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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

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Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

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Jewish Fertility Foundation

Removing barriers to opportunity in Georgia, one community at a time
Vibrant communities where everyone can achieve their potential.
We advance solutions that increase opportunity and create durable pathways to prosperity for Georgia’s families.
We believe that when parents achieve stable employment and strong family relationships, they are better able to create environments where their family can flourish today and for years to come.
We combine policy reforms, community programs, and local partnerships to create better opportunities for family stability, economic mobility, and child well-being so that low-income families can break the cycle of poverty.
BETTER WORK is a community-focused, partnership-based program that helps the chronically unemployed and underemployed find local opportunities for family-sustaining work.
Our Goal: Connect parents to career pathways, employers, and local resources so they can find dignity, purpose, and steady employment.
RHCK is a 10-week workshop that empowers parents to teach their children the habits, relational skills, and sense of responsibility that lead to bright, self-sufficient futures. We partner with Title 1 schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations to reach parents most in need.
Our Goal: Transform parent-child relationships to unlock long-term family stability and reduce generational poverty.

Jobs for Life in Lawrenceville

Give

Research

What Is Georgia’s SNAP Error Rate? And What Can Policymakers Do About It?

Georgia Has 275,000 Open Jobs

Understanding benefits cliffs: The overlooked poverty trap

When a Love Story Meets the Tax Code

How Georgia’s Governor Impacts Your Daily Life: Understanding the Role and the Election Process

Raising Highly Capable Kids Program Increases Positive Values and Social Skills in Children

Stronger Readers, Brighter Futures: Georgia Lawmakers Open Doors with New Literacy Bill

Unleashing Students’ Potential: Georgia Legislators Champion Advanced Math Opportunities

GCO Welcomes New Team Members

Understanding Welfare Work Requirements: New Eligibility Rules for SNAP and Medicaid

Kristin Barker

Rachel Barkley

Buzz Brockway

Kimberly Chalek

Eric Cochling

Joshua Crawford

Jim Eckstein

Jason Gaby

Amber Gorman

Rachel Hamilton

Randy Hicks

John Hill

Cierra Johnson

Marie Ladino

Candace Landers

Jamie Lord

Kelly McGonigal

David Orr

Carolina Pachon

Ray Packer

Rebecca Primis

Erik Randolph

Paolo Resteghini

Angeline Seames

Katelyn Stewart

Mariah Thomas

Travis Thorne

Kelsey Underwood

Jody Wirtz

It's graduation time! 🎓💙 Our Raising Highly Capable Kids families are ready to celebrate! Weeks of learning, growing, building connections, and investing in their children's futures have led to this special moment. And we want you to celebrate with us! Join us as we recognize these incredible parents and the positive impact they're making in their families and communities. Graduations are right around the corner. We can't wait to celebrate with you. #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #RHCK #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #StrongerFamilies #StrongerCommunities #ParentingMatters

A seat at the table can be the start of something bigger. 💙 A shared meal. A new connection. A chance to learn something new. Another step toward a stronger future. This Giving Tuesday, we're launching Set the Table for Opportunity. Our goal? Raise $5,000 to provide 330 meals for parents participating in GCO workshops. At GCO, our employment and family workshops give parents opportunities to build skills, strengthen relationships, and connect with others working toward brighter futures. And sometimes, something as simple as a meal helps make room for all of that. Throughout November, we'll share more about the people and purpose behind this effort. 📅 December 1. Save the date! Let's make room for more opportunities, together. #GivingTuesday #SetTheTableForOpportunity #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #StrongerFamilies #RHCK #BETTERWORK #EconomicOpportunity

Stronger connections. More resources. Greater opportunity. 💙🤝 Our BETTER WORK Jobs for Life participants recently gathered at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church for a resource panel with local organization leaders and employers. They heard about job opportunities, received practical advice, and learned about resources available throughout Gwinnett County, including transportation, housing, education, counseling, and more. And the sharing didn't stop with the speakers. Participants exchanged resources and recommendations with one another, too. Because building a path toward meaningful work is about more than finding a job. It's about knowing where to turn, building relationships, and having a community in your corner. A big thank-you to the leaders, employers, and organizations who took the time to invest in our participants and help open doors to new possibilities! 💙 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #CommunityPartnerships #WorkforceDevelopment #WorkMatters #OpportunityForAll

Georgia has jobs. But are all Georgians able to access them? Thousands of people remain disconnected from available employment opportunities, even as employers seek skilled workers. So what's missing? A clearer path. In a recent op-ed for The Augusta Chronicle, GCO's Buzz Brockway explains why Georgia's next governor should connect workforce development and public assistance programs to help more people access job training and meaningful work. Because opportunity means more than having a job available. It means having a pathway to get there. Read the full op-ed. Link in bio. 💙 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #GeorgiaJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicMobility #PublicPolicy #OpportunityForAll

Every milestone starts with opportunity. 💙 A parent learning something new. A participant building confidence. A graduate celebrating how far they've come. These moments matter. Because behind every step forward are skills learned, relationships built, and people who believe in what's possible. At Georgia Center for Opportunity, we're celebrating the individuals and families working toward stronger futures—and the community helping make those opportunities possible. This November, we're sharing more of their stories. Here's to celebrating progress. Creating opportunity. And building brighter futures together. 🤝 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #StrongerFamilies #EconomicOpportunity #BETTERWORK #RHCK #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #OpportunityForAll

A safety net should be a bridge—not a barrier. 💙 Families deserve access to the benefits they're eligible for when they need them. But success means more than getting assistance right. It means building a system that helps families move toward greater stability and opportunity. GCO's latest analysis explores Georgia's SNAP payment error rate and how policymakers can improve program administration while strengthening pathways to work. Because a better system isn't the end goal. Better outcomes for families are. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #SNAP #SafetyNet #EconomicMobility #PublicPolicy #OpportunityForAll

A new beginning. A community that believes in you. A future filled with possibility. 💙 Recently, we celebrated Xavier Sheppard as he graduated from the Abel Ministries Program. After serving 15 years in prison, Xavier found his way to BETTER WORK less than a month after his release. Through the program, he gained meaningful relationships with people who believed in him and continued to encourage him along the way. Today, Xavier is on staff at Abel Ministries, continuing to grow and build a future rooted in purpose and community. 🤍 His journey is a powerful reminder that opportunity is about more than a job. It's about relationships, encouragement, and having people in your corner as you take your next steps. We're proud of Xavier and grateful his BETTER WORK family could show up to celebrate this milestone with him! 🙌💙 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #WorkMatters #MeaningfulWork #WorkforceDevelopment #OpportunityForAll #Community

Strong families grow stronger together. 💙 Through Raising Highly Capable Kids, parents are gaining practical tools to help their children thrive and building meaningful connections along the way. Sometimes, it's learning a new approach to parenting. Sometimes, it's getting to know a neighbor. And sometimes, it's finding a community that reminds you you're not alone. These small steps can make a lasting difference for children, families, and the communities they call home. Swipe through to hear what parents are saying about their RHCK experience. ➡️ Learn more about RHCK at the link in our bio! #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RHCK #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #StrongerFamilies #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #CommunitySupport #ThrivingChildren

A path to meaningful work shouldn't be harder to access than it needs to be. 💙 Georgia ranks #31 in the 2026 State Occupational Licensing Index. Licensing can protect public safety. But when requirements go too far, they can keep people from entering a profession, changing careers, or putting their skills to work. The question is simple: Are we protecting the public—or creating unnecessary barriers to opportunity? Let's make it easier for Georgians to pursue meaningful work. 🤝 🔗 Learn more through the link in our bio. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #OccupationalLicensing #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicMobility #GeorgiaJobs #OpportunityForAll

Opportunity grows when communities come together. 💙🤝 Last Sunday, our BETTER WORK team joined Gwinnett Church’s Be Rich nonprofit showcase to share our mission and connect with others making a difference in Gwinnett. When local organizations come together, we can open more doors to meaningful work and a stronger future. Thank you, Brooklynn Warren and Gwinnett Church, for bringing the community together! #BETTERWORK #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GwinnettCounty #CommunityPartnerships #WorkMatters #OpportunityForAll

Her story is proof that the right opportunity can change what someone believes is possible. 💙 When Courtney Decker joined BETTER WORK, she was navigating barriers that made finding meaningful work feel difficult. But with encouragement, guidance, and the right support, she began taking steps toward a different future. Today, Courtney is working at Piedmont Hospital, has earned her Phlebotomy certification, and is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse—all while building a stronger future for herself and her family. 🤍 Her message to our team says it best: “Without your encouragement to keep applying and think outside the box, I wouldn’t have this job or opportunity. The sky is the limit, and this is just the beginning.” This is what BETTER WORK is about. Helping people see beyond their circumstances, recognize their potential, and take steps toward meaningful work and a purposeful future. Courtney, we’re cheering you on. Your story is just getting started! 🙌💙 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #WorkMatters #MeaningfulWork #WorkforceDevelopment #PurposefulWork #OpportunityForAll #Community

Child poverty is falling. That’s encouraging news. 💙 The latest Census data shows the national official child poverty rate reached a historic low of 13.4% in 2025. But behind every number is a child whose future is shaped by the opportunities and stability their family has. Parents need meaningful work. Families need growing income. Children need stable homes. Communities need strong connections. Because helping children thrive starts with helping families flourish. At Georgia Center for Opportunity, we believe lasting progress means more than reducing a statistic. It means building the conditions that help families find stability, pursue opportunity, and create a stronger future for the next generation. Strong families. Meaningful work. Greater opportunity. 💙 Progress is worth celebrating. And there’s more work to do. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #ChildPoverty #StrongerFamilies #EconomicMobility #FamilyFlourishing #OpportunityForAll #Georgia

Sometimes, a small change in how we communicate can make a big difference in our relationships with our kids. 💙 Through Built for Resilience, rooted in Raising Highly Capable Kids, parents are learning practical ways to communicate with greater intention, navigate challenges, and build stronger connections with their children. And it starts right here—with conversations, new perspectives, and parents learning alongside one another. Because parenting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about continuing to learn, grow, and find new ways to help our children thrive. We’re encouraged by the steps these parents are taking to build stronger relationships at home. One conversation at a time, stronger families are taking shape. 🤝💙 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RHCK #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #B4R #BuiltForResilience #StrongerFamilies #ParentingSupport #FamilyFlourishing #CommunityImpact

A new chapter begins with connection. 🤝💙 Recently, our BETTER WORK class at @lvfirst came together for a Meet & Greet to kick off their journey toward meaningful work and a stronger future. BETTER WORK helps people build confidence, recognize their strengths, and discover new possibilities for what comes next. We’re grateful to LV First for partnering with us and excited to see the growth, connections, and opportunities ahead for this class! One step at a time, we’re helping build pathways to meaningful work and a purposeful future. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #WorkMatters #WorkforceDevelopment #PurposefulWork #Community #MeaningfulWork

📊 Poverty is more than a number. The Census Bureau uses two measures to help us understand economic hardship: 💵 Official Poverty Measure: Focuses primarily on cash income. 🏠 Supplemental Poverty Measure: Also accounts for government benefits, taxes, housing costs, medical expenses, and work expenses. Why does this matter? Because a family can be above the poverty line and still struggle to afford the essentials. At GCO, we look beyond the numbers to the real circumstances families face—and what helps them build lasting stability. 💙 Meaningful work. 💙 Stronger families. 💙 Greater opportunity. Because moving from poverty toward lasting stability takes more than a number. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #Poverty #EconomicMobility #Georgia #FamilyStability #PublicPolicy #OpportunityForAll

Some of the most important lessons aren't written in the curriculum. 💙 They happen when parents share stories, learn from one another, celebrate small wins, and realize they're not alone. Through Built for Resilience, rooted in Raising Highly Capable Kids, parents are gaining practical tools to raise healthy, capable kids—and building a community that extends beyond the classroom. Because sometimes, the friendships formed and the encouragement shared become just as meaningful as the lessons learned. Parenting is hard. No parent should have to do it alone. 💙 #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #B4R #RHCK #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #StrongerFamilies #ParentingSupport #CommunityImpact

“I had to unlearn some things.” For Neicee Sweet, raising a highly capable kid started with learning to listen. 💙 When Neicee moved from Las Vegas to Georgia with her daughter, Kendall, she was looking for a fresh start. Through Raising Highly Capable Kids, she found a community—but she also found a new way to approach parenting. One lesson changed everything: “I used to always tell [Kendall] to be quiet. I learned to listen to my daughter.” Instead of making assumptions, Neicee began asking Kendall what she needed and how she could support her. She gave her daughter room to speak. Room to make choices. Room to build confidence. And Kendall noticed. “My mom is a lot nicer and a lot more patient.” That’s the power of Raising Highly Capable Kids. When parents have the tools to listen, encourage, and connect, children have more opportunities to discover their voice, build confidence, and grow into the people they’re capable of becoming. For Neicee, RHCK changed more than the way she parented. It helped her find community and build a stronger foundation for her family. “No matter how good of a parent you are, you can always be better.” Read Neicee’s story: https://foropportunity.org/stories/i-had-to-unlearn-some-things-neicees-journey-to-more-intentional-parenting/ #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RHCK #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #StrongerFamilies #FamilyFlourishing #Parenting #ParentingJourney #CommunityImpact

What do families need to thrive? 🌱 The answer isn’t just one thing. Families need meaningful work. They need strong relationships. They need practical support. They need communities that show up. And they need opportunities that lead somewhere. That’s why GCO looks at the whole picture. 💙 BETTER WORK helps people build pathways toward meaningful employment and greater economic mobility. 💙Raising Highly Capable Kids gives parents practical tools while creating a space to learn, connect, and grow together. 💙 Our policy work focuses on removing barriers that can make it harder for people and families to move forward. Because families shouldn’t have to choose between stability and opportunity. They deserve both. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #StrongerFamilies #FamilyFlourishing #EconomicMobility #BETTERWORK #RHCK #OpportunityForAll #Georgia

Poverty is falling. That’s good news. 💙 The latest Census data shows that America’s official poverty rate fell in 2025. But here in Georgia, too many families are still struggling to get ahead. Georgia’s 2023–2025 average poverty rate remains significantly higher than the national rate. And getting above a statistical line isn’t the same as being financially secure. Families need more than a number. They need meaningful work. They need growing income. They need strong relationships. They need supportive communities. They need opportunities that help them build a better future. Progress is worth celebrating. And there’s more work to do. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #Poverty #Georgia #EconomicMobility #StrongerFamilies #OpportunityForAll #FamilyFlourishing

Georgia’s SNAP payment error rate was 15.21% in 2025. A payment error can happen when a family’s circumstances change, information is reported incorrectly, or benefits are calculated incorrectly. Why does that matter? Because for families relying on SNAP, getting the right amount of support can make a real difference. Georgia has an opportunity to make SNAP work better—improving accuracy, simplifying the process, and making sure families receive the support they’re eligible for. A stronger safety net should help families through hard times while supporting a path toward greater stability and independence. The goal isn’t just a lower error rate. It’s a system that works better for families. 💙 Read GCO’s latest analysis to learn more. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #SNAP #Georgia #PublicPolicy #EconomicMobility #WorkingFamilies #OpportunityForAll

Look at this fun crew in Bibb County! 💙 Raising Highly Capable Kids is continuing to grow across Georgia, and we’re excited to welcome this new group of parents in Bibb County. Dr. Tonya Moore, the community champion for Middle GA, first began this work in Lamar County, then expanded into Houston County—and now she’s bringing RHCK to Bibb County! Each class is a chance for parents to learn practical tools, share experiences, build connections, and grow together as they work toward stronger families and thriving children. We’re so grateful for the parents who are showing up and investing in their families—and for the community leaders helping make this work possible. Here’s to the Bibb County crew! We’re excited to see where this journey takes you. 🌱 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #RHCK #StrongerFamilies #ThrivingChildren

A career can start with one connection. 🤝 Recently, BETTER WORK co-hosted a Careers in Care hiring event at the GoodwillSR Career Center in Columbus, bringing job seekers, employers, and educational partners together in one room. Employers shared entry-level opportunities that can help people begin a career in care, while educational partners highlighted certification pathways to help turn those first steps into long-term careers. For people with lived experience—including mental health challenges or justice-system involvement—access to meaningful work can be an important part of building stability, purpose, and a stronger future. Hosted through the Employment Subcommittee of the Mayor’s Commission on Re-entry, this event reflects what can happen when communities come together around opportunity. It was our second hiring event of the year, and we’re encouraged by the momentum. 💙 More connections. More pathways. More opportunities to move forward. #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #WorkforceDevelopment #CareersInCare #MeaningfulWork #ColumbusGA #OpportunityForAll #SecondChances

“I really want to create new smiles for people who are self-conscious.” 💙 For Melvin, our BETTER WORK Jobs for Life class was about more than preparing for a job. It helped him discover what he wants to accomplish and the kind of work he wants to pursue. His goal is to earn his GED, attend technical college, and become a certified Dental Technician so he can help people feel more confident in their smiles. BETTER WORK helps people recognize their strengths, discover their passions, and build a path toward meaningful work and a purposeful future. 🤝 We’re proud to celebrate Melvin and the future he’s working toward! #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #WorkMatters #PurposefulWork #WorkforceDevelopment #Community

Five years ago, Amber never imagined this kind of opportunity would be possible. Today, she’s stepping into a new chapter of leadership. 💙 Please join us in congratulating Amber Gorman, our BETTER WORK Program Manager, on being selected for the 2026–2027 Leadership Columbus class! Amber shared: “Being accepted into the 2026–2027 Leadership Columbus class is something I don’t take for granted. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have thought this kind of opportunity was possible for me. Overcoming personal barriers hasn’t always been easy, but this opportunity reaffirms that I am right where I am meant to be.” She’s also looking forward to what this next chapter will bring: “I am honored to represent the Georgia Center for Opportunity, connect deeply with Columbus, and collaborate alongside incredible community leaders. I am excited to see where this part of my journey takes me!” Amber’s story is a powerful reminder that new opportunities can open doors we once couldn’t imagine walking through. We’re proud of you, Amber! Congratulations! 👏💙 #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #LeadershipColumbus #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #ColumbusGA #CommunityLeadership #OpportunityForAll #WorkMatters #MeaningfulWork

“There's no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” — John Holmes. ❤️ Be the encouragement someone needed today. Be the helping hand. Be the reason someone keeps going. Be the person who helps someone rise. ✨ Because when we lift others, we create a stronger, kinder community for everyone. 🙌🏽 Who can you lift up today?

What keeps someone from taking a job? Georgia has roughly 275,000 open jobs—but an available job isn’t always an accessible opportunity. For some Georgians, these barriers can make it difficult to reach a job, qualify for it, take it, or keep it. 🔹 Childcare. 🔹 Transportation. 🔹 Skills gaps. 🔹 Fragmented services. 🔹 Benefits cliffs. The question isn’t just whether jobs exist. It’s whether people can access them and build a path forward. Good workforce policy should help clear the path to employment . 💙 Read more in “Georgia Has 275,000 Open Jobs—Why Is Getting One So Hard?” — link in bio. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #WorkforceDevelopment #GeorgiaJobs #Employment #EconomicMobility #Work

A milestone worth celebrating! 🎓💙 SafeHouse Ministries graduated its very first BETTER WORK Jobs for Life class! These graduates showed up, put in the work, built new skills, and grew in confidence as they took steps toward what comes next. We’re so grateful for the SafeHouse team and the support they gave this class along the way. They did an incredible job finishing strong! BETTER WORK is about more than getting ready for a job. It’s about building confidence, finding purpose, and having a community that walks alongside you as you work toward a better future. 🤝 Congratulations to the first SafeHouse Jobs for Life graduates! We’re proud of you and excited to see what comes next. 🎓 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #WorkMatters #PurposefulWork #WorkforceDevelopment #Community

“One of the biggest things I gained from this program is a clearer vision for my future.” 💙 When Kayla first joined our BETTER WORK Jobs for Life class, she knew she wanted to build a better future, but she wasn’t always sure what that future would look like. She began to see her experiences and strengths differently. Even the challenges she has faced can become part of what motivates her to keep moving forward. Now, Kayla has a clearer vision for what comes next. Her goal is to become a full-time Certified Peer Specialist and use her lived experiences to encourage and support others facing difficult times. BETTER WORK is about more than preparing people for work. It’s about helping people recognize the value of their story, discover their strengths, and move forward with purpose. 🤝 We’re proud to celebrate Kayla and the future she’s working toward. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #WorkMatters #PurposefulWork #WorkforceDevelopment #Community

Family literacy starts at home. 📚❤️ We're looking back at a recent Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) class in Lamar and Bibb Counties. RHCK gives parents practical tools to support their children’s growth and development—and many of those lessons begin right at home. Reading together. Having meaningful conversations. Creating an environment where kids feel supported and encouraged to learn. Parents have a powerful role in helping their children thrive. We’re grateful for the parents who continue to show up, learn, and invest in their families. Strong families help kids flourish. Learn more about RHCK. Link in bio. #FamilyLiteracyWeek #FamilyLiteracy #RHCK #ReadingForPleasure #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #Georgia #GCO #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #OpportunityForAll

A great start to something bigger. 🤝 Recently, the BETTER WORK Jobs for Life community in Gwinnett gathered for a Meet & Greet at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM). It was all about connection, community, and opportunity as participants learned more about JFL and the journey ahead. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and excited for what’s ahead! Here’s to BETTER WORK. 💙 #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #GCO #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicOpportunity #OpportunityForAll #MeaningfulWork

Reading doesn't have to feel like homework. It can be family time. 📚 Reading for pleasure is one of the 40 developmental building blocks that helps kids build the foundation they need to grow into healthy, capable, and caring adults. Swipe for simple ideas you can try at home: 📖 Let kids choose what they read 📖 Keep books easy to find 📖 Read together 📖 Talk about what you read 📖 Make reading part of family life Small moments can make a big difference. Learn more about RHCK. Link in bio. #FamilyLiteracyWeek #ReadingForPleasure #RHCK #Georgia #Parenting #FamilyLiteracy #ChildDevelopment #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #OpportunityForAll

Your next chapter starts here. 💼✨ A FREE Jobs for Life job readiness class is coming to Lawrenceville! Starting September 23, you'll have eight weeks to build confidence, strengthen your resume, prepare for interviews, develop practical job skills, and create a plan for your future. 📅 Mondays + Wednesdays ⏰ 6–8 PM 📍 Lawrenceville First Methodist Church 🍽️ Dinner provided Whether you're looking for work, underemployed, or ready for a fresh start, this class can help you take your next step. Register here to reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtcZfwl9_m5ytYuzTvDpMc_-9lqp1sAEvNXDj3DlHl-z-X6A/viewform Know someone who could use this opportunity? Tag them or share this post. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsforLife #CareerDevelopment #GwinnettCounty #Lawrenceville #CommunityImpact

Georgia’s labor market is strong. 📈 So why are about 800,000 Georgians not working full-time? The next step isn’t just more jobs. It’s making sure everyone can access opportunities for family-sustaining work. Read GCO’s latest article, “Georgia Has 275,000 Open Jobs—Why Is Getting One So Hard?” to learn more. Link in bio. #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth #Georgia #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicOpportunity #GeorgiaJobs #WorkforceReform #OpportunityForAll

On September 11, we pause to remember. 🇺🇸 We remember the lives lost and the families who continue to carry their memory. We honor the first responders, volunteers, neighbors, and community organizations who stepped forward to serve others in a time of unimaginable tragedy. And we remain grateful for the compassion, courage, and sense of community that emerged in the face of heartbreak. Never forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Remembrance

This Labor Day, we’re celebrating what meaningful work can make possible. 💙 For these BETTER WORK graduates, work has been a step toward something bigger, like greater confidence, stability, purpose, independence, and a future full of hope and possibility. Their stories remind us that meaningful work helps shape a fulfilling life, and having the support, skills, and community makes all the difference for someone striving to move forward in work and in life. Swipe through to hear what work has meant to them. We’re grateful to be part of their journeys and proud to celebrate the futures they’re building. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #LaborDay #PurposefulWork #MeaningfulWork #OpportunityForAll

We’re celebrating the impact of the Parents First Initiative. 💙 A recent @gwinnettdailypost feature highlighted how @lvfirst is partnering with GCO and local schools to bring Raising Highly Capable Kids to families across the Central Gwinnett cluster—giving parents practical tools, meaningful connections, and a community of support. More than 200 parents have graduated from the program over the past three and a half years, with workshops now reaching all seven schools in the cluster. GCO has been honored to be part of this initiative and to help more families connect with the tools and community that help their kids thrive in school and in life. We’re grateful to Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church and the many school and community partners helping make this work possible. Read the full story through the link in our bio. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #RHCK #ParentsFirstInitiative #StrongerFamilies #HumanFlourishing #ThrivingFamilies

What’s one skill that can help a student succeed in life? Skills like communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, and self-advocacy can help young people navigate what comes next. If you could make sure every student developed one skill for life, what would it be? Share your answer in the comments. We’d love to hear what you think. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #EducationOpportunity #StudentSuccess

For Tara, graduating from BETTER WORK was the beginning of something new. 💙 This spring, Tara graduated from the program and took an exciting next step: landing a new job at a well-known restaurant in her community. And in her own words: “The class and the facilitators were amazing. The program is truly a blessing and helped me in so many ways!” Behind every new job is a person with a story, determination, and a dream for what comes next. BETTER WORK is about helping people build the skills, confidence, and connections to take that next step and reminding them they don’t have to take it alone. We’re so proud of you, Tara. Here’s to this next chapter! 👏 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #OpportunityForAll #WorkWorks #HumanFlourishing

A look back at the State Policy Network Annual Meeting in Orlando. The GCO team and our Alliance for Opportunity coalition joined leaders from across the country to explore what it takes to build a future where more people and families can thrive. From workforce modernization and safety net reform to housing, benefit cliffs, and child welfare, the conversations focused on practical policy solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen families, and help people move toward greater stability, independence, and purpose. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these important conversations—and to connect with so many leaders working to advance a human flourishing agenda in their states. Thank you to our partners at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity and American Enterprise Institute for helping bring together such a thoughtful group of leaders. The work continues. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #HumanFlourishing #OpportunityForAll #StatePolicyNetwork #SPNAnnualMeeting

A room full of parents. A shared hope: helping their kids thrive. 💙 Recently, parents gathered at Bay Creek Middle School for our Raising Highly Capable Kids program. This is a safe space to learn, share, connect, and grow together. From strengthening family relationships to building resilience and setting healthy boundaries, RHCK gives parents practical tools they can take home and put into action. But it’s also about connection. A reminder that you’re not the only one figuring it out. That there’s wisdom in sharing experiences. And that stronger families start with parents who have the support and tools they need to thrive. 🌱 Thank you, Bay Creek Middle School, for partnering with us—and thank you to all the parents who showed up and invested in their families. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #RHCK #StrongerFamilies #ThrivingChildren #FamilyFlourishing

Every big dream starts somewhere. Sometimes, it starts with a book. 📚✨ Dolly Parton has spent decades helping children discover the joy of reading—and reminding us of the possibilities that open when a child learns to read. We believe every Georgia child deserves a strong educational foundation that gives them the opportunity to dream, learn, and thrive. We’re grateful for literacy champions like Dolly and the teachers, parents, community leaders, and planting those seeds every day. 🌱 #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #Literacy #GeorgiaEducation

A class may end, but the community doesn’t have to. ❤️ BETTER WORK Jobs for Life graduates, facilitators, and champions recently gathered in Gwinnett to reconnect and celebrate how far they’ve come. Graduates shared stories of overcoming barriers, growing in confidence, and finding purpose in their careers. The reunion was a chance to celebrate those stories and the people who continue to encourage one another along the way. Learn more about BETTER WORK at foropportunity.org. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #Gwinnett #Community #WorkMatters #PurposefulWork

Hope makes opportunity visible. 🤍 For someone facing unemployment, a difficult family situation, or barriers created by the systems around them, the path forward isn’t always easy to see. Opportunity can help change that. When barriers are removed, relationships are strengthened, and people have a real path forward, they can begin to see what’s possible for their future. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #Opportunity #DignityInWork #BetterWork #StrongFamilies

“When I started, I had less faith and hope. Now I have hope in my future, belief in my abilities, and less fear of failing along my process.” 💙 Through BETTER WORK, Walter began rebuilding hope and imagining a future he could believe in. He also discovered something important along the way: he wasn’t in this alone. His classmates, mentors, and champions reminded him that people were rooting for him and believed in what he could become. Now, Walter is looking ahead with a vision of owning his own business, creating jobs in his community, and mentoring others along their paths. We’re proud to celebrate Walter and the first graduating class of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office as they take their next steps toward brighter futures. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #WorkforceDevelopment #Opportunity #SecondChances

For a while, Ayonia Shipp couldn’t see the future she once imagined for herself. She had worked hard, earned her degree, built a career, and dreamed of one day owning a trucking company. But after losing her job and facing setback after setback, it became harder to believe that the future she wanted was still possible. Then she found BETTER WORK. What she discovered wasn’t just a path toward employment. She met a community that helped her recognize the strengths she had started to lose sight of and the confidence to keep moving forward. “I now know what I am capable of.” Today, Ayonia is working, setting new goals, raising her daughter Dior, and continuing to pursue the future she once thought was out of reach. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, people don’t need someone to tell them what they’re capable of. They need a community willing to walk alongside them until they can see it for themselves again. Read Ayonia’s full story at the link in our bio. ❤️ #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #ColumbusGA #OpportunityForAll #HumanFlourishing

You could feel it in the room. 💙 Parents came together at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries this week with one shared hope: to help their kids thrive. The first session of Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) was filled with learning, sharing, connection, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not the only one figuring this parenting thing out. Over the next 9 sessions, parents will build practical tools for stronger relationships, healthy boundaries, resilience, and confidence. We’re excited and dedicated to walk alongside these families as they start a new journey with their children. #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #RHCK #StrongerFamilies #ThrivingChildren #ParentingTogether #FamilySupport #GeorgiaFamilies #Community

Human dignity is at the heart of human flourishing. This World Humanitarian Day, we’re reminded that every person deserves the opportunity to build a life with purpose, stability, connection, and hope. At Georgia Center for Opportunity, we believe that when families have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to move forward, the impact reaches far beyond one household. It strengthens communities and creates possibilities for generations to come. This World Humanitarian Day, we stand for a future where every family can thrive. ❤️ #WorldHumanitarianDay #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #HumanFlourishing #FlourishingFamilies #OpportunityForAll

Our BETTER WORK Jobs for Life class at Muscogee County Jail in Columbus recently celebrated a graduation, where the room was full of people who have taken meaningful steps toward a new chapter. These graduates have worked through challenges, found confidence again, and are leaving the class more equipped to pursue purposeful work and keep moving forward in their lives. They were presented with certificates to celebrate completing the class, but what they’re taking with them goes far beyond an award. They’re taking resources, hope, and a renewed belief that a different future is possible. And most importantly, they’re moving forward knowing they’re not alone. We’re proud of every graduate who showed up, kept going, and chose to believe in new possibilities. This is what opportunity can look like. ❤️ #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #ColumbusGA #Community #OpportunityForAll

There are some rooms you walk into and immediately know: something special is happening here. Our BETTER WORK Jobs for Life reunion in Gwinnett was one of those. There was food on the table, laughter in the room, families gathered together, and a little friendly competition during speed networking. Graduates, facilitators, and champions shared real stories about what life has looked like since these individuals first stepped into the classroom. People talked about how they’ve overcome shyness and found the courage to speak in front of a room. There were honest stories, happy tears, laughter, and moments of reflection. The gathering was a reminder that sometimes what we need most is a community that sees us, believes in us, and walks with us. We’re grateful we got to be in the room. ❤️ #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BETTERWORK #JobsForLife #Gwinnett #Community #OpportunityForAll

🍂 More Fall RHCK Workshops = More Opportunities for Families! 💙 We’re excited to share updates to our Fall Raising Highly Capable Kids Workshops, including new dates, additional classes, and new locations! Our free 10-session workshop series helps parents and caregivers build practical skills to: ✨ Create calmer daily routines 🗣️ Strengthen communication 💪 Build resilience ❤️ Build stronger, more connected relationships with their children Additional locations mean more chances to find a class that works for you and your family. 📅 Check out the updated schedule and find a workshop near you! Know a parent, caregiver, or community organization that could benefit? Share this post! 🤝 🔗 Learn more and register through the link in our bio. #GCO #RHCK #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #ParentingSupport #FamilyResources #ParentingWorkshop #StrongerFamilies #CommunitySupport #PositiveParenting

There’s a community of support ready to help the next person looking for purposeful employment. 💙 Sometimes, the next step starts with having the right people, tools, and guidance behind you. BETTER WORK is here to help participants build the skills and confidence to move forward with purpose. Through 8 weeks of free, in-person job readiness classes, participants will: ✔️ Discover their strengths & career goals ✔️ Build practical job skills ✔️ Strengthen resume & interview skills ✔️ Connect with mentors & employers ✔️ Create a plan for their future 📅 September 9 🗓️Mondays & Wednesdays | 10 AM–12:30 PM 📍Neighborhood Co-op If you’re looking for purposeful employment and wondering what your next step could look like, BETTER WORK is a place to start. 👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer or register through the link in our bio. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #GwinnettCounty

"I've overcome so many obstacles. I now have few to zero barriers. I've been promoted, and my kids and I are now in a stable living environment. I thank everyone in the BETTER WORK program." 💙 — Angel Every milestone tells a story. ✨ At our recent Jobs for Life graduate reunion in Columbus, Angel shared how far she's come since completing the program. Through hard work, determination, and the support of a community that believed in her, she has overcome barriers, earned a promotion, and built greater stability for herself and her children. Jobs for Life goes beyond workplace skills. It helps people grow in confidence, discover their potential, and create lasting opportunities for themselves and their families. We're so proud of Angel and every graduate who continues moving forward with hope and purpose. 💙 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #WorkforceDevelopment #Opportunity #CommunityImpact

Education impacts every Georgia family. 📚✨ From literacy and student achievement to school choice and career pathways, there's a lot shaping education across our state. Here’s a look at a few key things to know about education in Georgia. 🔗 Click the link in bio to read the full article. 💬 Which topic do you think has the biggest impact on student success? #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #GeorgiaEducation #EducationMatters #GeorgiaFamilies #SchoolChoice #StudentSuccess

✏️ The first week of school comes with lots of new beginnings. What's been your family's biggest win this week? Big or small, we want to celebrate with you! Tell us in the comments. 🎉

No one should have to navigate life's challenges alone. 🤍 At GCO, our volunteers willingly show up with their time, encouragement, compassion, and a reminder that every participant is capable of moving forward. As one of our program volunteers shared: "Volunteering is worth the investment because we've all been given so much, and this is one way we can give back. I believe we all have a responsibility to help those who may not have the same opportunities we do. No matter where we are in life, each of us has the capacity to make a difference in someone else's journey." A conversation. A listening ear. A few hours of your time. It can mean the world to someone beginning a new journey. Ready to make a difference? We'd love to have you join us. Visit foropportunity.org/ to learn more. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #Volunteer #EveryJourneyStartsWithOpportunity

🎥 Behind the scenes. Our team recently stepped in front of the camera for the next ReCAST Lawrenceville documentary! We shared more about how meaningful this partnership has been and how BETTER WORK has helped more Lawrenceville residents build confidence, gain valuable skills, and take the next step toward meaningful employment. We're excited for you to see the stories of partnership and impact that come from this collaboration. Stay tuned. 🤍 #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #EveryJourneyStartsWithOpportunity #CommunityPartnerships

Five years of partnership. 💙 Our BETTER WORK team recently reflected on five years of collaboration during its final presentation to the ReCAST Lawrenceville Advisory Board. We celebrated the work happening in Lawrenceville, such as our Jobs for Life classes and participant graduations to the opportunities still ahead through future classes. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we're creating pathways to opportunity, one step at a time. ✨ #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #EveryJourneyStartsWithOpportunity #CommunityPartnerships

Opportunity grows through partnership. 🤝💙 This week, our program leaders connected with the Right from the Start team in Columbus to explore new ways to serve families together. We're excited about the opportunity to expand our Raising Highly Capable Kids program in Columbus and help even more parents build confidence, strengthen their families, and find community along the way. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #RHCK #EveryJourneyStartsWithOpportunity #StrongFamilies #CommunityPartnerships

The Georgia Promise Scholarship is creating real opportunities for students and parents. It proves up to $6,500 per year, per student for families seeking the best educational fit. This funding can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, specialized therapy services, transportation, and other approved education expenses. 📅 2026 Application Windows: • August 1–31 • November 1–30 Want to learn more? Visit our FAQ page for everything you need to know: https://foropportunity.org/georgia-promise-scholarship-act-sb-233-questions-and-answers/

Our RHCK facilitators are gearing up for fall classes and looking forward to welcoming a new group of parents. 💙 For years, Cristina has helped create a space where parents feel heard, encouraged, and supported as they strengthen their families. As Cristina shares, "I feel fortunate that people believe in our program and trust us to walk alongside them. It’s an honor to celebrate their achievements and witness the incredible growth they make along the way." That's the heart of RHCK. Our facilitators walk alongside parents, celebrate their growth, and remind them they don't have to do it alone. Interested in joining an RHCK class this fall? Learn more about upcoming classes and how RHCK supports parents at foropportunity.org/rhck. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #RHCK #StrongFamilies #ParentSupport

Community creates opportunity. 💙 Our BETTER WORK Columbus team recently joined Dorothy I. Height Elementary School’s Back to School Bash, connecting with families and sharing how our program helps individuals build confidence, develop job-ready skills, and pursue meaningful employment opportunities. Events like these bring families and community partners together to share resources, build connections, and support one another. ✨ We are grateful to be part of a community that invests in families and works together to create pathways toward greater stability and opportunity. #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #CommunityPartnerships #WorkforceDevelopment

Back-to-school season is here! ✏️✨ A new school year is more than new supplies and schedules—it’s an opportunity for families to build habits that help children feel supported, confident, and ready to grow. Here are a few ways parents can start the year strong: 📚 Create consistent routines 🌱 Celebrate growth beyond the classroom 🎯 Set goals together 💡 Encourage problem-solving and resilience 🤝 Lean on your community for support Every child has unique strengths, and the right support can help them reach their full potential. 💙 What’s one thing your family does to prepare for a new school year? #GeorgiaCenterForOpportunity #GCO #BackToSchool #EducationOpportunity #GeorgiaFamilies

Opportunity grows through community. 💙 Last week, our BETTER WORK Gwinnett volunteers gathered to reconnect, learn program updates, and continue investing in the people we serve. Their encouragement and mentorship help participants build confidence, overcome barriers, and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future. A special thank you to our CEO Randy Hicks, who shared more about our mission and the impact we can make together as we expand pathways to opportunity across Georgia. Thank you to every volunteer who gives their time and heart to this work. You are helping create lasting opportunities. ✨ #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #Volunteer #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment

As we celebrate Parents’ Day this weekend, we’re celebrating the parents who take steps every day to help their families grow and thrive. 💙 Parents build foundations. They encourage. They teach. They show up. At GCO, we believe that when parents are supported with opportunities, resources, and strong community connections, families can flourish for generations to come. Today, we celebrate you. Happy Parents’ Day! 👏 #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #ParentsDay #FamilyFlourishing #GeorgiaFamilies

Every child is unique. Every child has different strengths, needs, and ways of learning. ✨ Finding the right school fit can help children feel supported and empowered to thrive. Complete the sentence: The right school for my child is one that ______. Share your answer below. We’d love to hear what matters most to your family. 💙 #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #SchoolChoice #EducationOpportunity #GeorgiaFamilies

Before these graduates walked across the stage, they made a decision to invest in their future. Through BETTER WORK Jobs for Life, participants gained confidence, developed job-ready skills, and found a community committed to their success. Today, they're moving forward with new tools, fresh opportunities, and a clearer vision for what's ahead. Ready to begin your own journey? Visit betteropportunity.org to learn about upcoming fall classes. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #CareerDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #Gwinnett #Columbus #Opportunity

New partner. New families. A growing RHCK community. 💙 We’re excited to bring Raising Highly Capable Kids to Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM) in Norcross this fall! During our recent introduction with families at NCM, we were encouraged by their excitement to learn more. Seeing past RHCK participants join us made the moment feel like a family reunion. We welcomed new families while reconnecting with those who have already experienced the program. RHCK is a place where parents build stronger relationships, learn practical tools, and create a foundation for their children to flourish. We’re grateful for partners like NCM who help us walk alongside families and strengthen communities. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #RaisingHighlyCapableKids #FamilyFlourishing #Community

Every journey starts with a first step. 👣 For participants in our BETTER WORK Jobs for Life class at SafeHouse Ministries in Columbus, that step is bringing new confidence, hope, and excitement for the future. One of the drivers who transports participants to class shared: “They talk about how they can't wait to have a job and be able to pay their own bills. It's great to hear the excitement in their voices.” These participants are on a pathway to confidence, stability, and a fresh start. We’re grateful to walk alongside participants as they take their next step toward meaningful work. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #BetterWork #JobsForLife #TakeTheFirstStep

A stronger safety net starts with a smarter system. 👏 Congress has an opportunity to help states modernize welfare by simplifying fragmented programs, improving accountability, and better connecting people with work. 📊 Today's safety net spans more than 90 separate programs. Disconnected systems create opportunities for fraud while making it harder for families to access the support they need. With a more coordinated approach, states can reduce welfare fraud, protect resources for people who truly need them, and help more Americans move toward stable employment. 🔗 Read the full op-ed at the link in our bio. #GeorgiaCenterforOpportunity #GCO #PublicPolicy #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicOpportunity

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