Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Barbara Garner

Cynthia Crawford

Krista Waterman

Nichelle Walker

Nikky Cotton

Elaine Kelly

Vahnesa Jourdan

Ann Carpenter

Deja Boney

Dominique Allen

Videos

About

Circle leaders

This Match Magic Season, we’re bringing our community together to help Cobb County families build pathways toward lasting #economicmobility. Here’s how you can Join the Circle and Change the Story: From 10 Nov - 01 Dec, every act of generosity helps us create opportunities for Circle Leaders and their families to thrive. ✨ FIRST UP: MATCH MAGIC POWER HOUR! Tues, 10 Nov 2026, 10:30–11:30a @ Battery Atlanta + Live Online! During Power Hour, we’re competing for a special mystery prize that could bring even more support to our mission! 💳 HERE’S THE MAGIC INGREDIENT: To help Circles Cobb compete for the Power Hour mystery prize, make your donation by CREDIT CARD between 10:30 and 11:30a on 10 Nov! Only credit-card donations during that hour count toward the prize competition. ⭐️ Give with your credit card at bit.ly/ccmatchmagic (donation button opens Tuesday at 10:30am!) Whether you join us at The Battery or participate online, you can help make this hour extraordinary! ___ Join the Circle. Change the Story.

✨Circles Cobb is thrilled to participate in @cobbcommunityfoundation’s Match Magic 2026, bringing our community together to help Cobb County families build pathways toward lasting economic mobility. From 10 Nov - 01 Dec, every act of generosity helps us create opportunities for Circle Leaders and their families to thrive. ✨ FIRST UP: MATCH MAGIC POWER HOUR! Tues, 10 Nov 2026, 10:30–11:30a @ Battery Atlanta + Live Online! During Power Hour, we’re competing for a special mystery prize that could bring even more support to our mission! 💳 HERE’S THE MAGIC INGREDIENT: To help Circles Cobb compete for the Power Hour mystery prize, make your donation by CREDIT CARD between 10:30 and 11:30a on 10 Nov! Only credit-card donations during that hour count toward the prize competition. ⭐️ Give with your credit card at bit.ly/ccmatchmagic (donation button opens Tuesday at 10:30am!) Whether you join us at The Battery or participate online, you can help make this hour extraordinary! ___ Join the Circle. Change the Story.

THE MAGIC IS BACK - and we want you to be a part of the story! Circles Cobb is thrilled to participate in @cobbcommunityfoundation’s Match Magic 2026, bringing our community together to help Cobb County families build pathways toward lasting economic mobility. From 10 Nov - 01 Dec, every act of generosity helps us create opportunities for Circle Leaders and their families to thrive. ✨ FIRST UP: MATCH MAGIC POWER HOUR! Tues, 10 Nov 2026, 10:30–11:30a @ Battery Atlanta + Live Online! During Power Hour, we’re competing for a special mystery prize that could bring even more support to our mission! 💳 HERE’S THE MAGIC INGREDIENT: To help Circles Cobb compete for the Power Hour mystery prize, make your donation by CREDIT CARD between 10:30 and 11:30a on 10 Nov! Only credit-card donations during that hour count toward the prize competition. ⭐️ Give with your credit card at bit.ly/ccmatchmagic (donation button opens Tuesday at 10:30am!) Whether you join us at The Battery or participate online, you can help make this hour extraordinary! ___ Join the Circle. Change the Story.

Big thanks for making a difference in little ways that matter! We're sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to @RaceTrac for generously donating 50 school supply kits to Circles Cobb, which we were delighted to share with our Circle Leaders at our October 6 meeting! The donation grew out of RaceTrac's recent Rise Together Tuesday, an inspiring gathering that brought together community leaders to explore how collaboration and engagement can create new opportunities for families. But RaceTrac didn't stop at conversation. Their team put those ideas into action, providing tangible resources to support families in our community. What was even better? Having our own Circle Leader Myeichia Jackson be featured as a speaker! She shared the same stage with Autumn Sines of @fpcobbcounty, Rodney.Bullard CEO of @wearethesamehouse; Andrea Smith, CRO of Latin American Association @thelaa and Erin Stieglitz, Executive Director of @Bagel.Rescue, with Nicole Willis of RaceTrac Special Projects helping lead the conversation. At Circles Cobb, we know that meaningful change happens when organizations, businesses, and neighbors come together to remove barriers and invest in people. 💙Thank you, RaceTrac, for showing what it means to rise together! Your generosity is another reminder that changing the story takes all of us. #JointheCircleChangetheStory

🏆 An award worth celebrating together! We couldn't let this moment pass without getting the Circles Cobb team together for a photo with our 2026 Doug Hooker Award for Excellence in Workforce Impact from @CareerRiseATL! While the award may have our organization's name on it, the recognition belongs to an entire community of people who believe that meaningful relationships, opportunity and encouragement can change lives. From our dedicated team and volunteers to our incredible Circle Leaders, Allies and community partners, YOU are the reason this work makes a difference. We're proud of what we've accomplished together, grateful to CareerRise for recognizing our impact, and even more excited about the lives we'll continue to touch and the stories we'll help change. Here's to celebrating the people behind the progress!

We're so elated to share this win for our community and everyone who is part of it! Circles Cobb just received @CareerRiseATL’s 2026 Doug Hooker Award for Excellence in Workforce Impact! Every day, we see what’s possible when people have a community in their corner as they pursue their goals. This award celebrates that shared work. To our Circle Leaders, Allies, volunteers and partners: thank you for showing up, building meaningful relationships, and helping create new possibilities. Thank you, CareerRise, for this amazing surprise recognition! We’re grateful to keep building community to end poverty in Cobb County together. 📷 Pictured L - R: Lynette Jackson, JPMorgan @Chase; Cynthia Crawford, Circles Cobb; Barbara Garner, Circles Cobb; Jacque Joyce, CareerRise; Jamie Jordan, @Accenture #CirclesCobb #CareerRise #WorkforceImpact #CobbCounty

Circle Leaders ➡️ ACE Graduates! 🎓 We could not be prouder to celebrate FOUR Circles Cobb Circle Leaders who recently graduated from the ACE Program at Kennesaw State University! Please help us congratulate: 🎓 Nikky Cotton | I-MOM 4Life — providing faith-centered coaching and practical support to help overwhelmed moms create healthier, more organized homes and stronger families. 🎓 MyEicha (Edna) Jackson | Bird’s Eye Eco-Cleaning Services — providing residential and commercial cleaning services with a focus on eco-friendly products, with plans to develop her own product line. 🎓 Essence Johnson | Sensory Ink — creating calming spaces where comfort, focus, peace of mind and well-being can thrive. | sensoryink.com 🎓 Katrina Styles | The QuickBooks Conversationista — helping founder-led service organizations optimize and manage QuickBooks Online to strengthen their systems, operations and financial insight. | qbconversionista.com And there’s even MORE to celebrate: Essence Johnson was selected to receive the prestigious Mike Boyce Award! 🏆 We’ll be sharing much more about that special honor in November. This is what economic mobility can look like: new skills, stronger businesses, expanded opportunities and people building the futures they envision for themselves and their families. Congratulations, Nikky, MyEicha, Essence and Katrina! Your entire Circles Cobb family is cheering you on. 💙👏🏽 Join the Circle. Change the Story.

There are 12 new reasons to celebrate at Circles Cobb! 🎉 Please help us welcome Cohort Four - 12 new Circle Leaders beginning their two year Circles journey TODAY! Over the coming weeks, they’ll be setting goals, building new skills, strengthening their finances and laying the groundwork for the futures they want for themselves and their families. And we’re so excited to have them in the Circle. 🥳 But here’s an important part of the Circles model: they won’t make that journey alone. After completing their initial training, each Circle Leader is paired with volunteer Allies who walk alongside them - offering encouragement, connections, perspective and a consistent community of support as they work toward their goals. And with 12 new Circle Leaders, we need more people willing to step into the Circle with them. Curious about becoming an Ally? Come learn what it actually looks like at our upcoming Ally Info Session. 📅 Thursday, October 8 | 6–7:30 PM @ Milford Baptist Church 🍽️ Dinner provided 🔗 bit.ly/circlesally For today, though: Welcome, Cohort Four! We’re so glad you’re here. 💙 Join the Circle. Change the Story.

What does it actually take to be an Ally? You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be a financial expert, life coach or professional problem-solver. You just need to be willing to show up. Circles Cobb Allies walk alongside our Circle Leaders as they work toward the goals they’ve set for themselves — listening, encouraging, sharing connections, celebrating progress and sometimes simply reminding someone that they have people in their corner. As two of our current Allies put it: 💬 “Being an Ally has reminded me how powerful it is simply to show up, listen, encourage, and believe in someone.” — Daliah 💬 “Showing up matters.” — Jen Curious whether becoming an Ally might be for you? Come find out! Join us for our upcoming Ally Info Session to meet the Circles Cobb family, learn how it works and ask all your questions. Dinner is on us! 😊 📅 Thursday, October 8 | 6–7:30 PM @ Milford Baptist Church 🔗 Register: bit.ly/circlesally Join the Circle. Change the Story.

Our Circle is growing! Please help us welcome three wonderful new members of the Circles Cobb team! Each brings a unique combination of experience, heart and commitment to helping individuals and families thrive - and we’re so excited to have them in the Circle. 🩵 Elaine Kelly | Childcare Coordinator Elaine brings experience spanning early childhood education, corporate administration and ministry leadership, along with a lifelong heart for children and families. From childcare and youth ministry to leading sewing and art programs in Cobb County schools, she is passionate about creating spaces where children feel supported, valued and encouraged to thrive. 💚 Nichelle Walker | Circles Coach Nichelle is a community-minded leader with more than a decade of experience serving individuals, families and communities. With strengths in administration, teaching and faith-based leadership, she is passionate about connecting people with practical support, hope and opportunities to move forward. 🧡 Nikky Cotton | Training Facilitator Nikky brings something especially meaningful to this role: she knows Circles from the inside. A former Circle Leader and Circles Cobb graduate, she now brings her lived experience alongside her professional expertise as a Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and Community Resiliency Model Trainer to help equip our newest Circle Leaders for their own journeys. We couldn't be happier to have Elaine, Nichelle and Nikky helping us do this work. Welcome to the team, ladies! 💙 Join the Circle. Change the Story. #CirclesCobb #JoinTheCircleChangeTheStory #CobbCounty #EconomicMobility #CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership #StrongerTogether

Our Circle Leaders work. They raise families. They juggle bills, transportation, housing, childcare and all the unexpected things life can throw their way. And week after week, they keep showing up - for their families, for their goals and for themselves. Because one of the things we know at Circles Cobb is that working hard and earning an income doesn’t always mean making ends meet is easy. That’s why our work goes beyond simply telling people to “work harder.” We build community around people who are already doing the work - helping them grow income, strengthen finances, expand their networks and create pathways toward lasting economic stability. So this Labor Day, we celebrate our Circle Leaders - and all of our Cobb neighbors working hard to build a better future for themselves and the people they love. We see you. We celebrate you. Keep going. Happy Labor Day. 💙

What a night! Our 2026 #NightofInspiration was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around possibility, progress and one another. To every sponsor who invested in this work, every partner who helped make the evening possible, and every guest who joined us to celebrate our Circle Leaders: thank you. Your support extends far beyond one incredible evening. It helps create the relationships, resources and opportunities that allow individuals and families to pursue their goals, strengthen their financial futures and write new chapters for themselves. And to our Circle Leaders - the heart of the night - we hope you felt just how many people are standing beside you, celebrating how far you’ve come and cheering for everything still ahead. 💫 We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made Night of Inspiration a night to remember. 📸 And trust us…you’re going to want to see these photos. More from this beautiful evening coming soon! #NightOfInspiration #CirclesCobb #CommunityInAction #EconomicMobility #StrongerTogether #CobbCounty #CommunityImpact #ChangingTheStory

Two years. So many goals reached. So much growth. And still, so much possibility ahead. Last week, we gathered for one of our favorite Circles Cobb traditions: New Chapter Celebration Night - an intimate evening dedicated to celebrating our Circle Leaders before we bring that celebration to the big stage at Night of Inspiration. Our Cohort 2 Circle Leaders have spent two full years showing up, setting goals, navigating challenges, building relationships and continuing to create the lives they envision for themselves. And this night was simply our opportunity to say: We see you. We celebrate you. We believe in you. And we will always be cheering you on. Each of our Circle Leaders received a gold circle necklace commemorating her journey, along with a beautiful personalized journal created especially for her. A HUGE thank you to Cohort 2 Ally Zonya Brewton, who poured so much love into making the evening special - from the gorgeous personalized journals to the beautiful cupcake display and all the thoughtful details that made our Circle Leaders feel celebrated. Because while this chapter may be ending, their stories certainly aren't. There are more goals to reach, more dreams to pursue and many more chapters still to be written. And now we can't wait to celebrate these incredible women with all of you at Night of Inspiration on Thursday, August 20! To our Cohort 2 Circle Leaders: this moment is yours. And we couldn't be prouder. ✨ Join the Circle. Change the Story.

At Night of Inspiration, you'll hear firsthand from Circle Leaders whose journeys remind us that lasting change happens when a community chooses to walk alongside one another. Together, we'll celebrate resilience, honor incredible accomplishments, and witness the power of relationships to create pathways to economic mobility. Whether you've supported Circles Cobb for years or are just discovering our mission, this is an evening you won't want to miss. 📅 Thursday, 20 August @ North Metro Church | Marietta, GA 🎟️ Reserve your seat: bit.ly/nightofinspiration2026 Interested in making an even greater impact? Become a sponsor and help make this inspiring evening—and the life-changing work behind it—possible. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities: bit.ly/nightofinspirationsponsorship #NightOfInspiration #CirclesCobb #EconomicMobility #CommunityImpact #CobbCounty #TogetherWeRise

At Circles Cobb, we've seen firsthand what happens when neighbors become allies, encouragement replaces isolation,and community becomes the catalyst for lasting change. It's AMAZING to witness up close and personal. To be a part of changing the story right here in your own neighborhood. Would you like to experience what that feels like too - just for one night with us? We think you'd find it phenomenal! Join us for Night of Inspiration on August 20 as we celebrate the lives being transformed through hope, perseverance and the power of people coming together. You'll hear inspiring stories from Circle Leaders, volunteers and community partners who are proving that when we lift one another up, incredible things are possible. 🎟️ Reserve your seat today and be part of an unforgettable evening: bit.ly/nightofinspiration2026 #NightOfInspiration #CirclesCobb #CommunityMatters #TogetherWeCan #ChangingLives #HopeInAction #CobbCounty

🚗 "Your assistance has been more than financial help - it has been a real source of encouragement and hope! I had reached a point where I was feeling very discouraged, and your support came at exactly the right time." When your car breaks down, so much more is at risk than transportation. For many families, it can mean missing work, losing income or watching months of hard-earned progress come to a halt. That's why we're so grateful for community partners like 10 Women of Hope and Massey Automotive, who recently came together to help one of our Circle Leaders, Kim, get safely back on the road. Through a generous grant from @10WomenofHope and an at-cost repair from @MasseyAutomotive, Kim was able to repair her vehicle - removing a major barrier to getting to work and continuing her journey toward financial stability. This is what community looks like. When collaborative nonprofits, community-minded businesses and generous supporters work together, we're not just repairing cars - we're helping people keep moving toward brighter futures. Thank you, 10 Women of Hope and Massey Automotive, for helping us change the story, one act of kindness at a time. 💙 #CirclesCobb #JoinTheCircle #ChangeTheStory #CommunityPartners #EconomicMobility #ThankYou

What if one evening could completely change how you see your neighbors? This summer, Night of Inspiration returns. You'll meet incredible Circle Leaders (our program participants), hear unforgettable stories of resilience, celebrate remarkable accomplishments and discover how relationships - not just resources - can help change a family's story forever. 📅Come be inspired with us! Thursday, 20 August right here in Marietta, GA. Reserve Your Seat Now: bit.ly/nightofinspiration2026 Interested in sponsoring? Check out available sponsorships at: bit.ly/nightofinspirationsponsorship

Circles Cobb Ally Michael “Q” Quinlan brings decades of financial leadership, business expertise and a heart for service to everything he does. A retired CPA and former Senior VP of Accounting & Finance for Noble Investment Group, Q spent more than 20 years helping organizations grow through sound financial stewardship and strategic leadership. Today, he dedicates much of his time to investing in others through mentorship and volunteer service. In addition to serving as a dedicated Ally with Circles Cobb, Q mentors youth through Four Corners Group | @fourcorners_grp and the YMCA's Reach & Rise program, helping young people develop the skills, confidence and support systems they need to thrive. When asked what he found most interesting regarding his experience with Circles Cobb, Q explains, "Talking with our Circle Leaders, it became apparent to me how much of their time is spent simply trying to make ends meet. In spite of those struggles, they are so kind, so willing to give back to the community and incredibly appreciative of the support around them." Whether he's mentoring a young person or being an amazing Ally to a Circle Leader, Q is passionate about building genuine relationships, encouraging growth and helping others recognize their potential. His willingness to share his experience, wisdom and encouragement makes him a powerful agent of change at Circles Cobb. Thanks for everything you do, Q!

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! If you're working multiple jobs, picking up side hustles, and doing everything you can just to stay afloat...this could be the opportunity that changes your future. At Circles Cobb, we believe hard work should lead somewhere. Our Circle Leaders are working toward real-life goals like: ✔ Landing better-paying jobs ✔ Earning promotions ✔ Learning valuable new skills ✔ Improving their finances ✔ Building a strong support network ✔ Creating lasting stability for themselves and their families And the results speak for themselves. Some Circle Leaders have increased their income by as much as 91%. But let's be clear... ❌ This is not a one-time workshop. ❌ This is not another "get rich quick" program. ✅ This is a life-changing opportunity for people who are ready to put in the work, invest in themselves, and build a different future. Because Circles Cobb invests deeply in every participant, space is limited and not everyone who applies will be selected. ⏰ Today is the final day to apply. If you've been thinking about it, don't let this opportunity pass you by. Stop surviving. Start building. 🔗 Apply today by midnight: circlescobb.org/apply #CirclesCobb #LastChance #ApplyToday #EconomicMobility #CareerGrowth #FinancialStability #CommunitySupport #ChangeYourStory

🖤💚❤️ What an AMAZING way to celebrate Juneteenth! Two of our Circle Leaders just received a check for $1400 ($700 each)! Why, you ask? Because they both saved at least $600 over the past few months AND they raised their credit score by at least 30 points. That's the work we're talking about: saving + better credit = better opportunities. Way to go ladies! And a huge thank you to @UnitedWayAtlanta for matching their savings and credit wins. Your partnership motivates us all! Want to be a Circle Leader with us? Now is the time to apply (before 30 June!): circlescobb.org/apply

If you find yourself working multiple jobs, picking up side hustles and doing everything you can just to stay afloat, this one might be for you. At Circles Cobb, we believe hard work should lead somewhere. Our participants (Circle Leaders) work toward real-life goals like: ✔ Getting a better job ✔ Earning a promotion ✔ Learning new skills ✔ Improving their finances ✔ Building stronger support systems ✔ Creating a more stable future In fact, some of our Circle Leaders have increased their income by as much as 91%. WHAT THIS IS NOT: This isn't a quick workshop or one-time class. This is not a "get rich quick" Instagram course. WHAT IT IS: It's a serious opportunity for people who are ready to invest in themselves and their future. Because we invest deeply in every Circle Leader we have, spots are limited and not everyone who applies will be selected. Ready to stop surviving and start building toward something better? NOW is the time to apply. Please do so by the end of the month. 🔗 circlescobb.org/apply Join the Circle. Change Your Story. #CirclesCobb #EconomicMobility #LevelUp #CommunitySupport #ChangeYourStory 1w

This recent #MentalHealth Awareness Block Party in South Cobb was a full-circle moment for Circles. As part of our Big View initiative, Circle Leaders (program participants) and Allies (their support system) work together to identify barriers that make it harder for individuals and families to thrive. Cohort 1 chose an issue that continues to impact communities across Cobb County: mental health. That decision led us to the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), a practical approach that helps people better understand and manage stress, adversity, and trauma. Thanks to a grant opportunity through @CobbCollaborative, Circles Cobb's Nikky was able to complete CRM's Train-the-Trainer program and become a certified trainer. This event was one of the first opportunities to put that training into action alongside fellow Circle Leaders, Allies, volunteers and community partners. What started as a conversation around a table became REAL action right here in Cobb. We're grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and proud to continue supporting the mental health and well-being of our neighbors throughout Cobb County. Because stronger communities start with healthier, more resilient people. @traumaresourceinstitute @cobbpolicedept @cobbcommunityfoundation #CirclesCobb #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityResilience #BigView #SouthCobb #CobbCounty #CommunityImpact

🎉 BIG NEWS FOR CIRCLES COBB! We are honored to share that Circles Cobb has once again been selected as a recipient of the @NorthGeorgiaStateFair Giving Campaign and was awarded a $15,000 community grant! This investment helps us continue walking alongside families working to achieve long-term financial stability and economic mobility right here in Cobb County. Every dollar strengthens our ability to provide support, relationships, resources, and opportunities that help our Circle Leaders build brighter futures for themselves and their families. We are deeply grateful to the North Georgia State Fair, the Cobb County Fair Association, and everyone who believes in the power of community-driven change. Thank you for investing in hope, opportunity, and the potential of our neighbors. Together, we're proving that when a community comes together, lives change.

📣 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN Life is expensive right now. Rent keeps going up. Groceries keep going up. Gas is just disrespectful! For many hardworking people here in Cobb County, that paycheck unfortunately stays the same. Every month gets tighter and tighter. If you find yourself working multiple jobs, picking up side hustles and doing everything you can just to stay afloat, this one might be for you. At Circles Cobb, we believe hard work should lead somewhere. Our participants (Circle Leaders) work toward real-life goals like: ✔ Getting a better job ✔ Earning a promotion ✔ Learning new skills ✔ Improving their finances ✔ Building stronger support systems ✔ Creating a more stable future In fact, some of our Circle Leaders have increased their income by as much as 91%. WHAT THIS IS NOT: This isn't a quick workshop or one-time class. This is not a "get rich quick" Instagram course. WHAT IT IS: It's a serious opportunity for people who are ready to invest in themselves and their future. Because we invest deeply in every Circle Leader we have, spots are limited and not everyone who applies will be selected. Ready to stop surviving and start building toward something better? NOW is the time to apply. Please do so by the end of the month. 🔗 circlescobb.org/apply Join the Circle. Change Your Story. #CirclesCobb #EconomicMobility #LevelUp #CommunitySupport #ChangeYourStory

Collective

Collections

Account

Circle leaders

More collections