East Cobb Community Service

National Charity League of East Cobb volunteers on Impact Day

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National Charity League of East Cobb volunteers on Impact Day

Submitted information and photos:

On a 100 degree day, 105 members of the National Charity League (NCL) of East Cobb gathered at St. Ann Catholic Church for the 2nd Annual Impact Day. The event aimed to benefit The Sandwich Project, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity in Metro Atlanta. NCL East Cobb’s mission is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Lexi Bretl, a 2027 Ticktocker (daughter), said the day left her with “a great feeling of giving back to our community, and it was neat seeing everybody come together to make so many sandwiches!”

After a brief membership meeting, Silke Shilling, Former VP of Philanthropy, led the group through a Roots of Hunger Activity geared toward helping the young ladies understand the concept of how the greatest difficulties with food insecurity isn’t the lack of food, but rather the inequality of distribution and accessibility. The Ticktockers were given a brown bag with a various number of snacks in them upon their arrival. At Mrs. Shilling’s direction, they opened the bags to find that they did not all get the same amount. “It felt unfair not to get the same amount of food as my neighbor,” said Brooklyn Paulin, a 2026 Ticktocker.

The 60 Ticktockers were then tasked with equitably distributing the snacks to everybody in the room. The chaos in the room, as Mrs. Shilling pointed out, is what many food programs and families face trying to get the correct amount of food into the hands of those in need. She continued with some statistics that 1 in 8 Georgians, including 500,000+ children and numerous households with veterans, are affected by food insecurity. Miss Paulin said that “the event deepened my understanding and interest in world hunger. It also helped me understand the complexities of the food distribution system and of fixing the issue of equal food distribution.”

The Sandwich Project, established in 2020 in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, is a nonprofit organization with a network of volunteers who make and deliver fresh, homemade sandwiches to people experiencing food insecurity throughout Metro Atlanta. With over 4,000 volunteers and more than 30 collection sites, they serve over 60 charities. Since June of 2021, NCL East Cobb has contributed an impressive 46,646 sandwiches to The Sandwich Project. Additionally, fifteen of our mother-daughter duos or trios from NCL East Cobb have generously donated over 625 sandwiches each.

Finally, with the generous support of Whole Foods Merchants Walk, Publix Charities, and Costco Perimeter, the members of NCL East Cobb demonstrated their commitment by making a total of 1,645 nutritious sandwiches! This more than doubles the sandwiches made at NCL’s first Impact Day last year. In an email to the chapter, Silke Shilling confirmed that the sandwiches were distributed the following day to the Community Assistance Center and St. Vincent de Paul Society, and will most likely be all eaten by Monday the 17th!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all NCL East Cobb members for their participation and a special thank you to the individual members who dedicated extra time to make this initiative a resounding success!

For more information about NCL East Cobb, please visit https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/eastcobb/
For more information about The Sandwich Project, please visit https://www.thesandwichproject.org/.

National Charity League of East Cobb volunteers on Impact Day

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Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition begins work on 24th house

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Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition begins work on 24th house
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On Saturday, the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition (CIHC) and future homeowner Sandra hammered the first nails and raised the walls on the Coalition’s 24th house located in the City of Marietta.

Sandra serves as an Administrative Assistant in Development Services at the City of Marietta where she has worked since 2014. Her job helps to make the public’s experience with the City go smoothly. Sandra lives in an apartment complex in Kennesaw but is seeking a greater sense of community and financial stability through homeownership. An affordable mortgage did not seem attainable until she was selected through the City of Marietta Public Service Housing Program to build with Habitat. She will now benefit from affordable monthly mortgage payments that are not subject to major increases – which will enable her to retire comfortably in the future. Sandra most looks forward to cooking in a sunny kitchen, hosting holiday gatherings, and hopes to get a dog.

This year’s faith groups include 15 religious organizations and eight corporate partners. Religious partners include Smyrna First United Methodist Church, Bethany United Methodist Church, East Cobb Islamic Center, West Cobb Islamic Center, 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, McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, and Due West Methodist Church.

Non-Faith Based Sponsors include Pinkerton & Laws Construction of Atlanta, Atlanta West Carpets, Moore Colson, Fortune-Johnson, Foresite Group, Nissan, Burke-Moore and Sentinel Lake Neighborhood.

“The CIHC motto ‘We Build to Coexist; We Coexist to Build’ says it all about this dedicated group of partner religious and corporate organizations,” says Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. “The Coalition remains true to its mission to better the community through homeownership.”

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Stretch Zone starts food drive for Wheeler HS food pantry

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Submitted information from Stretch Zone East Cobb (4371 Roswell Road), which is accepting food items as noted below through June 8:Stretch Zone starts food drive for Wheeler HS food pantry

Stretch Zone East Cobb is proud to announce the launch of a food drive to support the Wheeler High School Food Pantry. This initiative aims to ensure that no child goes hungry this summer by providing meals for families in need.

With approximately 50 percent of Wheeler High School students receiving free or reduced-cost lunches, the food pantry plays a crucial role in supporting these families. Stretch Zone East Cobb is stepping up to help fill the gap and provide much-needed resources for the community.

From now until the end of the drive, community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at Stretch Zone East Cobb. As a token of appreciation, anyone who donates 10 items will receive a free stretch session.

Kelly Boatright, owner of Stretch Zone East Cobb, expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, “We believe in supporting our community, and the Wheeler High School Food Pantry is an essential resource for many families. By coming together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that our students have the nutrition they need to thrive.”

Items needed for the food pantry include:

  • 1-2 lb bags of rice and beans
  • Canned vegetables, soups, or chili
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Canned meals
  • Fruit snacks
  • Peanut butter crackers, chips, or crackers
  • Cereal
  • Noodles

Donations can be dropped off at Stretch Zone East Cobb during regular business hours. The food drive is an excellent opportunity for the community to unite and support local students and their families.

For more information about the food drive and how you can contribute, please visit Stretch Zone East Cobb or contact us at (678) 971-2905.

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Family Promise of Cobb County receives grant for housing support

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Submitted information:Family Promise of Cobb County receives housing support grant

Family Promise of Cobb County was recently awarded an $18,000 grant from Clayton Homes and Family Promise National that will ensure families in Cobb County receive the support they need to remain safely housed. 

The grant is a portion of the $1.3 million dollars that Clayton and Family Promise National are dispersing to the Family Promise network nationwide. The funds are a result of the recently announced partnership extension between Family Promise and Clayton. A Future Begins at Home, the program that arose from the collaboration, focuses on helping families who face homelessness remain in their homes and quickly regain stability. Since its inception in 2019, A Future Begins at Home has catalyzed millions in additional funding resulting in more than 25,000 families served.

“Thanks to the grant from Clayton and Family Promise National, we can provide children and families with safe, stable housing without funding concerns. Thank you, Clayton and Family Promise National, for your commitment to ending family homelessness and supporting our mission.” – Autumn Sines, Executive Director, Family Promise of Cobb County. 

In addition to the grant program, Clayton has donated 16 homes to the Family Promise network since 2019. These homes are used primarily as transitional housing for families working with Family Promise. The homes allow families to stay together and regain stability as they work to find a new home.

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Groundbreaking held for Cobb ‘Veterans Village’

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Groundbreaking held for Cobb 'Veterans Village'

Submitted information and photo:

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting America’s first responders, Gold Star families and military veterans, is bringing its commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness to the Atlanta area. The organization held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new “Atlanta Veterans Village” on May 17, 2024 in Mableton. When completed in 2025, the location at 65 S. Service Road will provide permanent and transitional housing to nearly 100 veterans in Atlanta and surrounding areas. 

At the groundbreaking, Tunnel to Towers (T2T) announced details of its plans to turn the former Wingate by Wyndam hotel into a Veterans Village. 

  • Long-term living spaces will include apartments with a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom
  • The renovated facility will also have a gym, business center, great room, cafeteria and commercial kitchen
  • Male and female veterans will be able to live in the facility

The facility in Mableton is part of a nationwide Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program. In 2023, the Foundation provided housing assistance and services to more than 3,000 veterans. It also provides mortgage assistance to catastrophically injured Veterans, Gold Star families and Fallen First Responder Families with prior military experience. 

“This new Homeless Veterans Village in greater Atlanta is a part of Tunnel to Towers’ commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness nationwide. In a few short months, this facility which was once a blight on this community, will soon serve as a beacon of hope, says Gavin Naples, Vice President of the T2T Homeless Veteran Program. “We want to ensure that the men and women who served our country have a dignified home they can call their own and facilities like this one are the least we can do for those who sacrificed so much. We will not let our heroes down.”

Ted Decker, President and CEO of The Home Depot, also attended the groundbreaking. The Home Depot Foundation is one of the nonprofit’s earliest partners, supporting the T2T mission from the start. The Home Depot Foundation pledged to donate $500,000 to the new facility in Austell as renovations get underway.Tunnel to Towers is in the process of several transformative projects aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves. A similar project was completed by T2T last November in Houston, TX where the Foundation converted a former hotel into a high-end, affordable apartment complex. It now provides permanent and transitional housing to more than 100 veterans in the greater Houston area. 

The Foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program currently provides housing to Veterans in Riverside, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX, and Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, it is in the process of creating homes for Veterans in twenty other cities including Las Vegas, NV, Denver, CO, and Orlando, FL. 

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Cobb school students earn 2024 Kiwanis ‘Silver Pen’ awards

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2024 Kiwanis Silver Pen Awards
(Front) Margy Rogers, Kiwanis Club Marietta Golden K; Mila Kornuth, Silver Peb award winner and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis. (Back) Jim Perry and Paul Smith, Kiwanis

Submitted information and photos:

In May of 2024, The Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K proudly presented the coveted Silver Pen award to students from 5 Cobb County Elementary Schools. Fourth graders from Acworth, Addison, Powers Ferry, Rocky Mount and Tritt Elementary Schools were presented with the award. In addition, a FIFTH GRADE Silver Pen award was presented to a student from Powers Ferry Elementary School.

The awards included: A Silver Pen; $25 dollars in cash in the form of uncirculated 1 dollar coins from a US mint and an engraved plaque

The topic of the essays that the 4th grade (and 5th grade) students wrote about this year was “What They Want to be When When Grow Up.” The essays were submitted for judging  at the school level, then winning essays from each school were further submitted for judging by a team of Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K judges. After the rigorous judging process was completed, final Silver Pen award winners from each school were announced.

As Jim Perry, past president of Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K stated, “There were some first this year that are worthy of note:  

  • We presented six awards this year, which is an all time record, adding two new schools: Addison and Powers Ferry.
  • We presented the first Fifth Grade Silver Pen Award ever anywhere in the Georgia District of Kiwanis at Powers Ferry Elementary School.
  • The winning student at Acworth Elementary School has been taught by a teacher who has now had four Silver Pen Award Winners!
  • The mother of the winning student at Acworth Elementary School was a Key Club member when she attended North Cobb High School!

Parents, faculty, staff, and Kiwanis members were privileged to recognize these talented students who displayed their respective thinking and writing skills.  

  • Acworth – Elias Nunez – Pilot
  • Addison – Mila Kornuth – Pro Golfer
  • Powers Ferry – 4th Grade – Isaque  Fernandes – Professional Soccer Player
  • Powers Ferry – 5th Grade – Jaden Artiga Hernandez – Police officer
  • Rocky Mount – Quinnlyn Davis –  Veterinarian
  • Tritt – Lucy Hostetler – Author

The Silver Pen award is a national award and everyone is extremely proud of these exceptional writers. We wholeheartedly congratulate them and we are confident that these talented writers will be successful in whatever professions they choose.

2024 Silver Pen Awards
(L-R) Paul Smith, president of Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K; Jim Perry, Kiwanis; Gitma Davis (mom), Quinnlyn Davis, Silver Pen award winner; Nate Davis (dad) and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis.

 

2024 Silver Pen Awards
Paul Smith, Kiwanis; Lucy Hostetler, Silver Pen award winner: Jim Perry and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis.

 

2024 Silver Pen Awards
(L-R) Jim Perry, Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K; Paul Smith, President Kiwanis; Jaden Artiga Hernandez, 5th grade Silver Pen winner; Isaque Fernandes, 4th grade Silver Pen winner, Rosie Teague and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis.

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Tommy Nobis Center raises $200K+ at Galaxy of Stars luncheon

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Submitted information and photo:Tommy Nobis Center raises $2K+ at Galaxy of Stars luncheon

Tommy Nobis Center, a Marietta-based nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment, hosted its 26th annual Galaxy of Stars luncheon on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Ballroom.

The event brought together more than 400 corporate leaders, community supporters, and friends to honor the impact of Tommy Nobis Center’s programs, celebrate its participants, and raise much needed funds to support growth of programs.

This year’s Galaxy of Stars theme was Building Brighter Futures. Masters of Ceremonies, WSB-TV Anchors Justin Farmer and Linda Stouffer kicked off the event. Participants in The Academy at Tommy Nobis Center took the stage to thank the event sponsors and attendees for their support followed by a welcome and comments from President & CEO Dave Ward.   

“This year’s event was truly amazing,” said CEO Dave Ward. “It was inspiring to hear the stories of success and honor the champions in our community.”

Tommy Nobis Center presented four awards to recognize the hard work and dedication of outstanding individuals who have contributed greatly to building inclusive communities where employment success is possible.

The award winners included:

Tommy Nobis Rising Star Award – Presented to Niarchos (Nick) Wright, an assistant supervisor at Tommy Nobis Center’s EPA mailroom in Atlanta. Although Nick was born deaf, he has exhibited outstanding achievement and exceptional character since he was a young child. He did not let living in silence, silence him from achieving his goals. During his 17-year career at Tommy Nobis Center, he has steadily advanced and has excelled in every position he has held, becoming a mentor and role model to his teammates.

Community Champion Award – Presented to Karen Dernavich, a Client Success Director for Jabian Consulting. Karen loves to ponder the possibilities in every situation and inspire others to join her in the endeavor to innovate and achieve results. Her mantra and method is to ‘Love God, Love People, Solve Problems’ and this shapes her approach to leadership. Karen is deeply committed to serving her community with a special devotion to the Disability Community.  She founded The Duet Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing music therapy scholarships in Georgia. Karen has become a steadfast advocate and a true champion of Tommy Nobis Center’s mission.

Family Member Advocates Award – Presented to Katherine and Jay Wolf, founders of Hope Heals Camp that provides resources and relationships to families experiencing disabilities. Having miraculously survived a catastrophic stroke at the age of 26, Katherine navigated the long and difficult recovery with the enduring support of her husband, Jay.  Together, they have shared their journey of steadfast hope through their books, Hope Heals and Suffer Strong, and at speaking events both live and online before millions. They leverage their redemptive story to encourage those with broken bodies, broken brains, and broken hearts and have inspired countless people disrupting the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to Alan Moak, retired business owner and corporate executive. Alan has a servant’s heart and is always stepping up to help in the community in any way he can. He has a heartfelt passion for the mission of Tommy Nobis Center as his son, Chris, successfully completed training at TNC, which has enabled him to be successfully employed since 2012. Alan served on the TNC Board of Directors for a decade and served as chair for three years. Under his leadership, TNC made great strides in developing innovative programs to help students with disabilities find their pathway to success. He spearheaded the initiative to sell the TNC facility and purchase the new training and education center in the Cumberland area which will make a huge impact in many lives for years to come. He has been actively involved with many organizations including Boy Scouts of America, Young Life, C3G Career Networking Group, and Baptist Health Systems. He has served in his local church throughout his life and currently serves as an Elder at Christ Covenant in Atlanta.

The event that raised $218,000 to directly support programs and services for people with disabilities was sponsored by Cobb EMC Foundation, WSB-TV, and Publix Super Markets Charities. A recording of the event can be viewed at https://tommynobiscenter.org/galaxy.  

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Volunteers take part in Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

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Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

Submitted information and photos from reader Wade:

Saturday morning, May 4, local Scouts and Rotarians braved the rain to join Friends for the East Cobb Park and Cobb Water to clean trash from the banks of Sewell Mill Creek in East Cabb Park.

2 hours and a lot of hands removed some interesting artifacts!

Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

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Rally on the Runway event includes East Cobb cancer patient

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Rally on the Runway event includes East Cobb cancer patient

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At April’s Rally on the Runway fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium, 10-year-old Nick from Roswell/East Cobb and Rally Kids from throughout Georgia who are fighting or surviving cancer, each took 47 steps down the runway as a reminder that everyday 47 children are diagnosed with cancer.

The evening’s host was longtime Rally supporter and Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett along with other NFL players walked with each model down the runway. Nick was joined on the runway by Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Donavan Mutin, where the two struck a pose to excited cheers from the crowd. That evening more than $780,000 was raised for pediatric cancer research. Joined by NFL players, the kids also got a chance to have a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium prior to the event. You can see Nick modeling at about the one-minute mark here.

Last summer, he was having fun when he suddenly became fatigued and tired all the time. His parents knew something was wrong and after a few hours at the hospital, it was confirmed that Nick had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nick immediately started treatment and has been fighting cancer ever since. Nick loves sports especially baseball. Within the first six months of his diagnosis, he and his family decided to raise money to help fight childhood cancer. Nick and his family have raised $50,000 and are going to be able to name a research grant in his honor.

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PHOTOS: First responders treated to appreciation lunch

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First responders appreciation lunch

Submitted information and photos:

 The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team proudly hosted their 10th semi-annual Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, April 24th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, dedicated to honoring our local heroes – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military personnel. The event was a huge success, with the largest turnout they have seen to date!

PrimeLending served BBQ with a variety of sides and drinks, sponsored by Arrow Exterminators. Attendees were welcome to use the patio to enjoy their meal, or they could take it on the road, ensuring that our hardworking heroes could enjoy a well-deserved break amidst their duties. In addition to the delicious lunch, each attendee received a goodie bag filled with awesome items as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication.

Additional sponsors for the event included Amerispec /All Atlanta Inspection Services, First American Home Warranty, American Home Shield, and Chick-fil-A East Lake. For more information about upcoming community events hosted by the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, please visit www.JaniceOverbeck.com.

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10th anniversary of Kettle Krush 5K run/walk set for May 18

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Submitted information:Kettle Krush 5k 10th anniversary

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will hold its 10th annual Kettle Krush 5K run/walk on May 18 at 8 a.m. in Marietta Square. New this year is a tot trot for children ages 5 and under.

The event strives to “krush” poverty, homelessness and human trafficking while supporting youth enrichment and veterans in metro Atlanta.

Special prizes to the top team with most participants (minimum of 10 participants to be eligible) in five categories – individual, school, business, church and running club. For more information, contact Pam Hendley at pchendley614@gmail.com.

Awards to top overall and Masters male and female winners and medals on ribbons to top three finishers in 16 age categories from 10 & under through 80 & over.

To register online, see https://bit.ly/2024KettleKrush or visit Big Peach Running Co. (1062 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta). Cost to register is $30 (5K) and $25 (tot trot) through May 8. From May 9-15 online or through May 17 at BPRC is $35 (5K) and $30 (tot trot). Race day registration is $40 (5K) and $35 (tot trot).

For questions, please contact dgmenear@gmail.com or Gary Jenkins at pacesetr@bellsouth.net.

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Sheltering Grace Ministry banquet set for Atlanta Country Club

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Sheltering Grace Ministry banquet Atlanta Country Club

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Sheltering Grace Ministry’s “Tiny Feet Society” Invites you to its Fundraising Annual Banquet that will take place on April 18th, 2024, at 6:00PM at the Atlanta Country Club located at 500 Atlanta Country Club Lane, Marietta, Georgia 30067.

Sheltering Grace Ministry is a non-profit maternity home that provides a residence and resources such as education and counseling to homeless pregnant women in the Metro Atlanta area. 

Sheltering Grace Ministry has helped many women since opening its doors over eighteen years ago. It is the only program in Cobb County, Georgia with the primary focus of serving pregnant homeless women over the age of 21. Sheltering Grace Ministry strives to relieve a crisis and to make a fundamental change in a woman’s life and future.

The Banquet will feature a live music band, a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, a silent auction, and a special celebrity speaker.

Tickets are $75 each, and $500 for a table of 8.

Save the date: April 18th, 2024, 6:00PM at the Atlanta Country Club, 500 Atlanta Country Club Lane, Marietta, Georgia.

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance seeks Adopt-a-Mile volunteers

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Submitted information:Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts Adopt-A-Mile cleanup

The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance is seeking community volunteers for the Adopt-A-Mile Spring event from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 along Powers Ferry at Terrell Mill Road.

Meet up and enjoy complimentary refreshments at 8:30 a.m. at the Kroger Fuel parking lot, Powers Ferry & Terrell Mill, 1310 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30067.

The event is hosted by the Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance, in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful, and supported by Kroger and Take 5 Oil Change. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided at the event. Any participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile program is a partnership that allows individuals and/or groups to improve the appearance of our community. Sign up at https://powersferryca.com/adopt-a-mile-cleanup.html or email volunteer@powersferryca.com. In the event of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to all registered participants.

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance seeks Adopt-a-Mile volunteers

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Tommy Nobis Center receives $2M gift from philanthropy

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Submitted information:Tommy Nobis Center

MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving announced Tommy Nobis Center (TNC) as one of the Yield Giving Open Call’s awardees working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States. Tommy Nobis Center received $2 million.

Tommy Nobis Center is a Marietta-based nonprofit that has provided employment services to youth and adults with disabilities for over 46 years. Their innovative programs and services educate, train, and employ individuals as they pursue their career goals.

In March 2023, Yield Giving launched an Open Call for community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive such a meaningful gift,” says President & CEO, Dave Ward. “It will make a tremendous impact for the people we serve throughout the metro Atlanta area and nationwide.”

The Open Call received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. In the Fall of 2023, organizations top-rated by their peers advanced to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause and underwent a final round of due diligence. In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount.

“We are excited that our partnership with Yield Giving has resonated with so many organizations,” said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. “In a world teeming with potential and talent, the Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.”

More information on the Yield Giving Open Call and other initiatives can be found at www.leverforchange.org.

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Marietta Kiwanis Club Golden K presents Checks to Charities

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Marietta Kiwanis Club Golden K presents Checks to Charities

Submitted information and photo:

In September of 2023 the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K,  along with the Kiwanis Club of Lost Mountain, sponsored the annual Youth Charity Golf Tournament. While being a most enjoyable outing, the event raised over  $34,000 as everyone that day helped “Tee it up for the Kids.” The proceeds were then divided between the two Kiwanis Clubs.

On Feb. 8  the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K, invited representatives from charities the club supports to receive a donation.  At a regular Kiwanis Club meeting, checks totaling $17,400 were distributed to representatives of the following charitable organizations: Jeff Romig, Camp Twin Lakes; Gracie Rodriguez, Kate’s Club; Susan Worsley, North Georgia Angel House; Jonathan Fancher, Empower Cherokee; Rev. Gary MacDonald, Murphy-Harpst; Brenda Rhodes, Simple Needs GA; Lori Baker, Next Step Ministries; Brian Caims, Restore Place; Dona McKee, Path to Shine;  Glenda Bell,  Family Promise;  Angela Thornton, Center for Chlidren and Young Adults; Dennis Steele, Mountain Top Boys Home and Tom Gonter, Must Ministries.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K is very proud to have presented donations to these worthwhile organizations. We wholeheartedly congratulate them for the services they provide and will continue to lend support.

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Delta Community’s college scholarship program accepting entries

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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 with more than $8.6 billion in assets, is accepting entries for its 19th Annual College Scholarship Program. Delta Community will award a $5,000 scholarship to five deserving students to assist with the cost of their college education. Applicants will be awarded scholarships based on their academic achievement, community involvement and essays on the following topic:

With an understanding that financial literacy is an important subject often omitted from school curriculums across many grade levels, Delta Community has developed a nationally recognized Financial Education Center, providing consumers of all ages with comprehensive knowledge of money, saving, banking, investing and more. As you embark on your future, how do you plan to use key financial tips learned along your journey to help you reach your goals?

“Our annual scholarship program emphasizes the importance of financial education, which we believe is essential to everyone’s personal and professional journeys,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “As champions of community education, we take pride in helping exceptional students pay for the cost of higher learning so they can focus on pursuing their goals and ambitions.”

Applicants must be Delta Community members seeking a first-time undergraduate degree and enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university during the 2024-2025 fall semester. Students must complete the Delta Community 2024 scholarship application online by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2024, in order to qualify, and the award recipients will be announced in early April.

In addition to its annual Scholarship Program, Delta Community offers scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provides hundreds of free classes in metro Atlanta through its Financial Education Center.

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Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opened by Center for Family Resources

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Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens
Photos courtesy The Family Resource Center

Submitted information:

The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is excited to announce the official unveiling of The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry. This revolutionary approach to food distribution is an updated concept to the CFR’s former food pantry, designed to empower families with a personal shopping experience while continuing to emphasize the importance of making healthy and nutritious food choices and getting the most out of their shopping budgets.

There’s a distinct difference between a traditional food pantry and a choice pantry: Regular food pantries pre-pack meals and groceries, limiting shoppers from selecting specific items, while choice pantries grant shoppers the freedom to choose their food items. At The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, families will enjoy an experience similar to shopping at a regular grocery store. Each food item is assigned a certain number of points, and visiting families will receive a points budget to make their selections.

To enhance the experience, every shopper will be accompanied by one of the CFR’s dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. These volunteers will provide nutrition information, share good shopping techniques, and offer valuable insights. This interaction not only aids the CFR clients during their trip to The Family Cupboard but also helps them make informed decisions about food, promoting healthier and smarter choices for their families.

“We understand the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and soul, and that’s why our mission is to make every trip to The Family Cupboard a journey toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling family life,” says Melanie Kagan, Chief Executive Officer of the CFR. “By enabling families to select their own food, we aim to help reduce food waste, optimize inventory, and utilize funding more efficiently.”

The Family Cupboard opened to the public in January, is available by appointment only, four days a week. To learn more about this exciting new Choice Pantry, click here.

To donate food items, please visit The Family Cupboard Amazon List.

The CFR remains grateful for the continued generosity and commitment of its community. Together, through initiatives like The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, we can continue to uplift Cobb families and strengthen our community one step at a time.

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

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Wheeler HS student earns Eagle Scout rank with Troop 1818

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Amy Hurewitz, mother of Wheeler High School junior Ian Hurewitz, sends along new that her son has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.Wheeler HS student earns Eagle Scout rank

He’s a member of Troop 1818, of the Georgia Scouts BSA, and consists of Jewish members from the North Atlanta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, East Cobb, Sandy Springs, Decatur and Dunwoody areas.

His Eagle Scout project, she reports, consisted of building a shed in the back of his synagogue, Bongregation B’nai Torah of Sandy Springs, creating a rubber mulch path and planting gardenia bushes to beautify the area.

In his scouting career, Ian has earned 55 merit badges (only 21 are required), and enjoys helping other Scouts reach their rank requiremens.

In his non-scouting time, he leads youth religious services at his synagogue, plays the bassoon in a wind ensemble and creates 3D animations on his computer.

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office distributes toys via ‘Santa on Wheels’

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Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Submitted information and photos:

On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spread extra joy by distributing toys to chosen underserved communities in Cobb County through its annual program, Santa on Wheels, also known as Santa Sobre Ruedas. This initiative, a collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the Foundation, aims to provide free toys to households facing financial challenges during the holidays. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, and the generous contributions from Cobb County residents, thousands of toys were collected and passed out this holiday season.

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

Submitted information and photos:

East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is proud of its long history of community service. Its members freely give their time and energy to create quilts, placemats,

Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases for donation to area charities. This year it was decided that some of the placemats with a patriotic theme would be used by Cobb County Senior Services as gifts at their annual Veteran’s Christmas Luncheon.

“Our Veterans were so touched with having placemats that were especially made for them and loved being able to take them home as a keepsake. A heartfelt thanks from our Veterans and everyone at Cobb County Senior Services to the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild for their generous gift,” commented Andrea Rapowitz, Cobb County Senior Services Volunteer Services Manager.

In 2023, the Guild donated a total of 2,430 items to local organizations, an almost 100% increase compared to 2022. Donated items included: 344 quilts for Cobb County DFCS, for children who have been taken into foster care; 737 pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, for children in hospitals in the Atlanta area and around the state of Georgia; and 524 placemats for Cobb County Meals on Wheels program, for older adults and disabled individuals who receive home meal delivery. A new recipient this year was Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Guild donated 825 Beads of Courage bags to give to their patients who are coping with serious illnesses.

East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

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