KinRise youth leadership program has East Cobb opening

May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: KinRise youth leadership program has East Cobb opening

Together with Families officially launched KinRise on Thursday with a ribbon cutting celebration at its community Hub in Cobb County (2790 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 101).

At the ribbon cutting, the teens who helped design KinRise cut the ribbon themselves, reinforcing one of the program’s core beliefs: young people should not just be invited into programs, they should help shape and lead them.

KinRise is a new youth leadership and wellness program for high school students across Cobb County living with grandparents, relatives, siblings, and family friends — many of whom are quietly carrying grief, instability, poverty, stress, caregiving responsibilities, and overwhelming pressure while trying to navigate adolescence.

KinRise is built around a simple belief: no teen should navigate life alone. The program helps teens belong, grow, lead, and rise through consistent relationships, wellness support, academic help, leadership opportunities, and trusted mentors who show up consistently.

The launch comes during Mental Health Awareness Month amid growing concern about youth isolation, anxiety, depression, and disconnection across Georgia and the nation.

Georgia has thousands of young people living in kinship and relative care. Many of these young people are being raised outside the formal foster care system and receive little formal support despite experiencing many of the same challenges as youth involved in foster care.

“No teen should have to navigate life alone,” said Sarah Winograd, founder and executive director of Together with Families. “Many of these teens are carrying grief, instability, poverty, stress, and adult-sized responsibilities while still trying to be kids. KinRise exists so they do not have to carry it alone.”

KinRise was seeded by the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation and Bonnie Stewart Hardage as an investment in young people who are too often overlooked and disconnected from support.

“The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation is proud to support KinRise, a program of Together with Families, because it centers the voices, lived experiences, and wisdom of young people in both program design and delivery,” said Bonnie Stewart Hardage, executive director of the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation. “By empowering youth to help shape the support they receive, KinRise creates meaningful pathways for healing, resilience, and connection while helping young people strengthen their well-being, navigate difficult circumstances, and support their peers, families, and communities.”

KinRise was co-designed with teens living in relative and kinship care and will continue to be shaped by youth voice, family feedback, and the KinRise Advisory Council.

The program will be led by Ashley Saunders, a leader who was previously supported by Together with Families and was raised in both foster care and kinship care. Saunders brings lived experience, trust with teens, and a deep understanding of what it means for a young person to need stability, belonging, and adults who do not give up.

“Young people need people who see them, believe in them, and help them realize they are more than what happened to them,” Saunders said.

Every Tuesday night, teens will gather for dinner, leadership development, tutoring, mentorship, and honest conversations about life, stress, relationships, and their future. Dinner is provided weekly.

The program also includes access to a licensed counselor, outings, trusted adult mentors, academic help, and up to $500 in flexible assistance per youth to help remove barriers related to transportation, school needs, wellness, opportunities, and stability.

The program is designed to create not only support, but also joy, friendship, confidence, and hope for the future.

Angela Watson, who is raising her three granddaughters in kinship care, said one of the most meaningful parts of watching her granddaughters help develop the program last summer was seeing them begin to view themselves as leaders.

“They were able to interact with other kids going through the same thing,” Watson said. “Seeing their confidence come back was big.”

Together with Families believes communities must build more relationship-centered spaces for teens living in kinship and relative care before crises escalate into school disengagement, homelessness, system involvement, or deeper mental health struggles.

The organization hopes KinRise can become a model for how communities across Georgia support youth before they fall through the cracks.

Community leaders, schools, churches, businesses, volunteers, and local organizations attended Thursday’s ribbon cutting to celebrate the launch and explore ways to support the program.

The organization is currently seeking volunteers, mentors, tutors, meal sponsors, business partners, and community members who want to invest in teens across Cobb County.

“Too many teens are trying to survive without consistent support or connection,” Watson said. “KinRise reminds young people they matter, they belong, and they are not alone.”

About Together with Families

Together with Families is a Georgia-based nonprofit working to prevent foster care caused by poverty by supporting families through community-based, relationship-centered support.

For more information about KinRise or to get involved, visit:
https://www.together-families.org/kinrise

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Cobb high school Habitat coalition kicks off 2026 season

May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photos:

Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA) kicked off its 2026 build season in partnership with the Cobb County High School Coalition.

On April 25, the Cobb County High School Coalition joined Habitat NWMA for the first build day of the season in Douglasville.

Five Cobb high schools are participating in this year’s coalition: Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove, Pope, and Walton High School Habitat for Humanity student chapters. This effort marks the 29th Habitat home built in collaboration with Habitat clubs from Cobb County high schools.

“The Cobb High School Coalition brings energy and passion every year as they join Habitat’s mission. Their flexibility to support both our Curb Appeal Program, serving homeowners in Smyrna, along with building a new house in Douglas County, strengthens our entire community,” said Kyle Huhtanen, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta.

Luis and Marisol, originally from New Jersey, now live in Douglasville, Georgia, where they are raising their three sons: Luis is a U.S. Army veteran who volunteers as a youth sports coach. Marisol is a full-time caregiver who was inspired by her mother’s health challenges to support her family full-time.

The family’s current housing presents several challenges, including water-damaged ceilings, creaky floors, rising rent, and limited space. Unsafe streets also prevent theirchildren from playing outside. Luis and Marisol are working with Habitat NWMA to build a safe, stable home for their family and look forward to paying forward the support they have received.

Cobb high school Habitat coalition kicks off 2026 season

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Cobb Family Promise gets $20K grant from homebuilder

April 27, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Family Promise of Cobb County recently received a $20,000 grant from Clayton, ensuring that families in Cobb County receive the support they need to stay safely housed.

The grant is a portion of the $2 million dollars Clayton is donating to the Family Promise national network. The funds are a result of the recently announced partnership extension between Family Promise and Clayton. A Future Begins at Home, the initiative created through this collaboration is focused on supporting families experiencing homelessness by helping them remain in their homes and quickly regain stability. Since its inception in 2019, A Future Begins at Home has helped catalyze over $14 million in additional funding, resulting in more than 43,000 families served.

“This grant allows families with children to remain in their home and avoid the trauma that homelessness causes. We are thankful for the donation and that Clayton understands the importance of stability,” said Autumn Sines, Executive Director of Family Promise of Cobb County.

In addition to Clayton’s generous financial support, they have donated 20 homes to the Family Promise national network since 2019. These homes are used primarily as transitional housing, allowing families to stay together while receiving case management and support services as they work toward permanent housing.

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Smalls Sliders teams with PORCH Marietta for hunger relief

April 27, 2026April 23, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Small Sliders teams with PORCH Marietta for hunger relief

Submitted information and photo:

PORCH Marietta was recently named “Smalls Town Hero” by new Marietta restaurant, Smalls Sliders. The fast-growing slider brand opened its 50th location at 2355 Windy Hill Road on April 14. At the ribbon cutting, the owners showed their community spirit by presenting a check for $1000 to grassroots nonprofit PORCH Marietta. PORCH runs monthly food drives in 50+ neighborhoods across Marietta and purchases additional groceries like milk and eggs with financial donations. They deliver the food to 15 Marietta food pantries, schools, and organizations, helping them serve families needing assistance.

At the end of the school year, many families will have already spent their tax refunds and will be looking for extra help to compensate for the lack of school breakfast and lunch over the summer. Using Smalls Sliders’ funding, PORCH Marietta will purchase extra groceries for local pantries to ensure families have enough to feed their children until school starts again.

According to Smalls Sliders owner Rocky Moore, partnering with PORCH Marietta “makes all the sense in the world because it’s a grassroots group that feeds the local community. We’re a restaurant. We serve food. This is a group that we can partner with long term. Not only give a check, but stay in contact with and, frankly, grow with. A lot of businesses can give a check to charities, but we want to help in a number of different ways.”

PORCH Communities was started in 2010 in Chapel Hill, and there are now 75 chapters in 15 states. serving their local communities. PORCH chapters have gathered and distributed more than $17 million worth of food to neighbors in need. The PORCH Marietta chapter was founded in February 2022.

Contributing non-perishable food to local food pantries on a monthly basis is the flagship program of PORCH Marietta. To date, PORCH Marietta has donated over 185,000 pounds of food to these pantries. They collect food via monthly neighborhood food drives, based on customized wish lists from the pantries. Neighbors put the requested groceries out on their porch and volunteers pick up and deliver it to the pantries. To add your neighborhood to the team, contact [email protected].

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Atlanta Falcons star visits East Cobb YMCA spring break kids

April 11, 2026April 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Kyle Pitts, starting tight end of the Atlanta Falcons, was the surprise guest at the spring break camp of the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA this week.

He stopped by on Wednesday not only to visit with 60 Atlanta-area kids in attendance, but also to present a a $21,500 check to cover the full cost of the camp for those families, courtesy of Whataburger.

The event included a Whataburger food truck and activities, among them a visit from Freddie the Falcon, Pitts running races with kids and signing capes and mini footballs.

Click the middle button below to view more photos.

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1970s TV stars to appear at East Cobb Kroger product launch

April 10, 2026 by Wendy Parker

1970s TV stars to appear at East Cobb Kroger product launch

On Tuesday a Kroger store in East Cobb will be the venue for the launch of a celebrity food product, and with two of the leading TV stars of the 1970s on hand.

Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl will appear at the Kroger at MarketPlace Terrell Mill (1310 Powers Ferry Road) on Tuesday for a meet-and-greet with customers as Duffy’s Dough, an exclusive line of bake-at-home artisan breads, is launched.

The event is from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, with 100 percent of profits from sales of Duffy’s Dough that day supporting hunger relief. Kroger also will make a donation to Meals on Wheels Atlanta.

Duffy and Purl, who are now in their 70s, have been a couple since 2020. He was famous for his role in “Dallas,” and she was a regular on “Happy Days” and “Matlock.”

The Duffy’s Dough recipe comes from a neighbor of Duffy’s mother, who devised an “unadulterated sourdough starter passed down by the original Alaska Gold Rush miners,” according to a release from Kroger.

“The variety of breads made from that starter has graced Duffy tables ever since, bringing the family together through the simple, shared joy of baking.”

Those varieties include Sourdough Loaf, Multigrain Sourdough Loaf, Artisan Sandwich Roll, French Dinner Roll, and Sourdough Demi Baguette.

“Duffy’s Dough is a family legacy that lives on in every recipe for customers to enjoy at the dinner table,” Duffy and Purl said in a joint statement. “This collaboration with Kroger on our shared mission will give a window of hope to nourish families across the country as we work to end hunger.”

Among the organizations working with Duffy’s Dough include No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels America

The first 100 customers on Tuesday will receive a Duffy’s Dough product and a $25 gift card.

Duffy’s Dough products are on sale at Kroger stores in Georgia, East Alabama, and South Carolina.

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Cobb government to allocate $5.787M in opioid settlement

March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The Cobb Board of Commissioners last week approved the first allocation of funds from the National Opioid Settlement, and will be distributing nearly $6 million to a variety of community organizations.

The board voted 5-0 to allocate $5.787 million in funds, that, according to an agenda item from last Tuesday’s meeting, “are restricted and must be used exclusively for opioid remediation purposes as defined by the settlement agreements and applicable state guidance.”

In 2024 Cobb approved a resolution establishing the Cobb County Opioid Abatement Advisory Council that recommended a comprehensive abatement strategy to assist those with opioid addictions.

The Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund includes more than $50 billion in legal settlements from 2021-26 with opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacy chains, with the funding earmarked to treat addiction and to assist recovery and prevention efforts.

Cobb’s funding comes directly from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, which was established as a subsidiary in 2022 to distribute and manage funding throughout the state for an 18-year period.

In the 2026-29 funding cycle, the following organizations will be receiving grants in the indicated amounts in Cobb County:

Center for Young Adult Addiction & Recovery, Kennesaw State University – $98,721
Cobb Collaborative – $57,394
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb County Jail – $174,720
Cobb County Superior Courts – $1,258,500
Davis Direction Foundation – $1,609,841
Harbor Springs Counseling Services – $1,648,942
Highland Rivers Foundation – $500,000
Life University, Inc. – $26,820
WestCare Georgia, Inc. – $87,855
YouthCentric, Inc. – $324,820

The agenda item states that “these projects collectively address multiple settlement-approved categories including prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. Proposed activities include medication-assisted treatment for indigent individuals, residential treatment expansion for mothers, peer recovery coaching, sober living scholarships, jail discharge planning, youth prevention programming, naloxone and fentanyl test strip distribution, and community resiliency initiatives.”

The third-largest recipient, Cobb County Superior Courts, announced later last week that it plans to use the funding to expand the Cobb Accountability Courts, which “serve individuals charged with felonies who are diagnosed with moderate to severe substance use disorders, including participants with co-occurring mental health conditions.”

The courts will “utilize a plan that integrates multiple layers of intervention. Treatment services include opioid withdrawal management, access to medication for addiction treatment (MAT/MOUD) through partnerships with a local physician and pharmacy, and up to ten hours per week of evidence-based group and individual counseling,” according to a release issued by Cobb Superior Court.

The programs also plan to expand recovery support to address housing instability, which the court calls “one of the greatest barriers to sustained recovery.

“Through partnerships with five sober living programs in Cobb County, eligible participants may receive up to 90 days of safe, structured, and sober housing while working toward financial independence. Stable housing has been shown to significantly strengthen engagement in treatment and improve long-term outcomes.”

“The Accountability Courts stand at the critical intersection of the justice system, public safety, and rehabilitation of individuals in crisis,” said Ann Harris, Chief Judge of Superior Court. “By using these settlement funds to expand treatment and provide stable housing, we are actively working to break the cycle of addiction, reduce recidivism, and make our entire community safer.”

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Sparkle and Style Fashion Show to benefit Special Needs Cobb

March 28, 2026March 28, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Sparkle and Style Fashion Show to benefit Special Needs Cobb

Submitted information and photos:

An event with ample fashion, food and fun and all benefitting an important organization serving those with special needs in our community is occurring soon in East Cobb. The “Sparkle and Style” Fashion Show and Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at Holy Family Catholic Church and benefits Special Needs Cobb, a nonprofit providing group homes and support to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Funds raised will support renovations at the 23 residences, 22 of which are in Cobb County.

At this third annual event, guests will enjoy fashions and accessories from sponsor Casabella in East Cobb, a delicious luncheon and can shop for a variety of items at the silent auction. “This is such an elegant ladies’ luncheon that pampers guests with a little get away from the routine without leaving town,” said Carolyn Polakowski, an Eastcobber who is chairing the event along with Alexis Hall.

“Casabella will be sharing their latest arrivals and the auction items we are receiving are amazing. I think it would be a great afternoon for moms and daughters to come together,” commented Polakowski. “Guests can enjoy a wonderful food and deserts as well as the new spring clothing lines at a ticket price, $40, that is very affordable. Most importantly, some very deserving individuals will benefit from the event proceeds. We are excited that some of the residents of the group homes will be our models.” Last year the event raised over $20,000 for the charity, and Polakowski’s goal this year is $25,000.

This year marks Special Needs Cobb’s 70th year of providing resources and residential care options to families with adults and children with developmental disabilities. Led by CEO Debbie Day, their mission is to transform and enhance the lives of individuals with special needs through group housing, caregiver life-planning workshops, and resources for parents so that they have the support tools needed to provide the best possible future for their loved ones with special needs.

The Sparkle and Shine fashion show and luncheon is Saturday, April 25, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta. Sponsorships and tickets are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.specialneedscobb.org/sparkle-style-gallery/.

Sparkle and Style Fashion Show to benefit Special Needs Cobb

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East Cobb student from Troop 1714 to become Eagle Scout

March 21, 2026March 21, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb student from Troop 1714 to become Eagle Scout

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Douglas Peter, a senior in the Class of 2026 at Johnson Ferry Christian Academy, has distinguished himself as a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and outdoorsman while earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting.

His journey began in first grade with Pack 1714 at Mountain View Elementary and continued through his senior year with Troop 2319. Through years of stewardship by faithful Scout leaders and older Scouts, Doug has grown through Scouting’s focus on service, leadership, and character, taking on leadership roles, mentoring younger Scouts, and contributing meaningful service to his community.

The lessons learned through Scouting extend into every area of his life. Doug serves as a Team Captain of his school’s mountain biking team, competing in races that require endurance and discipline. He’s recognized for showing up consistently, helping teammates with bike and race prep, and demonstrating good sportsmanship.

Known for his strong work ethic, Doug has spent the past two years working as a dryer vent technician with his family’s business, Mama Bear Dryer Vent Care, where he demonstrates practical skills and a commitment to doing quality work. In his work, he noticed a common challenge in the industry with off the shelf parts and so he designed an improved dryer vent bracket, which he now produces and sells to professionals across the country.

Building on that experience, he recently launched his own small business, Starfish Window Cleaning, continuing to grow his entrepreneurial skills while serving customers in the community.

Doug also has a strong interest in mechanics, problem solving, and hands-on work, interests that Scouting allowed him to develop. After graduation, he intends to pursue a degree in engineering.

In recognition of his character, Doug was selected for his school’s “We Are S.A.I.N.T.S.” Character Award, based on nominations from peers, teachers, and community members. He was recognized for the way he builds relationships, treats others with respect, and quietly encourages those around him.

Doug’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held on March 28th at American Legion Post 29.

His family is especially grateful for the many leaders, mentors, and families in Pack 1714 and Troop 2319 who supported him along the way and helped shape the young man he is today.

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LGE Community Credit Union announces scholarship program

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

LGE Community Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program through March 31, 2026.

The annual scholarship program helps exceptional high school seniors from our communities attend the college, university, or technical school of their dreams by providing them with a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in each of the following counties: Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, and Paulding County.

Eligibility requirements:

Be an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry; OR have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who is an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry. Membership will be verified upon receipt of entry.

Be a legal resident of the United States residing in the state of Georgia.

Be a high school senior graduating in the 2025–2026 school year from a public high school, private school, or accredited home school in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, or Paulding County.

Be enrolling to attend as a full-time student in an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States during the fall of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Application process:

Register for an LGE Community Credit Union KOFE account and navigate to the 2026 LGE Scholarship Program page.

Watch the “Money Moves: Mastering Budgeting Before Graduation” video and pass the 10-question quiz.

Fully complete all fields of the 2026 LGE Scholarship Program Questionnaire, including answering the following questions:

What was the most impactful lesson you learned from this course? (in fewer than 300 words)

What would winning the LGE Scholarship mean to you? (in fewer than 400 words)

The 2026 LGE scholarship program is subject to Official Rules. Please visit LGEccu.org/Scholarship for complete details.

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East Cobb preschool rallies around teacher battling cancer

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb preschool rallies around teacher battling cancer

Submitted information and photos:

Teachers, children and their families at Primrose School of East Cobb at Sprayberry came together to support one of their own, raising $750 and an outpouring of encouragement for a beloved teacher during her breast cancer treatment.

Now, the school is celebrating a meaningful milestone: Ms. Megan, an older infant classroom teacher who has taught at the school for two years, has officially completed her radiation treatment

How the school community stepped up:

Organized a fundraiser among teachers, children and families to support Megan

Sent daily messages and encouragement while she recovered

Welcomed her back with hugs and celebrations after she completed radiation

“My Primrose family rallied around me and immediately asked how they could help,” said Megan. “I received daily hugs, prayers, messages and calls checking on me and my family. When I rang the bell to mark the end of radiation, I could hear the cheers from my leadership team, coworkers and our children all the way at the hospital.”

East Cobb preschool rallies around teacher battling cancer

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Cobb Police Chief addresses East Cobb Civic Association

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

The East Cobb Civic Association (ECCA) was pleased to welcome Cobb County Police Chief James Ferrell as the February speaker on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The meeting was held at the Wellstar East Cobb Health Park on Roswell Road, Marietta.

Recently promoted to Chief of Police for Cobb County, Chief Ferrell began his law enforcement career with Cobb County Police Department in 1996 as a uniform patrol officer. Over the years, he served in Uniform Patrol, Special Operations/TAC Team, Training/Range Master, and Crimes Against Persons.

Chief Ferrell shared updates and insights on public safety in Cobb County, spoke about the Real Time Crime Center, the effective use of drones by First Responders, the county’s coordination with other police departments, and responded to audience questions about the “teen takeover” at Battery Park.

ECCA appreciates Chief Ferrell’s time, his informative presentation, and his continued commitment to keep Cobb County safe.

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance seeks Adopt-a-Mile volunteers

February 14, 2026February 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance (PFCA) is seeking community volunteers for its Adopt-A-Mile spring event on Saturday, March 28, from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, along Powers Ferry Road at Terrell Mill Road. Meet up at 8:30 a.m. at the Kroger parking lot, 1310 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30067, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. PFCA hosts this event each spring and fall to invite individuals and groups to help improve the appearance of the community, in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful, and supported by Kroger. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. In the event of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to all registered participants.

Sign up: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PFCA3/PFCAsAdoptAMileDay

Learn more: https://powersferryca.com/adopt-a-mile-cleanup.html

Email: volunteer@powersferryca.com

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East Cobb Civic Association participates in Adopt-A-Mile cleanup

January 29, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Civic Association participates in Adopt-A-Mile cleanup

Submitted information and photo:

The East Cobb Civic Association (ECCA) Board and its members play an important role in shaping Cobb County government decisions, initiatives, zoning and variance rulings that affect East Cobb neighborhoods. By staying engaged, ECCA members remain informed about key votes, meetings, and emerging issues, and are encouraged to actively voice their support or concerns to help protect and strengthen our community.

As part of ECCA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening and beautifying our community, our organization joined the Keep Cobb Beautiful (KCB) Adopt‑a‑Mile program several years ago. Four times each year, ECCA members gather along Johnson Ferry Road to maintain a clean and welcoming one‑mile stretch.

Our first cleanup of 2026 took place on Saturday, January 17, and we were thrilled with the turnout. The Adopt‑a‑Mile program is also an excellent opportunity for Boy Scouts and high school students to earn Community Service credit while making a visible difference in East Cobb.

Three additional cleanup dates are scheduled for 2026: April 18, July 18, and October 17. Volunteers meet at 10:00 a.m. at the back of the Publix parking lot at Johnson Ferry Road and Woodlawn Drive. Please bring gloves—trash bags and vests are provided.

ECCA welcomes all who want to help keep East Cobb beautiful.

Cobb Master Gardeners fill blessing bags

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Pope youth football coach and booster battling dementia

January 27, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Pope youth football coach and booster battling dementia

The Pope High School football community is rallying behind one of its leading figures.

Tom Stuetzer, whose sons played for the Greyhounds and who’s been active as a youth coach and official with the program’s booster club, has been diagnosed with an incurable form of dementia at the age of 51 and is facing major medical bills.

Stuetzer is battling behavioral variant frontal temporal dementia (FTD), and friends have set up a fundraiser for some of those expenses.

Stuetzer had to leave his job as the CFO of a DIY art and craft supply company last summer due to his illness, and health insurance doesn’t cover all of the expenses.

The GoFundMe campaign thus far has nearly $155,000; according to the fundraising message Stuetzer can no longer drive or be left alone for extended periods of time. The message also lays out the details of the estimated expenses for his care.

“We would love to see our football family help the Stuetzer family in this time of need,” said a message on the Pope Football Facebook page Tuesday afternoon.

“They are trying to prepare to a future of full time care. We are also asking for prayers of healing and support for Tom and his family.”

Stuetzer and his wife Kerri have athletic backgrounds. He played football at Wake Forest, and she is a member of the Dunwoody High School sports Hall of Fame.

Stuetzer has been involved in coaching in the Pope youth football feeder program and had served on the board and been president of the Pope Touchdown Club.

They are the parents of three children, Ryan (25), Katelynn (22), and John (19). The boys played football and baseball for the Greyhounds, and the youngest is currently on the baseball team at Florida State. Katelynn is a former lacrosse player at Pope who attends Clemson University.

“As the disease has progressed, the children have stepped into roles no young adults expect to carry so early,” the GoFundMe message states. “They help manage finances, schedules, appointments, research, and daily logistics. They advocate for their father, support their mother, and share responsibility for navigating the roadmap ahead, all while working and building their own lives.

“Their strength is steady and rooted in the values Tom and Kerri spent decades instilling.”

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Scene in East Cobb: Cobb Master Gardeners fill blessing bags

January 20, 2026January 19, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Scene in East Cobb: Cobb Master Gardeners fill blessing bags

Submitted information:

On January 16th, Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County assembled over 175 blessing bags filled with socks, toothbrushes/paste, floss, many snacks, nail clippers, mini first aid kits, washcloths, soap, lotions, and other small personal care items.

They also collected 57 blankets, 4 tarps, 1 sleeping bag, and about 25 warm hats. All were donated to Seven Bridges to serve those in need.

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Cobb Community Foundation names five to leadership program

January 17, 2026January 17, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Five nonprofit leaders shaping the future of Cobb County have been selected for a highly competitive leadership development program designed to strengthen the organizations residents depend on every day.

Cobb Community Foundation (CCF), in partnership with Kennesaw State University (KSU), has announced its 2026 Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) cohort — a select group of executives representing the arts, education, family services, mentoring, and grassroots community support.

“This is an investment in people who are already doing great work for our community,” said Shari Martin, President & CEO of Cobb Community Foundation. “This program is designed to equip them with stronger systems, sharper strategies, and sustainable funding tools. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

Leadership Training with Immediate Impact

The six-month program combines rigorous online coursework with six in-person workshops facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Wade-Berg, Assistant Dean and Professor at Kennesaw State University. Participants commit approximately 10 hours per week while continuing to lead their organizations.

Cohort members also participate in Elevate, a national virtual conference hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, connecting nonprofit leaders across the country and highlighting emerging trends in the sector.

$5,000 Incentive Grants: “The Big Finish”

Upon successful completion, each participant’s organization will receive a $5,000 unrestricted grant from Cobb Community Foundation. Known as The Big Finish, the incentive helps translate learning into action.

One graduate from last year’s cohort used the grant to launch a texting campaign that helped raise nearly $108,000 during the holiday season to support cancer patients in crisis.

Meet the 2025–2026 Cohort

The selected nonprofit leaders are:

Andy Gaines, Executive Director, Friends of The Strand / Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

Laura Kraus, Executive Director, Marietta Schools Foundation

Kristen Thompson, Executive Director, Mentoring for Leadership

Carolyn Turner, Founder & Executive Director, HOPE Family Resource Center

Jody Vane, President, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb

Each brings deep experience and a shared commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector in Cobb County.

Strengthening Nonprofits Countywide

The Certified Nonprofit Professional program reflects a shared commitment by Cobb Community Foundation and Kennesaw State University to build strong, resilient nonprofit organizations with lasting community impact.

Participants will complete the program in July and present their final projects at a celebratory luncheon hosted by KSU.

Learn More

To learn more about the Certified Nonprofit Professional program and future opportunities, visit cobbfoundation.org.

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Credit Union of Georgia gives Salvation Army a holiday lift

January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Credit Union of Georgia gives Salvation Army a holiday lift

Submitted information and photo:

The Credit Union of Georgia is proud to close out the year on a high note, celebrating the generosity and community spirit of its employees during the 2025 holiday season.

During the month of December, Credit Union of Georgia employees volunteered their time to ring the bell for The Salvation Army at the Kroger on Cherokee Street in Kennesaw. Over the course of one week, 48 employees contributed nearly 100 volunteer hours, raising $3,611 to support The Salvation Army’s mission of serving those in need.

The impact was doubled thanks to the Credit Union of Georgia Community Foundation, which matched the funds raised dollar-for-dollar. As a result, a total of $7,222 was donated to The Salvation Army to support vital programs and services in the local community.

“We love ending the year on a positive note, and our employees truly embodied the spirit of ‘Doing the Most Good’ this holiday season,” said Amanda Arnold, Director of Community Outreach. “Their willingness to give their time and energy during such a busy time of year reflects the heart of who we are as a credit union.”

Credit Union of Georgia extends its sincere gratitude to every employee who volunteered, as well as to the Credit Union of Georgia Community Foundation for amplifying the impact of their efforts. This initiative highlights the credit union difference of people helping people, especially when it matters most.

For more information about Credit Union of Georgia and its community involvement, visit www.cuofga.org.

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Cobb Collaborative gets $25K for mental health initiative

December 27, 2025December 27, 2025 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Cobb Collaborative, a local partner of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership and the leader of a 3-county coalition for Resilient Georgia, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Mind Your Mind mental health initiative, after receiving a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta. The initiative helps to raise awareness, promote resiliency and reduce stigma around mental health issues, particularly in light of increased numbers around the incidences of people reporting high levels of stress, anxiety and suicide ideation.

“We are honored to be awarded this grant to support the vital trauma-informed and resiliency-focused training, resources and programming that are a part of our Mind Your Mind initiative,” said Irene Barton, Cobb Collaborative Executive Director. “Mental health conditions are on the rise, and suicide is the leading cause of death for Cobb County youth ages 15-24 over the past five years. Clearly there is a need to have important conversations and grow our understanding of how to recognize the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to build protective factors. Now more than ever, it is critical to connect our community with knowledge and resources to help improve positive outcomes for our County’s children and families,” she continued.

The year-long grant will support:

A series of mental health trainings including Community Resiliency Model ®, Connections Matter, Mandated Reporter, Trauma 101, Brain 101, and suicide prevention training;

Bilingual digital information, containing crisis line contact information and links to mental health statistics, blogs, tools, and supportive content;

Townhall-style quarterly convenings addressing behavioral health needs, issues, and resources in partnership with Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid;

A social media campaign to direct residents to digital content, provide encouragement to those struggling with or caring for loved ones with mental health issues, and inform residents of local mental health events. Other social media platforms will continue sharing information as well;

The support of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta will help ensure that critical mental health programs, services and resources are continuing to be provided in Cobb County and keep events open to the community.

For more information about the mental health initiative and other work at Cobb Collaborative, visit www.cobbcollaborative.org

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LGE Foundation donates $389K to local non-profits in 2025

December 20, 2025December 20, 2025 by Wendy Parker

LGE Foundation donates $389K to local non-profits in 2025

Submitted information and photo:

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the LGE Community Outreach Foundation presented $389,598 to local nonprofit organizations at LGE Community Credit Union’s annual celebration breakfast. This year’s donations brought the LGE Foundation’s lifetime giving total to over $3 million, marking an impactful milestone in LGE’s commitment to the metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia communities.

The event recognized nonprofit organizations the LGE Foundation supported in 2025, and each organization was invited to speak and share donor impact stories with the credit union’s approximately 340 employees.

Nonprofits that received donations from the LGE Foundation included Calvary Children’s Home, CASA of Paulding County, Drake House, McKenna Farms, MUST Ministries, Next Step Ministries, Safe Path, Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia, United Military Care and Warehouse of Hope.

“Our mission goes beyond financial services; it’s about improving lives,” said Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE Community Credit Union. “This milestone shows that when we work together, we can create lasting change for the communities we serve.”

Annually, the LGE Foundation leads a fundraising campaign with the goal of helping give back to the communities LGE serves. Proceeds raised from events, as well as personal contributions given throughout the year, are matched up to an annual maximum by LGE Community Credit Union and donated to local nonprofit organizations, families, or individuals in need.

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