East Cobb Community Service

Wheeler HS brothers lead The Sandwich Project summer effort

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Wheeler HS brothers lead The Sandwich Project summer effort

Submitted information and photos:

This summer, a group of local kids came together and made over 2,000 sandwiches in just six weeks, donating them to The Sandwich Project of Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding food-insecure individuals and families across the city.

The effort was spearheaded by two teenage brothers (Zanye and Kenric Nair) from Wheeler High School, who have been volunteering with The Sandwich Project for the past three years. Wanting to make a larger impact during their summer break, they set an ambitious goal: 250 sandwiches per week. They rallied friends, peers, and community members to join them—using social media to organize donations, coordinate volunteers, and plan weekly sandwich-making events.

Despite obstacles like holiday schedules and limited volunteer availability, they stayed committed, adjusted plans as needed, and met their goal. The teens led the initiative end to end: planning logistics, managing sanitation protocols (including gloves and clean workspaces), and ensuring each sandwich followed specific measurements—critical, since for some recipients, it might be their only source of protein that day.

They also went the extra mile to reduce waste by donating bread ends (“bread butts”) to another local organization.

This was not a school requirement or a summer program—it was simply young people giving their time, energy, and heart to serve the community.

You can follow the Nair brothers and The Sandwich Project on Instagram: @2025.sandwiches.

Wheeler HS brothers lead The Sandwich Project summer effort

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We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

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Davis Direction Foundation co-founder speaks in East Cobb

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Davis Direction Foundation co-founder speaks in East Cobb

Submitted information and photos:

Grace Resurrection Methodist Church’s Men’s Group welcomed Michael Owen, co-founder and CFO of the Davis Direction Foundation and The Zone, as the featured speaker for its quarterly dinner in July.

Owen co-founded The Zone in honor of his late son, Davis, to provide a safe, supportive, and faith-based recovery community for individuals reclaiming their lives from substance dependence. Since opening its doors in 2016, The Zone has served thousands, offering 24/7 resources rooted in compassion, connection, and accountability.

During his talk, Owen shared his family’s personal journey through Davis’s battle with opioid misuse and the eventual turn to heroin. He spoke with honesty and heart about the confusion and emotional toll families face when trying to support a loved one struggling with substance use. “It may begin with one person, but its impact reaches the entire family,” Owen explained.Davis Direction Foundation co-founder speaks in East Cobb

The presentation also included compelling data on the prevalence of addiction across all sectors of society, including the fact that one in ten individuals is genetically predisposed to addictive behavior. Owen highlighted the social stigma often attached to those in recovery and urged the community to promote greater understanding and education around this growing public health issue.

Grace Resurrection’s Men’s Group is one of the church’s most active and growing ministries, fostering spiritual growth, service, and authentic connection among men of all ages and backgrounds. Events like this dinner are part of the group’s mission to offer space for real conversations around faith, purpose, and the challenges facing men today.

Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the insights shared, many leaving with a stronger sense of empathy and a more informed perspective on the challenges faced by those in recovery—as well as the families who walk alongside them.

To learn more about The Zone and the Davis Direction Foundation, visit www.davisdirection.com.

To learn more about Grace Resurrection Methodist Church, visit www.graceresurrection.org

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Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

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Center for Family Resources holds Client Achievement Night

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Center for Family Resources holds Client Achievement Night
PHOTO: Staff from The CFR & Cobb County Magistrate’s Court

Submitted information and photo:

In early July, The Center for Family Resources proudly hosted its bi-annual Client Achievement Awards Night, honoring the remarkable journeys of the families it serves.

For 65 years, the organization has empowered clients who face homelessness and food insecurity to change the trajectory of their lives through comprehensive wraparound programs.

This celebratory evening brought together clients, staff, partners, and community members to spotlight stories of resilience, transformation, and unwavering strength.

According to The CFR’s 2024 Annual Impact Report, the organization has made measurable strides for families:

  • 32 households secured employment
  • 481 individuals obtained stable housing
  • 2,275 people served through our choice pantry
  • 8,860 people received vital services through our programs

These outcomes reflect The CFR’s ongoing commitment to helping families overcome crisis and move toward long-term stability. The focus remains on equipping individuals with the tools, skills, and guidance they need to take charge of their future with programs that teach financial literacy, savings, and employment skills.

A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt speech from Kelley Scott, who shared her story “not as a statistic, but as a testimony.” After facing profound loss and relocating to Georgia with her young son, she found herself struggling, until connecting with The CFR. Through their short-term housing program, she gained stability, found meaningful work, and began writing again.

In February, she and her son moved into permanent housing. By April, she had published her first book, titled It Doesn’t End Here.

“I went from homeless and heartbroken to published and purpose-filled,” she said. “Your pain is real, but your purpose is far greater.”

Her journey, and those of many others, served as an inspiring reminder of the transformative impact of compassion, community, and support. To learn more about how The CFR helps to keep children housed one family at a time, visit TheCFR.org. To help ensure that The CFR’s wrap-around programs that foster long-term stability can continue, visit TheCFR.org/ways-to-give/.

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Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

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Delta Credit Union accepting non-profit grant applications

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Submitted information:

Delta Community Credit Union philanthropic grants
Delta Community Credit Union Logo (PRNewsFoto/Delta Community Credit Union)

Delta Community Credit Union, Georgia’s largest credit union, is now accepting applications for its 2026 Philanthropic Fund Program. Through its annual initiative, Delta Community will award a total of $150,000 in grants to support 20 metro Atlanta nonprofit organizations that align with the credit union’s commitment to help families manage household finances and improve the physical and financial well-being of youth.

“Community investment and engagement are essential to good corporate citizenship,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “We allocate a minimum of two percent of our annual projected earnings to local community development as a means to foster the ongoing prosperity and success of the municipalities and counties where Delta Community operates. Although our investments take many forms, our annual philanthropic grants have been fundamental to our approach for 13 years.”

Grant awards of $10,000, $7,500 and $5,000 will be awarded to selected organizations. Applications must be submitted online at DeltaCommunityCU.com/PhilanthropicFund by 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 29, 2025.

Since launching the Philanthropic Fund Program in 2013, Delta Community has invested approximately $1.3 million in more than 240 organizations that provide educational opportunities, job and career training, and medical and human services support to people in need. Delta Community also invests in local communities through scholarships, school partnerships, and support for chambers of commerce and civic organizations.

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We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

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KIDS CARE seeks donations for backpacks and school supplies

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KIDS CARE seeks donations for backpacks and school supplies

Submitted information and photos:

The 5th Annual “Backing the Need” Backpack & School Supply Drive is happening Now—July 19th. KIDS CARE, a Marietta based nonprofit, and the Cobb County Police Department are seeking new donations to support local students in need. Donations of new backpacks and school supplies for students of all ages are being collected in several locations throughout the county AND on the final day of the drive—July 19th. Any donations are greatly appreciated! 

NOW – JULY 18TH: Drop off new donations at the many local business partners who are hosting a PUBLIC DONATION COLLECTION BOX. For full list & a map visit https://kids-care2018.org/where-to-donate.

Business Partners collecting donations for this drive are: The Champion Firm, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, Redbud Family Justice Center, The Credit Union of GA, LGE Community Credit Union, School of Rock West Cobb, School of Rock Woodstock, The Artful Rabbit, Sterling Estates of West Cobb, Staples (Dallas Hwy), Edward Jones Financial (Kennesaw), Burn Boot Camp Sprayberry, STV Inc., LiDL (Mableton), Kroger (Mableton), Walmart (Austell) and the Cobb County Civic Center.

JULY 19TH AT THE COBB CIVIC CENTER 9 am – 2 pm. Bring new backpacks & school supplies on this day & enjoy the following:

Meet “Rose” the Comfort Dog who will be onsite to meet and greet. Presented by the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, “Rose” and her amazing handler Angela, will be visiting with us all day. Come get a belly rub in & a cute pic with this pup! 

Watch Cobb PALS Youth Step Team Perform @11:15 & 11:45 am. Led by Officer Mitchell of the Cobb County Police Athletic League. Drop your donations off and catch their FREE performances. 

Look inside a Cobb County Police Department patrol car & meet a Police Officer. 

FREE RECYCLING & SMILES! Keep Cobb Beautiful will be onsite to help us manage our waste & will also be accepting recycling from the public. {Accepted items include: flattened cardboard, plastics, aluminum cans, food grade glass bottle/jars and hard to recycle plastics in the orange Hefty bag.}

Most Needed Items: new backpacks (all ages), spiral & composition notebooks, paper, folders, scientific & pocket calculators, USB drives, 3 ring binders, markers, glue, scissors, pencils, crayons, pens, highlighters, eraser—etc.Prefer to Shop Online? Order directly from KIDS CARE’s Amazon or Walmart Wishlist and have your donations shipped hassle-free!

Monetary Donations Welcome! 100% of funds go towards bulk purchasing of backpacks and school supplies. Every item or dollar helps! https://kids-care2018.org/donate

Thank you! In the past four years, the “Backing the Need” Backpack & School Supply Drive has donated 1,963 new backpacks & school supplies to Cobb County students in need.  Your support helps students start the school year with the essential supplies they need—and the confidence to succeed. For a list of donation recipients please visit: “Backing the Need” – RECIPIENTS

Let’s show Cobb County how much we care! For more info, visit https://kids-care2018.org/how-to-help.

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Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

KIDS CARE seeks donations for backpacks and school supplies

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Rotary Club of East Cobb to stage 20th annual Dog Days Run

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Dog Days Run
The East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run raises funds for community service projects.

Submitted information:

The East Cobb Rotary Club is proud to announce the upcoming 20th annual Dog Days 5K Road Race, a cornerstone fundraising event set to take place on August 9, 2025, at the McCleskey YMCA. This milestone event continues the club’s long-standing tradition of supporting vital local charities within the East Cobb community.

The announcement follows a highly successful year for the East Cobb Rotary, which recently distributed an impressive $100,000 to 29 local charities during a special giveback ceremony on March 4, 2025, at Piedmont Church. These funds were directly raised through the previous year’s Dog Days Road Race, demonstrating the significant impact of community participation. The distributed funds support a diverse range of organizations focused on critical areas such as youth programs, housing, and mental health services.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in and supported the Dog Days Road Race,” said Jonathan Lyons, Immediate Past President of East Cobb Rotary. “This significant contribution reflects the strong commitment of our community to supporting those in need. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of giving that defines East Cobb”.

Over the past 19 years, the Dog Days Road Race has become a pivotal event, raising and distributing over $1.2 million directly benefiting the community. More than 10,000 runners have participated in the 5K race since its inception.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of the Dog Days Road Race,” said Liz Myers, President of East Cobb Rotary. “We look forward to another successful event and the opportunity to further our impact in the East Cobb community.”

The East Cobb Rotary invites runners of all ages and potential sponsors to join in the 20th-anniversary celebration and continue this impactful tradition of community support.

For more information about the Dog Days Road Race, to register, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://dogdaysrun.com/.

About East Cobb Rotary: The East Cobb Rotary is a service organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the East Cobb community and beyond. Through various initiatives and events, the club strives to support local charities, promote goodwill, and foster community engagement. East Cobb Rotary meets Wednesdays at 7 AM at Indian Hills Country Club in East Cobb.

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Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

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East Cobb faith communities participate in Habitat project

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East Cobb faith communities participate in Habitat project

Submitted information and photos:

On Saturday, the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition (CIHC) hammered the first nails on the 25th Habitat house that will be a home for a Cobb County Public Servant. 

The future homeowner, D, is a Project Utility Manager at the Cobb County Department of Transportation, helping to ensure the county’s residents enjoy quality infrastructure. Despite a stable career and doing overtime work he enjoys, D and his wife Dreika can’t find decent, affordable housing in the county he serves. Instead, they rent a small townhome just outside of Cobb, where they battle with crowding and substandard conditions.

The couple are raising a unique blended family with children ranging in age from 26 to one-year-old, with four living at home. Dreika keeps an immaculate home, but her efforts can’t hide the poor maintenance of the unit – significant water damage, leaky plumbing, and a basement that is always flooded. With safety concerns in the neighborhood, the family is cramped in their small space.

D & Dreika say they felt like they won a prize when they were selected to build through Habitat and are looking forward to watching their kids have a safe yard in which to play. For their family, homeownership is more than walls and a roof, it’s the promise of stability, safety, and cherished memories.

This year’s faith groups include Smyrna First United Methodist Church, Bethany United Methodist Church, East Cobb Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Marietta, Temple Kol Emeth, Temple Sinai, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Log Cabin Church, Covenant Church, Unity North of Atlanta Church, Macland Community Church, First Presbyterian Church of Marietta and Due West Methodist Church.

Corporate partners include Pinkerton & Laws Construction of Atlanta, Atlanta West Carpets, Moore Colson, Fortune-Johnson, Dwell Design Studio, Nissan, Burke-Moore and Sentinel Lake Neighborhood.

Henry Hene, Coalition Chair, says, “Staying together as an extremely diverse coalition for 25 years has not always been easy, but we have remained steadfastly committed to our mission of: ‘We Build to Coexist; We Coexist to Build’. We build together for a larger purpose than our individual organizations.”

Kyle Huhtanen, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. “They are building more than just a house. Together, they are building hope, community and a better future for this family through a safe, affordable home.”

East Cobb faith communities participate in Habitat project
Future homeowner D flanked by Paul Wilson (left) and Henry Hene (R), Cobb Interfaith Coalition Co-Chairs

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Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

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East Cobb National Charity League aids The Sandwich Project

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East Cobb National Charity League aids The Sandwich Project

Submitted information and photos:

Driven by purpose and the power of community, 145 mothers and daughters from the National Charity League (NCL) of East Cobb came together at St. Ann Catholic Church for the 3rd Annual Impact Day. Their mission: to fight food insecurity across Metro Atlanta—one sandwich at a time.

In just one afternoon, the group assembled an astounding 2,099 sandwiches, setting a new chapter record and surpassing last year’s total by more than 450. The event supported The Sandwich Project, a grassroots nonprofit that delivers fresh, homemade sandwiches to those facing food insecurity throughout the region. All 2,099 sandwiches were delivered the following day to homeless shelters and shelters for women and children in the Metro area.

“This experience opened my eyes to the reality of food insecurity in our community,” said Madelyn Sullivan, a 2028 Ticktocker. “It’s humbling to know that something as simple as a sandwich can bring comfort to someone who might not know where their next meal is coming from.”

The day began with a brief chapter meeting, followed by a guided discussion led by NCL East Cobb President Jeanette Severson. The conversation focused on the growing crisis of food scarcity in Metro Atlanta, emphasizing the impact small acts of service can have in the face of such large-scale challenges.

NCL East Cobb is dedicated to strengthening the bond between mothers and daughters through meaningful service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. This year’s Impact Day reflected that mission in action—combining hands-on volunteering with heartfelt connection and education.

Founded in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Sandwich Project has grown into a powerful volunteer network with more than 4,000 participants and over 30 sandwich collection sites. The organization distributes meals to more than 60 charities across the metro area, including shelters, outreach centers, and food pantries. Since June 2021, NCL East Cobb has contributed over 46,000 sandwiches to the project. Remarkably, fifteen mother-daughter teams have each prepared more than 625 sandwiches, a testament to the chapter’s enduring commitment.

This year’s event was made possible thanks to generous support from community partners including Whole Foods Merchants Walk, Publix Charities, Trader Joe’s, Sam’s Club Woodstock, Costco Woodstock, and Kroger.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and compassion to make this year’s Impact Day an overwhelming success. Together, we are not only feeding neighbors in need—we are building a stronger, more connected community.

To learn more:

East Cobb National Charity League aids The Sandwich Project

East Cobb National Charity League aids The Sandwich Project

East Cobb National Charity League aids The Sandwich Project

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Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

 

MUST issues ‘urgent’ appeal for summer lunch entree items

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MUST issues 'urgent' appeal for summer lunch entree items

Just a couple weeks into its summer lunch program for needy kids, MUST Ministries this week issued a call for the public to help provide food.

In a social media posting Thursday, the Marietta-based social services charity said it’s run out of lunch entree items, and it’s asking for food or monetary donations:

“This can be a single-serve noodle bowl, rice bowls, Hamburger Helper or Chef Boyardee. For example items, please see our Amazon wish list below.

“Week 2 MUST Summer Lunch wrap-up. The last two weeks, we have served nearly double what we were during weeks one and two last year. We have had generous volunteers and donations, but the need is still great. We appreciate everyone who is helping us serve our littlest neighbors in need.

“This is a great opportunity for community groups and churches to get together to build Kids’ Kits to help our littlest neighbors in need this summer. We are serving for 7 more weeks, and will need all the help we can get. Instructions are on our website at mustministries.org/summer-lunch.”

MUST said that if you want to drop off food, you can do so at its donation center at 1280 Field Parkway, from Tuesday-Saturday 9-5. It’s closed Sunday and Monday.

Monetary donations can be made at this link and the Amazon wish list for MUST can be found here.

MUST has been providing summer breakfasts and lunches to children since 1995, and its goal this year is to feed 7,500 children in Cobb and seven other metro Atlanta counties during the summer school break (June and July).

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1st ‘Born to Be a Senior’ charity ride sets off in East Cobb

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Born to Be a Senior Charity Ride

The first annual “Born to Be Cobb Senior” charity ride will start off in the East Cobb area on June 28.

The fundraiser to benefit Cobb Seniors Services and the MUST Ministries Senior Food Programs will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Williamson Bros. BBQ (1425 Roswell Road), and is open to Georgia drivers with motor vehicles.

The journey will conclude in Cartersville at Southern Devil Harley-Davidson (2281 U.S. 411 Highway) and will include live music and food.

The Senior Citizens Council of Cobb is partnering with the Metro Atlanta Motorcycle Riding Community, Williamson Bros. and Southern Devil Harley-Davidson to provide food to seniors who are in need.

Donation tickets are $20; for information and to donate visit seniorsofcobb.org and click on the meetings and events tab or go to at the Senior Citizens Council Facebook event at https://tinyurl.com/y7rzdmts.

For more information and for sponsorship opportunities visit info@seniorsofcobb.org.

 

 

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Cobb High School Coalition dedicates Habitat house

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Cobb High School Coalition dedicates Habitat house

Submitted information and photo:

The Cobb County High School Coalition, and our partner Assurant officially dedicated future homeowner David’s beautiful new home in Austell. This is the 28th Habitat home built by the Habitat Club students from Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove, Pope, and Walton High School. Assurant, a longtime partner dating back years as well, joined the coalition to build our first house of 2025.

For David, who is a single father, homeownership means creating a legacy of love, safety, and opportunity for his family. He’s a dedicated father who works very hard to achieve stability and a safe space for his boys. David works with the US Postal Service and spends his free time outdoors with his two sons, exploring parks and playing sports. He is grateful to the sponsors, donors, and volunteers for making this dream possible.

“The longevity of our Cobb High School Coalition is an amazing accomplishment,” says Kyle Huhtanen, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. “We also are grateful for Assurant, our long-time partner who continues to support our mission every year.”

About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. is a leading global provider of housing and lifestyle solutions that support, protect, and connect major consumer purchases. The company relocated its headquarters to Cobb County from New York City at the end of 2022. The Fortune 500 company also has numerous other locations, including offices throughout the United States and in 21 countries. 

About Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta
In 1985, Chrys and John Street met Millard Fuller, who challenged them to start an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in Cobb County. They distributed brochures to local churches and gathered 12 people to form a Board of Directors. On April 1, 1986, Cobb County Habitat for Humanity was officially incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. In 2008, the organization expanded to include Douglas and Paulding counties and the name changed to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta. Since 1986, nearly 600 homes have been built, rehabilitated, or repaired as part of our pursuit to provide decent, affordable housing in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. To learn more about the local affiliate, visit habitatnwma.org.

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Mt. Paran Christian School holds ‘Family Serve Day’

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Janice Overbeck and her daughters, Chandley and Kylie Overbeck, had the privilege of delivering upcycled dog leashes to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office on May 19, as part of a Family Serve Day initiative with Mount Paran Christian School.

Submitted information and photo:

On April 25, 2025, Mount Paran Christian School hosted its annual “Family Serve Day,” where The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team partnered with school families for a hands-on community service project with a sustainable twist.

Janice Overbeck and her team visited the school to teach families how to create dog leashes from used plastic grocery bags. Items that are not recyclable through traditional mechanical processes and often end up in landfills. By repurposing these bags, families learned how to give waste new life while also helping local animal rescue efforts.

Families collected and brought their own plastic bags and, with guidance from the Overbeck team, crafted over 50 strong, upcycled leashes. These leashes were then donated to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, where they will be used to help rescue and safely transport stray dogs.

On May 19, Janice Overbeck, along with her daughters Chandley Overbeck and Kylie Overbeck, had the privilege of personally delivering the leashes to the Sheriff’s Office.

This project supports the team’s broader mission to combat the global plastic crisis by encouraging creative reuse and promoting sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products. This collaborative effort not only helped animals in need but also empowered families to be part of a solution. Showing that simple actions can make a lasting impact on both the environment and the local community.

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Golden K Kiwanis Club presents 2025 Silver Pen Award

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Golden K Kiwanis Club presents 2025 Silver Pen Award
L to R: John Kone, past president KCMGK; Rosie Teague, KCMGK; Aailyah Reeves, Powers Ferry ES Silver Pen award winner; Jim Perry, past president KCMGK and Philip Gold, VP KCMGK

Submitted information and photo:

Over 30 years ago, Jack Boone of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K launched a Signature Project for the Club called the Silver Pen Award. This program is now a Georgia District of Kiwanis Program available to fourth grades statewide. We invited local schools to have their fourth grade classes compete for a school-wide Silver Pen Award by completing a writing assignment submitted by the Club. 

The title of the essay this year was “The Person I Admire Most.” Each classroom submitted their top two entries to the School Administration, who submitted one from each classroom to the Silver Pen Coordinator for Kiwanis. A panel of professionals and former educators then evaluated the remaining submissions and chose the school winner.

This year Acworth Elementary School, Addison Elementary School, Powers Ferry Elementary School, and Rocky Mount Elementary School accepted our invitation to have their students compete. 

The winning 4th grade recipients were: ACWORTH ES – Keyden Kanau; ADDISON ES –  Evoleht Haddock; POWERS FERRY ES – Aaliyah Reeves and ROCKY MOUNT ES – Rachael Wilson. Jim Perry, Past President and Silver Pen Coordinator, along with a group of leaders from the Club, presented the awards to the winners in each school during the morning broadcast, so all students could witness the presentation in their  respective schools.

“Each winner received a Silver Pen in a velvet sleeve, a Kiwanis Club Pen, 25 golden commemorative, uncirculated one-dollar coins from the U.S. Mint, and an engraved plaque. We enjoyed many great essays from the students this year and congratulate each winner for a job well done. Each classroom winner received a Silver Pen and a Kiwanis Club Pen,” explained Jim Perry, the Silver Pen award presenter.

We are very grateful to the schools for their cooperation in continuing to support this writing program. The Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K looks forward to presenting the Silver Pen award again next year and we wholeheartedly extend our congratulations to each award winner.

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PORCH Marietta to hold fundraiser at Marietta Wine Market

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PORCH-Marietta launches PORCH for schools program
PORCH Marietta has been providing healthy snacks for students in Title I schools in Cobb County since 2022.

Submitted information:

PORCH Marietta, an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to reducing food insecurity, announces its upcoming event at the Marietta Wine Market (18 Powder Springs Street) on May 17 from 2-4 pm. All 21+ are invited to attend for wine tasting, purchasing and raffle items. 

The event supports PORCH Marietta’s PORCH for Schools program.  Through this initiative, PORCH provides healthy snacks for students in local Title 1 schools so they can stay fueled up and ready to learn all day. Hungry students can’t focus on learning, and teachers shouldn’t have to pay for students’ snacks themselves. 

“We hope to raise enough money to provide for these schools for next school year. Together, we can make a significant difference towards reducing food insecurity in our neighborhood,” said Liz Platner, chapter leader of PORCH Marietta. 

Fair Oaks Elementary teacher Carmen Meek commented, “Most of my students are newcomers to this country. These students have very little when they come. As a teacher it is a blessing to know that the PORCH organization has been so generous, faithfully sending healthy and delicious snacks to my students.  My students are learning and growing which can make for a long day at school. Many times they need that extra snack to finish their day. They look forward to receiving the snacks. I know their families appreciate it.”

PORCH Communities was started in 2011 in Chapel Hill, and there are now over 550 neighborhoods in 13 states serving their local communities. PORCH chapters have gathered and distributed more than $15 million worth of food to neighbors in need. The PORCH-Marietta chapter was founded in February 2022. 

Contributing non-perishable food to 15 local food pantries on a monthly basis is the flagship program of PORCH Marietta. To date, PORCH-Marietta has donated over 100,000 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 it up and deliver it to the pantries. Currently there are 50 Marietta neighborhoods participating. To get involved or add your neighborhood to the team contact marietta@porchcommunities.org. For more information or to make a financial contribution, visit PORCH Marietta’s website.

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Cobb Community Foundation holds Activate Good event

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Cobb Community Foundation CEO celebrating with streamers
Cobb Community Foundation CEO Shari Martin celebrating with streamers at the 2025 Activate Good event. Photos courtesy Cobb Community Foundation.

Submitted information and photos:

Cobb came together on May 1, 2025, to celebrate a year of shared generosity, collaboration and impact at the second annual Activate Good event, hosted by Cobb Community Foundation (CCF). The evening marked the release of the organization’s 2024 Impact Report and recognized the powerful outcomes that result when of neighbors, donors, nonprofits and businesses working side by side.

Held at The Foxglove in downtown Marietta, the event welcomed approximately 200 guests, including community leaders, fundholders, donors, nonprofit partners and other stakeholders. Together, they reflected on a year when individuals and organizations across Cobb County didn’t just give—they activated good, united by a shared commitment to making life better for all.

“This wasn’t just a celebration—it was a rallying cry,” said Shari Martin, president and CEO of Cobb Community Foundation. “At CCF, we mobilize people, ideas and resources—but real impact happens only when the community is ready to be mobilized. And like it always does, in 2024, Cobb showed up.”

Together, CCF and the Cobb community accomplished extraordinary things:

– Over $6.2 million in grants and scholarships were distributed, with 68% staying right here in Cobb County.

– The Match Magic Giveathon raised a record-breaking $811,000 for 25 local nonprofits—driven by donors, volunteers, and partners who energized the campaign from start to finish.

– Mental health access expanded, early childhood education grew, and nonprofit leaders received critical training—all made possible by individuals and organizations who chose to give back.

– A new initiative, the Be Somebody Savings Fund, launched in partnership with Marietta City Schools, offering students up to $1,000 for reaching key milestones between 9th and 12th grades.

Guests received the 2024 Impact Report and a commitment card listing ways to stay engaged—through fund creation, joining the Catalyst Society, supporting existing programs, or simply sharing ideas.

The evening concluded with applause, gratitude and a shared sense of purpose. “Every student helped, every family lifted, every nonprofit strengthened—it all happened because our community acted together,” Martin said.

To view the full Impact Report or learn how to activate good alongside Cobb Community Foundation, visit cobbfoundation.org.

To view the slideshow click the middle button below.

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Fiesta5K Challenge supports Emory ALS Research Center

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Fiesta5K Challenge supports Emory ALS Research Center
Photo from left, Beth Piazzi, Hailey Markovsky, Janice Overbeck, Katherine Knowles

Submitted information and photos:

The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team was the proud Title Sponsor of Saturday’s Fiesta 5K Challenge in Cumming, GA. An inspiring annual event benefiting the Emory ALS Research Center. Organized by Cure for ALS, the race united nearly 400 participants in a shared mission: to raise critical funds and awareness for the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Janice Overbeck had the proud honor of co-hosting the awards ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of runners and walkers who showed up rain or shine in support of this life-changing cause.

The Emory ALS Research Center is recognized as a national leader in ALS research and clinical care. The center is at the forefront of uncovering the causes of ALS, pioneering innovative treatment strategies, and advancing clinical trials that offer new hope to patients and their families. Thanks to these efforts, many ALS patients are living longer, higher-quality lives, but the urgency for continued research remains.

“We are honored to support such a meaningful cause and contribute to groundbreaking research that offers hope to so many,” said Janice Overbeck, founder of The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team. “It was incredible to see our community come together to run, walk, and stand in solidarity with those affected by ALS.”

The Fiesta 5K Challenge has become a beacon of community spirit and advocacy, with proceeds directly benefiting the continued efforts of Emory’s researchers and clinicians.

To learn more about the Emory ALS Research Center, current clinical trials, or to make a donation, visit: http://www.neurology.emory.edu/ALS/research.

Fiesta5K Challenge supports Emory ALS Research Center
Photo from left: Janice Overbeck, Chandley Overbeck, Jane Knowles, Aiden Seidell, Katherine Knowles
Fiesta5K Challenge supports Emory ALS Research Center
Janice Overbeck and Meraida, recently retired from Emory ALS clinic handing out awards.

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Scene in East Cobb: Community cleanup at Sewell Mill Creek

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Scene in East Cobb: Community cleanup at Sewell Mill Creek

A wide variety of community groups took part in a cleanup project Saturday morning, bagging several bags of trash along Sewell Mill Creek at East Cobb Park.

It was the third annual spring cleanup organized by the Friends for the East Cobb Park, and included members of the Rotary Club of East Cobb, Boy Scout Troop 1011 and the Cobb County Water System.

“Every year the creek has been cleaner than it was the year before,” reports volunteer Wade Patrick, who submitted the photo above.

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Scout Troop 795 earns Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile award

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Scout Troop 795 wins Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile award
Barbara Kappel, Troop 795 volunteer and Dodgen Middle School teacher. Photos courtesy Troop 795.

Boy Scout Troop 795, based at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in East Cobb, has been honored by Keep Cobb Beautiful with its Adopt-A-Mile youth group of the year award.

The troop was recognized at the Cobb Sustainability Forum and Expo at Jim Miller Park on April 30. It is given for “an organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship through a wide range of initiatives, activities, and/or programs.”

Jason Lee, a committee member of Troop 795, said those projects include regular cleanups along Johnson Ferry Road.

Accepting the honor on behalf of the troop was Barbara Kappel, the primary adult volunteer for the program and a 6th grade science teacher at Dodgen Middle School.

“The Scout program requires both Service hours and Conservation Service Hours for almost every rank leading up to Eagle,” Lee said. “We are proud to help our local community keep Johnson Ferry Road clean!”

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Tommy Nobis Center raises $250K+ at Galaxy of Stars luncheon

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Tommy Nobis Center raises $250K+ at Galaxy of Stars luncheon
From L-R: WSB-TV Anchor Linda Stouffer, TNC Academy Graduate Haley Dahl, and WSB-TV Anchor Wendy Corona

Submitted information and photo:

The Tommy Nobis Center, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment, hosted its 27th annual Galaxy of Stars luncheon on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Cobb Energy Centre.

The event brought together nearly 400 corporate leaders, community supporters, and friends to celebrate the life-changing impact of Tommy Nobis Center’s programs, honor its participants, and raise critical funds to support continued program growth.

This year’s luncheon theme, Empowered, set the tone for a heartfelt and inspiring program emceed by WSB-TV Anchors Linda Stouffer and Wendy Corona. Attendees heard directly from TNC participants, who shared powerful stories of personal growth and expressed gratitude to event sponsors. Guests received handmade Crayon Hearts, crafted from recycled crayons by Academy graduate Haley Dahl, as unique keepsakes of the occasion.

“This year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary,” said CEO Dave Ward. “It was deeply inspiring to hear the powerful stories of success and to honor the true champions who make a difference in our community.”

During the event, Tommy Nobis Center presented three prestigious awards recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to building inclusive communities and advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Nolan Wilson – Tommy Nobis Rising Star Award
Nolan Wilson exemplifies determination and passion for vocational success. When he joined The Academy at Tommy Nobis Center, Nolan had a clear vision: to pursue a career in the trades. With the support of TNC, he crafted his resume, honed his interview skills, and found his dream role as the first HVAC/Plumbing apprentice at MaxAir Mechanical. Nolan’s incredible work ethic, combined with strong support from TNC and MaxAir, continues to propel his professional growth. For Nolan, employment means purpose and an opportunity to show the world the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities.

Laura and Eric Hart – Community Champions Award
Laura and Eric Hart are the owners of Gaston Street Eats Co., operating Gaston Street Eats Food Truck and The Cheezy Truck, with a third, Little Cheezy, on the way. Guided by their philosophy of “LOVE, SERVE, CARE,” they are passionate about giving back through their monthly “Give Back” program. Their partnership with Tommy Nobis Center’s EYES Program is one of their most cherished commitments. Through servant leadership and a focus on community strengthening, Laura and Eric are building a legacy of kindness, leadership, and joy that extends far beyond their business.

Kim Menefee – Lifetime Achievement Award
Kim Menefee’s career is defined by leadership, innovation, and community impact. As Executive Director of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) and founder of One Cumberland, Kim works to advance vital infrastructure and community initiatives. Prior to her role at the CID, Kim spent 25 years at Wellstar Health System, shaping its brand, community engagement strategy, and government relations. A longtime advocate for community organizations, Kim proudly served on the Tommy Nobis Center Board of Directors, where she helped establish the successful Vehicle Donation Program. Recognized as one of Georgia’s most influential leaders, Kim continues to be a powerful force for positive change across the region.

The event that raised over $250,000 to directly support programs and services for people with disabilities was sponsored by Cobb EMC Foundation, WSB-TV, Georgia Power, and Publix Super Markets Charities. A recording of the event is available at https://tommynobiscenter.org/galaxy.  

About Tommy Nobis Center
Since 1977, Tommy Nobis Center has helped thousands of individuals find independence and workplace success by empowering people through employment. It envisions supportive communities where people with disabilities are afforded the opportunity to work. For more information, please visit https://tommynobiscenter.org/, or follow Tommy Nobis Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

 

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Credit Union of Georgia donates items to cancer patients

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Credit Union of Georgia donates items to cancer patients

Submitted information and photo:

Amanda Arnold, Director of Community Outreach and Kathy Winiarczyk, Business Development Officer – Cobb County with Credit Union of Georgia proudly delivered hundreds of donated items to Loving Arms Cancer Outreach (LACO) this week. The generous contributions were collected across branch locations throughout February and March, all in support of individuals bravely battling cancer.

Janet Graham, Director and Michelle Ferretiz, Development and Outreach Coordinator with Loving Arms Cancer Outreach expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from Credit Union members and employees. “These donations mean the world to the families we serve,” said Michelle. “They help remind our patients that they are not alone on their journey.”

Loving Arms Cancer Outreach (LACO), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing critical wraparound support to individuals and families affected by cancer. Their services include emotional support groups, educational resources, and crucial financial assistance for those facing financial hardship due to treatment.

“This initiative is a testament to the incredible power of community,” said Amanda. “We’re proud to partner with an organization like LACO that makes such a meaningful impact.”

A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to all who donated and helped bring comfort and hope to those in need. Together, we continue to make a difference—one kind act at a time.

To learn more about the Credit Union of Georgia Community Foundation, Inc. visit www.cuofga.org/foundation.

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