April 20, 2023

One of the many wonderful things about new team members is seeing what we already know to be true through fresh eyes

Shelly Owens has spent the past few weeks visiting and talking with many of our nonprofit clients: ServeComm, Simple Needs GA, Aloha to Aging, Waymark Foster, The Extension, and so many others. Every time she returns to the office, she says the same thing, "They are just so amazing. They are so needed." She may or may not add, "I couldn't help myself (again). I cried!"

I completely get it. We learn more every day about the challenges so many in our community face, challenges that most of us can't even fathom. It can be very emotional. We also learn more every day about the work being done to help overcome those challenges, some by faith-based organizations, like the ones introduced below, and some by those that are completely secular. Seeing that work triggers an entirely different emotion. One of the skill sets required, by the way, for working at Cobb Community Foundation is being comfortable seeing your colleagues cry. You can't see what we see and not be moved. Just kidding... about the required skill set, that is. You really can't see what we see and not be moved.

While Shelly is visiting nonprofits, Dana Floyd is working her way through stacks of scholarship applications ('tis the season!). A couple days ago, I noticed as she was staring at her computer screen that the tears were just on the verge of spilling over. These applications will do that to you. The stories are so inspiring, and it is so humbling to be able to work with donors who want to make sure that students who want to go to college or technical school aren't held back solely because of money.

We are so honored to work with companies like La Parrilla Mexican Restaurants, Repro Products and Color Spot, PointeNorth and Strategic Health Partners who all have created scholarship funds for employees and employee dependents, and organizations like Atlanta Country Club and Marietta Country Club that have done the same.

Every day we connect donors who care with causes that matter. Let us connect you!