Our Work
Up For The Challenge:
Addressing the Public
Benefits Access Problem
A 2023 research report from The Urban Institute highlights a staggering issue: over a billion dollars in public resources are left unclaimed each year. These resources, if accessed, could dramatically enhance the economic mobility of individuals and families, offering them the seamless support needed to tap into multiple programs and services—many of which they are eligible for but currently do not utilize.
This shortfall is rooted in the complex and often overwhelming system people must navigate to access these benefits and resources. The challenges are numerous, and many are not accidental. Instead, they are the result of an intentional focus on program compliance and fraud prevention, which, while important, often overshadows the primary mission of these programs: to help people in need.
This emphasis on safeguarding the system over serving the people has created policies and procedures that overcomplicate the process. Rather than prioritizing the individuals and families who require support, the system becomes entangled in bureaucratic red tape, driven by a hyperfocus on funding compliance, policies, processes, and procedures. This detached approach not only alienates those in need but also perpetuates a stigma, causing many to avoid seeking help from programs that view them as burdensome or less deserving.
At Sankofa Leadership, we recognize that this systemic issue requires a fundamental shift. Our mission is to help organizations and agencies refocus on the people they serve by cultivating trusting, collaborative, and judgment-free engagements. By centering our approach on people’s needs as they see them rather than administrative hurdles, we aim to break down these barriers and ensure that more people can claim the resources that are rightfully theirs. This fosters economic mobility and restores dignity to those who rely on public benefits and community resources to improve their lives.
What is Possible with Improved Access
Enhanced Health Outcomes
Consistent access to healthcare and nutrition support can significantly improve physical and mental health, reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving quality of life
Economic Stability
With access to housing and financial assistance, families can achieve greater economic stability, reducing the cycle of poverty and allowing for more sustainable living conditions
Educational Opportunities
By securing the necessary resources, families can create more stable environments for their children, enhancing educational outcomes and future opportunities.
Community Empowerment
When communities are equipped with the resources they need, they become more resilient, empowered, and capable of addressing broader social challenges collectively.
At Sankofa Leadership, we are building a movement!
We’re driven by a shared commitment to reimagine human services through a person-centered lens. With over twenty-five years of combined experience, we’re uniquely equipped to tackle our field's challenges. We design transformative programs, offer leadership support, and create impactful learning experiences that place the communities we serve at the core of every decision.
Our mission is clear: to empower practitioners, organizations, and communities to break down barriers, simplify access, and ensure that individuals and families receive the support they need to thrive. By focusing on the goals that matter most to participants, practitioners do transformational work, helping people unlock their full potential.
Person-centered approaches in care, coaching, leadership, and community collaboration aren’t just methods—they’re catalysts for change. They enhance service delivery, foster cultures of trust, inclusion, and empowerment, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for those we serve.
We partner with human services, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression and creating healing-informed environments where true transformation can occur. We believe that reflection is crucial to progress. That’s why we help our clients reimagine what’s possible, focusing on the people they serve rather than the obstacles within the system.
Whether through engaging learning experiences, innovative program design, or cultivating a supportive organizational culture, we’re here to help you bring your person-centered vision to life.
