge, and ensuring that no one faces these struggles alone, we are taking steps toward a future where everyone has a safe space.


Stronger Together?

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Programs

Story Garden: Gallup Flea Market & Gamerco

Story Garden on Wheels

Stronger Together

Community Lunch

Family Accompaniment

Merging of Knowledge (Spanish)

 
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United Nations

 
 

United Nations Advocacy

United Nations (UN) Advocacy efforts engaged grassroots ATD Fourth World Activists through initiatives such as the Social Justice Movie Club, webinars on inequality and poverty, high-level UN meetings, global summits, and the commemoration of the 32nd International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.


International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

On the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, people united—activists with lived experiences of poverty, diverse communities, United Nations agencies, and civil society representatives—to reflect on the necessary steps to create a society that upholds dignity by "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment."


 
 
 

Administration

 
 

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Financials & Program Impact

 

NUMBER

Groups and events hosted and participated

 

$$$

Administrative

NUMBER

Individuals, families, and children empowered

 

$$$

Fundraising

NUMBER

Invested in programs, services and grants

 

$$$

Total Revenue in 2025

 
 

 Leadership & Team

 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE TEAM

Monica Jahangir-Chowdhury
Executive Director

Peggy Simmons
Strategic Facilitation Director
Adjunct to the Executive Team

Marina Mingot
National Leadership Team & New York Team

Diana Skelton
Head of Giving Poverty a Voice Programme

Emily Sarmiento
Operations Lead

BOARD

Janet Nelson, Chair

Christian Josz, Vice-Chair

Abdul Jabbar Ghayoor, Treasurer

Yasmine Raouf, Secretary

Laurent Ferrari

Dierdre Steib Mauss

Faith Lemon

USA TEAM MEMBERS

Hyacinth Egner
HR Coordinator

Katelyn Cheon
Communications Director

Chelsey Gray
Finance Manager

Maryann Broxton
Main Representative at the United Nations

Alvaro Iniesta
New York Leadership Team

Jacqueline Leduc
Community Outreach and Urban Planner
New York Leadership Team

Inga Ruiz Valladares
Co-Director
New Mexico Team

Nathalie Artignan
Community Outreach Coordinator
New Mexico Team

Colin Moore
Community Outreach Coordinator

New Mexico Team

Alycia Burnside
Community Outreach Coordinator

New Mexico Team

Dierdre Mauss
Community Liaison
New Orleans

 
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ATD Fourth World USA builds community to counter poverty.

 

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