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

CCS is a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, and their families, by providing direct services and community-based support throughout the state of Georgia.
Georgia communities where people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs can say, “I am the best person I can be.”
We believe that all children, adults, and families are valued members of society.
In 1982, Sally Buchanan founded Creative Community Services with the goal of helping adults with developmental disabilities live in the most independent environment as possible and give them what everyone deserves-the support of a loving family.
In 1988, Creative Community Services opened its doors to a new type of client -Georgia’s most vulnerable children. Up to this point, kids throughout the state of Georgia with severe mental health concerns had three options: be transferred to another state, psychiatric care facility, or homelessness, because no community-based program existed in Georgia that understood their needs. Creative Community Services became the first agency in Georgia to provide Therapeutic Foster Care.
Creative Community Services partnered with MAAC to provide life coaching to pregnant and parenting foster youth.

Celebration of Life

Host a decorated trunk for Trunk or Treat

Become a Companion to youth in care

Give

Going Home, Moving Onto Success

Building a Future, One Brave Step at a Time

July Newsletter 2023 Distributable

National Foster Care Month

March Newsletter 2023 Distributable

Sally Buchanan

Andrea Dillard

Brandie Chapman

Courtney Norris

Don Pennington

Jamie Hubbard

Linda Coil

Rochelle Grice

Stephanie Richardson

Tanya Leonardo

April Ogden

Ashley Edwards Altman

Charon Mathews

Chris Dunn

Gayle Ely

MAAC Partnership

Rick Walters

Vanessa Bailey

Josh King

Give Christmas wishes a place to come true. 💛 Invite your church, business, school, or community organization to host a Giving Wreath and help fulfill Christmas wishes for the children, teens, and adults served by Creative Community Services. Wreath drop-off: November 9–13 Wreath pick-up: December 7–11 Interested in hosting? Contact Andrea Dillard at adillard@ccsgeorgia.org or 770-469-6226. #GivingWreath #CreativeCommunityServices #HolidayGiving

CCS partnered with United Way of Greater Atlanta and Wesleyan School for a senior class project centered on the Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE), helping students develop a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges people living in poverty face. Students put that learning into action by assembling hygiene kits, snack packs, and bikes. Thanks to their work, CCS was able to provide 18 bikes, 75 hygiene kits, and 150 snack packs. A big thank-you to United Way of Greater Atlanta; Wesleyan School’s faculty, students, and staff; and Kendra Morris, the 12th-grade Girls’ Chair and English teacher who spearheaded the effort. We’re grateful for partners who take time to learn, serve, and support our community! #CCSGA #UnitedWayOfGreaterAtlanta #WesleyanSchool #CommunityPartnership #COPE

💜🎒 BIG HEARTS. BIG IMPACT. AN EVEN BIGGER THANK YOU! 🎒💜 We are overflowing with gratitude for the incredible @thewomenofcommunity_impact , who went above and beyond to organize and host such a meaningful opportunity to love on the people we serve at Creative Community Services! These wonderful women came together to pack backpacks filled with school supplies, everyday hygiene essentials, and so much love, all generously provided by their team! 🌟 Celeste, THANK YOU! Your heart for serving, thoughtful planning, and incredible hospitality made this event so special. We are especially grateful for the way you welcomed our very own CCS team member, Tanya, and made her feel right at home serving alongside you! A special shoutout to Jambos for opening their doors to host the packing event AND generously donating cozy pajamas to tuck into the backpacks! What a beautiful extra touch of comfort and care! 💤💕 THANK YOU, Women of Community Impact, Celeste, Jambos, and every helping hand! You are truly a gift to our CCS community! 🎒💜✨ #CreativeCommunityServices #WomenOfCommunityImpact #CommunityPartnerships #LoveInAction #MakingADifference #StrongerTogether

Your holiday grocery list can do a little more good. 💙💛 To support CCS through Kroger Community Rewards: 1. Sign in or create a Kroger digital account and link your Shopper’s Card. 2. Select a preferred store. In Community Rewards, search for Creative Community Services, select CCS, and save. 3. Use your linked card when you shop. Kroger donates through the program at no added cost to you. Visit Kroger’s website and open Community Rewards to get started. Already enrolled? Take a moment to check that CCS is still your selected organization. #CreativeCommunityServices #KrogerCommunityRewards #SeasonOfGratitude

CCS was proud to be part of the 2026 Georgia Conference on Children and Families in Augusta! This year’s theme, “Unite, Serve, Thrive,” reflects the shared commitment to supporting Georgia’s children and families. Our own Stephanie Richardson led a panel on helping foster youth with developmental disabilities transition into adult supports through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). This important transition takes planning, coordination, and attention to each young person’s needs and eligibility. Thank you to Together Georgia and everyone who contributed to GCCF. We’re proud to be part of this community! Questions about this transition? Contact Stephanie at srichardson@ccsgeorgia.org. #CCSGA #GCCF2026 #TogetherGeorgia #FosterCare #DevelopmentalDisabilities

🎃 Happy Halloween from all of us at Creative Community Services! We had such a wonderful time celebrating at our annual Trunk or Treat! From creative costumes and decorated trunks to games, treats, and plenty of laughter, it was a day filled with fun, connection, and community. A huge thank you to our incredible staff, board members, community partners, and volunteers who helped make this event possible. Your generosity and willingness to show up for the children, families, and individuals we serve are what make days like these so special. We're grateful for everyone who joined us and helped create lasting memories! From our CCS family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween! 🍬🦋 #HappyHalloween #TrunkOrTreat #CreativeCommunityServices #CommunityConnections #CCSGeorgia

We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend and longtime colleague, Charon Yvette Mathews. For more than 25 years, Charon served CCS as our Executive Assistant and HR Liaison. To many of us, she was like a mom: kind, dependable, ready to help, and willing to tell you like it was when you needed to hear it. We miss her deeply. Please join us as we gather to remember Charon and celebrate her life. Saturday, November 7, 2026 1:00–4:00 p.m. Service at 1:00 p.m., with fellowship and refreshments to follow. Creative Community Services 1650 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 445 Norcross, GA 30093 In keeping with Charon’s wishes, donations may be made to CCS in her memory in lieu of flowers: link in bio Our love is with Charon’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.

Help Make Trunk or Treat Possible Help CCS make Trunk or Treat a special day for CCS families. We are working toward a $700 goal to offset event costs, and we are looking for volunteers to host decorated trunks. Trunk hosts provide their own candy. This is a private, CCS-families-only event on Saturday, October 24, from 11 AM–2 PM at our Norcross office. Community supporters can help by giving toward the event or volunteering to host a trunk. Interested in helping? Message CCS to ask how to contribute or volunteer. #CCSGA #TrunkOrTreat #CommunitySupport

Young Parents Are More Than a Circumstance A young parent may need coaching, transportation, supplies, or help navigating school and appointments. They also bring love, hopes, strengths, and determination to their family. Teen Parent Connection begins with support, not judgment, and helps young parents build from what is already present. Learn about Teen Parent Connection through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #TeenParentConnection #ParentSupport

Trauma-Informed Care Begins With Understanding Behavior often communicates a need, a fear, or a learned way of staying safe. Trauma-informed care asks what a young person has experienced and what support may help, then builds structure, relationship, and consistency around that understanding. Learn about CCS Therapeutic Foster Care through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #TraumaInformedCare #TherapeuticFosterCare

Help Host a Trunk for CCS Families CCS’s Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 24, is a private gathering for CCS families. Community members can still help create the day by volunteering to host a decorated trunk. Trunk hosts bring a decorated vehicle and provide the candy they will hand out. The event runs from 11 AM to 2 PM at 1650 Oakbrook Drive, Ste 445, Norcross, GA 30093. #CCSGA #TrunkOrTreat #Volunteer

Partner With CCS Businesses, churches, and community groups can support CCS through event sponsorships, program support, and partnerships shaped around real needs. A good partnership begins with a conversation about what is timely, useful, and sustainable. Learn more through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #CommunityPartnership #Sponsorship

What Consistent Support Makes Possible Progress is rarely one dramatic moment. It is a ride that arrives, a caregiver who answers, a coach who follows up, a plan adjusted after a hard week, and people willing to try again. Consistent support gives growth somewhere to take root. Learn more through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #ConsistentCare #CommunitySupport

Why Stability Matters Stability is more than staying in one place. It is knowing who will answer, what the next step is, and whether support will still be there after a difficult day. Across CCS programs, steady relationships help create the conditions where trust and growth can begin. Learn more through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #Stability #RelationshipBasedCare

Help CCS Create a Joyful Afternoon for Families CCS’s Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 24, is a private gathering for CCS families. We’re inviting community partners and friends to help make the day possible, not to register for attendance. Our goal is to raise $700 to help offset event costs. Your gift supports a welcoming afternoon of connection, costumes, food, and fun for the families CCS serves. #CCSGA #TrunkOrTreat #CommunitySupport

Start With a Foster Parent Orientation If you are considering therapeutic foster care, you do not have to decide everything today. A foster parent orientation is a place to learn about the role, the support CCS provides, and the questions worth asking before taking a next step. Learn more through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #FosterParentOrientation #FosterCare

Support Built Around the Person Developmental Disabilities Services at CCS center on the person, not a one-size-fits-all plan. Support may include case management, life skills training, social outings, medical and recreational assistance, and ongoing partnership with Host Home Providers and families. Learn more through the link in our bio. #CCSGA #PersonCenteredSupport #DevelopmentalDisabilities

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and longtime colleague, Charon Mathews. For more than 25 years, Charon was a beloved part of the Creative Community Services family, serving as Executive Assistant and HR Liaison. But a job title could never fully capture who Charon was to CCS. To so many of us, Charon was like a mom. She took care of people. She was kind and gracious, steady and dependable, and never afraid to tell you like it was when you needed to hear it. When there was a problem, Charon was there. She brought a calm presence into difficult moments, found a way forward, and helped get things done. “No” simply did not seem to be a word in Charon’s vocabulary when someone needed her help. Over more than two decades of service, Charon touched countless lives and became part of the fabric of CCS. And she continued to have that effect on people even to the very end. During her time in the hospital, Charon connected with nurses and doctors who continued to seek her out just to see her, even after their shifts had ended or she had moved to another room or unit. That was Charon. Her care for the people around her extended far beyond the responsibilities of her role, and people were drawn to the kindness, warmth, and joy she carried with her. She showed us what it looks like to serve others faithfully and consistently, simply by the way she lived and cared for those around her. We are deeply grateful for the many years we were privileged to share with Charon and for the kindness, wisdom, laughter, and care she gave so freely. Our CCS family will not be the same without her. We extend our love and deepest sympathies to Charon’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved her. Her presence will be deeply missed, and her impact on this community will remain with us for years to come. In keeping with Charon’s wishes, donations may be made to Creative Community Services in her memory in lieu of flowers. We are grateful to her family for sharing this wish and to all who choose to honor her in this way. Give in memory of Charon: https://ccsgeorgia.org/donate/

Know a Young Parent Who May Need Support? Teen Parent Connection accepts referrals for eligible pregnant and parenting young people in foster care or at risk of entering out-of-home care. Community providers, counselors, and other partners can help a young family connect with coaching, education, and practical support. #CCSGA #TeenParentConnection #CommunityReferral

Young Parents Are More Than a Circumstance A young parent may need coaching, transportation, supplies, or help navigating school and appointments. They also bring love, hopes, strengths, and determination to their family. Teen Parent Connection begins with support, not judgment, and helps young parents build from what is already present. #CCSGA #TeenParentConnection #ParentSupport

What Teen Parent Connection Provides Teen Parent Connection supports pregnant and parenting young mothers and fathers in or near foster care through one-on-one life coaching, parenting education, practical resources, transportation support, and connection to community. The goal is not to define someone by becoming a parent young. It is to help young families build stability together. #CCSGA #TeenParentConnection #YoungFamilies

Kinship Caregivers Need a Team Too Relatives and fictive kin may step into care because they already love a child, but love does not remove the practical weight of the role. CCS helps eligible kinship caregivers pursue therapeutic foster parent licensing and connects them with training, advocacy, and ongoing support. #CCSGA #KinshipCaregiver #FamilySupport

What Consistent Support Makes Possible Progress is rarely one dramatic moment. It is a ride that arrives, a caregiver who answers, a coach who follows up, a plan adjusted after a hard week, and people willing to try again. Consistent support gives growth somewhere to take root. #CCSGA #ConsistentCare #CommunitySupport

Why Kinship Connection Matters Kinship Therapeutic Foster Care helps children remain with relatives or trusted adults who already know them whenever that is safe and possible. Those relationships can preserve family connection, identity, and continuity while caregivers receive training, advocacy, and support. #CCSGA #KinshipCare #FamilyConnection

Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Creative Community Services remembers the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders and ordinary neighbors who served with courage and compassion. We pause in remembrance and honor the enduring strength of communities that care for one another. #September11 #NeverForget #CCSGA

Community inclusion is not an abstract idea. It looks like knowing the people at a favorite restaurant, joining a local activity, visiting a park, or having a routine that feels like your own. CCS helps adults build skills and relationships in the places where everyday life happens. Explore Developmental Disabilities Services: https://ccsgeorgia.org/developmental-disabilities/ #CCSGA #CommunityInclusion #Belonging

A Host Home Provider offers more than a room. The provider becomes part of an adult's circle of support, helping create daily stability, connection, and opportunities to build independence. CCS provides guidance and ongoing partnership so providers are not navigating the role alone. Learn about becoming a Host Home Provider: https://ccsgeorgia.org/developmental-disabilities/ #CCSGA #HostHome #CommunityLiving

Choosing a favorite meal. Deciding what to wear. Telling someone which activity sounds fun. These moments may look ordinary, but they are part of autonomy. CCS supports adults with developmental disabilities as they build skills, make choices, and participate more fully in everyday community life. Learn about Developmental Disabilities Services: https://ccsgeorgia.org/developmental-disabilities/ #CCSGA #Independence #DevelopmentalDisabilities

This Labor Day, we are grateful for the work that helps communities grow stronger: the daily care of families, caregivers, direct support professionals, foster parents, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Much of that work happens quietly, one relationship and one steady act of support at a time. Today, we honor the people whose labor helps children, adults, and families find stability, dignity, and belonging. #LaborDay #CCSGA #CommunityCare #Belonging

Therapeutic foster parents do not do this work alone. CCS provides training, ongoing support, and a team around each family. What matters most is not having every answer. It is the willingness to keep showing up with steadiness, patience, and care. Learn about becoming a foster parent: https://ccsgeorgia.org/be-a-foster-parent/ #CCSGA #FosterParent #TherapeuticFosterCare

Everyone deserves to be known, valued, and included. That conviction sits at the center of CCS’ work across every program. Learn more: link in our bio #Belonging #Dignity #CCSGA

Healing and growth rarely happen alone. Community support changes lives — and your involvement helps make that support possible. Learn more: link in our bio #CommunitySupport #CCSGA #GiveWithImpact

Host homes offer supportive, community-based living environments where adults can build life skills, confidence, and meaningful daily rhythms. #HostHome #DevelopmentalDisabilities #CCSGA

Independence for a young parent looks like balance, confidence, healthy routines, and strong support networks. Through CCS and Teen Parent Connection, Erica is not just surviving — she’s thriving. #EmpoweringFamilies #TeenParentConnection #CCSGA

Small steps matter. Learning to communicate, build skills, remain in school, or feel safe in a home environment is meaningful progress. #ImpactMatters #CCSGA #CommunityCare

Your support helps CCS provide care that meets people in real circumstances with practical help, dignity, and long-term commitment. Learn more: link in bio #SupportCCS #GiveWithImpact #CCSGA

Because of generous community partners, young families in our Teen Parent Connection program have one less thing to worry about. A huge thank you to Josh King for his incredible $6,000 donation of diapers and wipes! This gift is already helping ensure that the young parents we serve have access to essential supplies so they can focus on what matters most: building healthy, stable futures for themselves and their children. Your generosity is making a tangible difference in the lives of local families. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the next generation. 💙 #CreativeCommunityServices #TeenParentConnection #CommunityImpact #ThankYou #SupportFamilies

Last week, our CCS family had the joy of celebrating a very special milestone—Sally Buchanan's 70th birthday! 🎉 We managed to pull off a surprise celebration for the woman who has spent decades pouring into children, families, staff, and our community with unwavering compassion and leadership. Sally, thank you for the vision you've cast, the lives you've impacted, and the culture of love and service you've built here at Creative Community Services. We're more than coworkers—we're family—and it was such a gift to celebrate you together. Happy 70th Birthday! Here's to many more years of changing lives together. ❤️ #CCSFamily #HappyBirthdaySally #CreativeCommunityServices #CelebrateLeadership

Your home can be the place where healing, growth, and stability happen. Learn how to become a foster parent or host home provider. Learn more: link in bio #FosterCare #HostHome #CCSGA

Even loving relatives can feel overwhelmed without training or support. CCS helps kinship caregivers with case management, advocacy, and resources. #KinshipCare #FamilySupport #CCSGA

Through life skills coaching, relationship support, and daily consistency, Chris grew from silence to expression. He began sharing favorite activities, food, and the things that make him happy. #LifeSkills #DevelopmentalDisabilities #CCSGA

Whenever possible, children should remain connected to family, identity, and community. Kinship care helps preserve those connections while building safety and stability. #FamilyPreservation #KinshipCare #CCSGA

Your gift helps provide the daily support, coaching, and community-based care that allow individuals to grow in confidence and independence. Learn more: link in our bio #SupportAdults #GiveWithImpact #CCSGA

Many adults with developmental disabilities thrive best in smaller, relationship-centered living environments that provide consistent daily support. #DevelopmentalDisabilities #CommunityCare #CCSGA

Jamaria is nonverbal — but her joy speaks clearly. Her story reminds us that communication, dignity, and belonging can look different for every person. #CCSGA #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Inclusion

Healing happens in environments built on safety, consistency, and relationship. That’s why CCS programs use trauma-informed approaches to support emotional growth and stability. #TraumaInformedCare #CCSGA #Healing

Your support helps provide therapeutic foster care, family placements, host home provider support life skills coaching, and long-term support across CCS programs, regardless of age. Learn more: link in bio #GiveWithImpact #SupportYouth #CCSGA

People thrive when they are connected to supportive communities. CCS helps individuals build skills, confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging. Learn more: link in our bio #CommunityInclusion #Belonging #CCSGA

CCS serves children, teens, adults, and families through programs designed around stability, belonging, and long-term support. #CCSGA #MissionDriven #CommunityCare

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Creative Community Services! 🎆 Today, we celebrate the ideals of freedom, hope, and opportunity that our nation was founded upon. At CCS, we are honored to walk alongside children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, helping them find the support and belonging they deserve. As we gather with family and friends this Independence Day, let’s remember that true freedom means ensuring every person has the chance to thrive. ❤️ 💙 Thank you to our incredible foster families, supporters, and community partners who help make this vision a reality — not just today, but every day. 🎇 Wishing you a safe, joyful, and meaningful holiday! #HappyFourth #CCSGeorgia #FreedomForAll #FosterCare #CommunityMatters #IndependenceDay #DevelopmentalDisabilities #MentalHealthAwareness

Through life skills coaching, relationship support, and daily consistency, Chris grew from silence to expression. He began sharing favorite activities, food, and the things that make him happy. Learn more: link in bio #LifeSkills #DevelopmentalDisabilities #CCSGA

Whenever possible, children should remain connected to family, identity, and community. Kinship care helps preserve those connections while building safety and stability. Learn more: link in bio #FamilyPreservation #KinshipCare #CCSGA

Your gift helps provide the daily support, coaching, and community-based care that allow individuals to grow in confidence and independence. Learn more: link in bio #SupportAdults #GiveWithImpact #CCSGA

Jamaria is nonverbal — but her joy speaks clearly. Her story reminds us that communication, dignity, and belonging can look different for every person. Learn more: link in bio #CCSGA #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Inclusion

Healing happens in environments built on safety, consistency, and relationship. That’s why CCS programs use trauma-informed approaches to support emotional growth and stability. Learn more: link in bio #TraumaInformedCare #CCSGA #Healing

💛 To the fathers who choose to show up: To the ones who patch up scraped knees and broken trust. To the men who become safe places, whether for a moment or for a lifetime. To the foster dads, the stepdads, the granddads, and the mentors— Thank you. Thank you for steady hands and patient hearts. For leading with presence instead of perfection. We see you. And the kids you love—whether they call you dad or not—carry your courage forward. Happy Father’s Day. 🧡

🖤 On Juneteenth, we honor freedom—imperfect, fought-for, and still unfolding. At CCS, we walk with children and families shaped by generations of injustice, trauma, and resilience. Freedom means more than just a day on the calendar—it’s belonging, healing, and the dignity of home. May we keep building a world where every child is free to be seen, safe, and celebrated.

People thrive when they are connected to supportive communities. CCS helps individuals build skills, confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging. Learn more: link in bio #CommunityInclusion #Belonging #CCSGA

Collective

Collections

Account

Creative Community Services staff