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

“The beauty of Special Needs Cobb is that families help families. That kind of help perpetuates itself. It must live on.” – J. Cox, special needs parent
HISTORY In 1956, a small group of Cobb County parents fought the prevailing system of the time of institutionalizing children with developmental disabilities, determined that they would not put their kids away. They incorporated to become Cobb Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. on October 24, 1979, and August 15, 2007 they became known as Right in the Community, a trailblazing organization in the Special Needs community that accomplished many “firsts” to meet the needs they saw. In 2021, we became Special Needs Cobb, and we are still blazing a trail to provide Resources, Respite and Residential services for families right in the community.
We focus on the entire family unit, not just the individual. We provide respite care to relieve some of the stress of caregiving, keeping families strong and together. We connect parents with other families who “get it,” and hold their hands as they navigate the complicated system of resources. Finally, we give people with disabilities a path to greater independence and opportunities to shine and reach their full potential.

One Hour

Homes with Heart Charity Art Exhibition & Auction

Special Populations Night

Up In Lights

Sparkle & Style Fashion Show

Abilities in Action Fair

Bid on Homes with Heart birdhouses

Give

Special Needs Cobb Marks 70-Year Legacy of Service

Special Needs Cobb 70th Anniversary Celebration Raises More Than $56,000

31 nonprofits selected for 2026 Match Magic as community campaign enters fourth year

North Geor­gia State Fair awards $655,000 in com­munity grants, schol­ar­ships, local invest­ments

Phil and Kay Shine “Up in Lights” on Cobb Parkway

Special Needs Cobb Awarded $15,000 Grant Through Cobb County Fair Association Giving Campaign

Special Needs Adults Walk the Red Carpet at Sparkle & Style Event

Sparkle and Style Fashion Show to benefit Special Needs Cobb

Debbie Day

Alexis Hall

Alexa Waters

Rebecca Whicker

Paula George

Bertille Ngando Quan

Anna Williams

⚾ ONE HOUR. ONE BIG OPPORTUNITY! On Tuesday, November 10, from 10:30–11:30 AM, Special Needs Cobb is stepping up to the plate for Match Magic Power Hour! We're competing for an additional $2,500 in funding, and every online donation made during that hour helps us get closer to winning! We're thrilled to have been selected for @cobbcommunityfoundation's Match Magic 2026, a special giving campaign that offers us a rare opportunity to have donations matched. Our goal? Raise $75,000 to help keep our group homes safe, comfortable, and welcoming for the adults who call them home. But first, we need YOU on our team for Power Hour! ⚾ Want to help us knock this one out of the park? Sign up for a Power Hour reminder, and we'll give you a friendly nudge when it's time to donate! Tap the link in our bio to sign up for a reminder! Mark your calendar, tell a friend, and help us start Match Magic strong! #cobbmatchmagic2026 #SpecialNeedsCobb

A new name. A lasting legacy. 💙 On October 8, we gathered at one of our Marietta group homes for a very special occasion: the official renaming and plaque unveiling of The Georgia Civitan Foundation House. The renaming honors the Georgia Civitan Foundation's extraordinary $50,000 grant to Special Needs Cobb, made possible through the support of the Cobb Area Civitan Club, which selected our organization to apply for funding on its behalf. This generous investment will help us address emergency repairs and critical needs across our group homes, ensuring the adults we serve continue to have safe, comfortable places to call home. But the significance of this gift extends far beyond the repairs it makes possible. For the adults who live in our homes, these are places of belonging, stability, friendship, and memories. They're not temporary housing. They're home, for life. By naming this home in honor of the Georgia Civitan Foundation, we celebrate a partnership rooted in community, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a lasting difference. To the Georgia Civitan Foundation and Cobb Area Civitan Club, thank you for standing alongside us and helping us keep our promise. Real Homes. Real Communities. Real Impact.

🏆 The votes are in… and apparently, choosing a favorite wasn't easy! Our first-ever Homes with Heart People's Choice Award ended in a FOUR-WAY TIE! That's right—four beautiful birdhouses captured the hearts (and votes!) of our guests. 🎨 Congratulations to our People's Choice winners! 🏠 #10 - "Mermaid Dreams" by Kat Recinos of Kat's Vintage Korner @katsdesignskorner 🏠 #28 - “Light of a Clear Blue Morning- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail” by Leslie Leonard of Leslie Leonard Art & Illustration @leslieleonardart 🏠 #32 - "Starry Starry Home" by Cheryl Starling of Cheryl Starling Atlanta Communities Real Estate @cheryl.starling.realtor 🏠 #35 - "Hibiscus Highway" by Anita Savoy @anita.savoyart And that's not all! 🍂 Congratulations to Megan Duffie, winner of our Cozy Autumn Basket! A special thank-you to Kat Recinos of MERK Real Estate and Properties for curating this lovely basket, featuring contributions from Cindi with an EYE and Glenn's Café. Thank you to everyone who cast a vote, explored the exhibition, and helped make Homes with Heart such a fun and memorable evening. We couldn't pick a favorite part of the night either! ❤️ @megan.made.creator @glennscafe220221 @cindiwithaneye_creative

What a night! 🏠❤️ Homes with Heart 2026 was everything we hoped it would be—a beautiful evening filled with creativity, laughter, and community! More than 70 guests joined us at StillFire Brewery on Tuesday evening to explore an incredible collection of artist-created birdhouses, cast their votes for People's Choice, and have a little fun with our scavenger hunt. One of our favorite parts of the evening? Seeing so many new faces! Our artists brought friends and supporters, and even guests who stopped by StillFire for dinner or drinks found themselves exploring the exhibition and learning about Special Needs Cobb. And together, we raised $3,505 to support our mission of providing safe, accessible group homes for adults with developmental disabilities—surpassing last year's total! A huge thank-you to our talented artists, generous bidders, volunteers, and everyone who joined us. And an extra-special thank-you to @stillfirebrewingsmyrna for being such welcoming, hands-on hosts. You helped make the evening truly memorable! Homes with Heart is about more than an auction. It's about bringing people together through art, sparking conversations, and introducing more of our community to the work of Special Needs Cobb. And judging by Tuesday night, we'd say it did just that. ❤️ Stay tuned! We'll be announcing our People's Choice and Cozy Autumn Basket winners soon!

We're just ONE DAY away from Homes with Heart! 🏠❤️ We're excited to share our final event poster, featuring one of the beautiful birdhouses from this year's collection! @chantellechapman Tomorrow evening, we'll gather at @stillfirebrewingsmyrna to celebrate the creativity of our local artists and the community that has come together to support Special Needs Cobb. Join us for an evening of art, creativity, and a little friendly competition! Explore the birdhouse collection, vote for your favorite in our first-ever People's Choice Award, and enjoy some fun activities while you're there. 📍 StillFire Brewery, Smyrna 📅 Tuesday, October 27 | 6–9 PM Can't make it? You can still participate! Our online auction is open through 9 PM Tuesday, and you do not have to attend the exhibition to bid or win. Not interested in bidding? Visit the auction page and click "Support Us" to make a donation instead. Browse, bid, or give through the link in our bio! We can't wait to see you tomorrow! #HomesWithHeart #SpecialNeedsCobb #CobbCounty #SupportLocalArtists #ArtForACause

🚨 COBB COUNTY, WE HAVE AN UPDATE. AND IT'S A GOOD ONE. 🚨 Remember our little birdhouse emergency? 🏡 Well, YOU SHOWED UP. BIG TIME. ❤️ In just two days: 👏 46 BIDS were placed! 🏡 25 birdhouses received their very FIRST bids! 💰 Our auction's total bid value jumped from $1,075 to $2,175! That's $1,100 in additional bids and more than DOUBLE where we started! Did we get all 27 birdhouses their first bids by our deadline? Not quite. But are we calling this a win? YOU BET WE ARE. To everyone who bid, shared, commented, and cheered us on, THANK YOU! You've shown our artists some serious love while supporting Special Needs Cobb. And those last TWO birdhouses still waiting for their first bids? We're rooting for you, little guys. 👀❤️ The auction is still OPEN through Tuesday, October 27, at 9 PM! And don't forget! Join us at StillFire Brewery in Smyrna on Tuesday, October 27, from 6–9 PM to see these incredible creations in person at our Homes with Heart Exhibition! 🔗 Auction Link in Bio

🚨 BIRDHOUSE EMERGENCY UPDATE! 🚨 COBB COUNTY. YOU ABSOLUTE LEGENDS. ❤️ We put out the call, and YOU SHOWED UP! In less than 24 hours, we've gone from 27 birdhouses without bids to just TEN!🤯 SEVENTEEN birdhouses got their very first bids because this community understood the assignment. 👏 But we're not done yet! 🏡 10 birdhouses. Zero bids. One final push. Can we get ALL of them their first bids by Thursday at NOON? Let's finish what we started, Cobb County! Show our artists some love and help us get that number down to ZERO! Auction link in our bio. *The First Bid Challenge ends Thursday at noon, but the auction stays open through October 27 at 9 PM!*

🚨 ATTENTION, COBB COUNTY. WE HAVE A BIRDHOUSE EMERGENCY. 🚨 27 beautiful, one-of-a-kind birdhouses are sitting in our Homes with Heart auction without a SINGLE bid. TWENTY. SEVEN. 😭 The talent? IMMACULATE. The creativity? OFF THE CHARTS. The number of bids? We're not ready to talk about it. So we're officially issuing a FIRST BID CHALLENGE! 🏡 THE MISSION: Get a first bid on all 27 birdhouses by Thursday at NOON. These little masterpieces were created by local artists, students, and community members who donated their talents to support Special Needs Cobb. And we refuse to let them go unnoticed! ❤️ Find one you love. 🙌 Be the first to bid. 📣 Tell your friends. Tell your neighbors. Tell your group chat. WE NEED BACKUP. 🚨 COBB COUNTY, THIS IS NOT A DRILL. 🚨 🔗 AUCTION LINK IN OUR BIO Challenge ends Thursday at noon, but the auction stays open through October 27 at 9 PM!

Some of our Homes with Heart birdhouses come with an extra special story! 🏠🎨 Among this year's participating artists are students from local school programs that focus on hands-on learning, creativity, and building practical skills. These students have put their talents to work creating one-of-a-kind birdhouses for our auction, and we love that Homes with Heart gives them an opportunity to share their work with the community! Take a look at some of their creations! Our Homes with Heart online auction is open now, with proceeds benefiting Special Needs Cobb and the adults who call our group homes home. Browse the collection, place a bid, or simply share the auction to help us celebrate these talented young artists! Don't want to bid? Tap the "Support Us!" button to make a donation. Every dollar puts us closer to our goal. Tap the link in our bio to head over to the auction page! #HomesWithHeart #SpecialNeedsCobb #StudentArtists #CommunityCreativity #CobbCounty

Small houses. Big hearts. Endless creativity! 🏡 Our Homes with Heart online auction is officially underway, and we can't wait for you to explore this year's collection! Talented local artists have transformed ordinary birdhouses into one-of-a-kind works of art, each supporting the homes and individuals served by Special Needs Cobb. Take a peek at a few of the creations up for bid, then visit our auction to discover even more! 🗓️ Bidding closes October 27 at 9 PM. You don't have to attend our October 27 exhibition at StillFire Brewery to bid or win! Artists featured in this post: @elizartdesigns @anita.savoyart @art_by_rose_w @themuddycanvas @eeclayspace Browse and bid- link in bio.

🎉 The Homes with Heart Online Auction is LIVE! The wait is over! Dozens of one-of-a-kind birdhouses, lovingly transformed by talented local artists, are officially up for bid! From whimsical and colorful to intricate and unexpected, every birdhouse has its own personality—and now it's your chance to take one home! Every bid supports Special Needs Cobb and our mission of providing safe, welcoming homes for adults with developmental disabilities. Browse the collection, find your favorite, and start bidding today! 🔗 Shop the auction by tapping the link in our bio. And don't forget! You can see the birdhouses in person at our Homes with Heart Exhibition on October 27, from 6–9 PM at StillFire Brewery in Smyrna. You do not have to attend the exhibition to bid or win! Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your friends and fellow art lovers! #HomesWithHeart #SpecialNeedsCobb #ArtForACause #CobbCounty #SupportLocalArtists

What a day! ⛳💙 Today, we gathered at Dogwood Golf Club for the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic, presented by Cobb EMC Foundation, and we couldn't be more grateful for everyone who helped make this special day possible. To our golfers, luncheon guests, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who joined us in honoring Frank's memory—thank you! We're still taking it all in, but we couldn't let the day end without sharing a little love and appreciation. More photos and highlights to come! 💙 #SpecialNeedsCobb #FrankHiottMemorialGolfClassic #CobbCounty

⛳ It's tournament day! As we kick off the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic this morning, we want to recognize our wonderful Trailblazer Hole Sponsors! A big thank you to: - DO Marketing & Fundraising - Frances Roberson - Manning Properties - Sterling Seacrest Pritchard - David & Suzanne Ivey - Burgess & Christensen - My Cleaning Lady - Rockefeller Capital Management - Los Bravos Mexican Restaurant We're grateful to each of these sponsors for helping make today's tournament possible and supporting the work of Special Needs Cobb. To all our golfers, luncheon guests, sponsors and volunteers—we can't wait to see you at Dogwood Golf Club today! Here's to a great day celebrating Frank Hiott and supporting SNC! 💙 #SpecialNeedsCobb #FrankHiottMemorialGolfClassic #CobbCounty #CommunityPartners

We’re almost ready for Monday! ⛳💙 The finishing touches are coming together for the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to @dogwoodgolf on October 12. We’ve got golf, lunch, a great Silent Auction, a 50/50 raffle—and, most importantly, a wonderful group of people coming together to support Special Needs Cobb and celebrate the legacy of Frank Hiott. Haven’t made your plans yet? There’s still time to join us! Tap the link in our bio. See you Monday! #SpecialNeedsCobb #FrankHiottMemorialGolfClassic #CobbCounty

⛳ Sponsor Spotlight! With the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic just days away, we’re excited to recognize our Stay Together, Stay Strong Sponsors: Leiter’s Uniforms/Leiter’s Big and Tall and Hezlep Nonprofit Advisors! Their support helps make this year’s tournament possible and, most importantly, supports the work of Special Needs Cobb and the adults who call our group homes home. Thank you to both of these community partners for supporting SNC and joining us as we honor Frank Hiott at this year’s Golf Classic. 💙 #SpecialNeedsCobb #FrankHiottMemorialGolfClassic #CobbCounty #CommunityPartners

Okay, we’ve been keeping some secrets. 👀🏠🎨 The Homes with Heart birdhouses are here, and we’re finally ready to give you a closer look at a few of this year’s creations! Local artists have taken a simple birdhouse and turned it into something completely their own—and no two are even remotely alike. Swipe through for a sneak peek, then tell us: which one has your eye? ❤️ The Homes with Heart online auction opens October 13, with more than 50 one-of-a-kind birdhouses up for bid to benefit Special Needs Cobb. And if you want to see them in person, join us October 27 at @stillfirebrewingsmyrna for our Homes with Heart exhibition! Trust us—there’s plenty more where these came from. 😉 #HomesWithHeart #SpecialNeedsCobb #CobbCounty #LocalArtists #ArtForACause #stillfirebrewingsmyrna

One week from today. ⛳💙 On Monday, October 12, we’ll gather at Dogwood Golf Club for the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic—a tournament with a new name this year, but a long history of bringing our community together in support of Special Needs Cobb. Whether you’re joining us on the course or meeting us for lunch, we’d love to have you there. There’s still time to be part of it! Sign up now! Golf Registration: https://bit.ly/4ghWVHC Luncheon Registration: https://bit.ly/45YOwEz

✨ Match Magic is coming back—and Special Needs Cobb is part of it! We’re excited to share that SNC has once again been selected to participate in the Cobb Community Foundation’s Match Magic campaign! From November 10 through December 1, donations made to Special Needs Cobb through Match Magic will have the opportunity to go even further through matching funds and prizes available during the campaign. There’s nothing you need to do just yet—we simply want you to save the dates and stay tuned. 💙 As we celebrate 70 years of serving our community, Match Magic will give us another opportunity to invest in the safe, welcoming homes and long-term support that adults with developmental disabilities can count on. ✨ Nov. 10–Dec. 1. More magic to come! #cobbmatchmagic2026

⛳ Sponsor Spotlight! Today we’re recognizing someone who doesn’t just lead Special Needs Cobb—she personally invests in the mission, too. A big thank you to Debbie Day, CEO of Special Needs Cobb, for serving as the Silent Auction Sponsor of this year’s Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic! Debbie’s support helps make one of the most fun parts of tournament day possible, with a great lineup of auction items waiting for our golfers and luncheon guests on October 12. Thank you, Debbie, for all the ways you show up for SNC and the people we serve! 💙 And if you’re joining us for Golf or lunch, don’t forget to check out the Silent Auction while you’re there! 👀

🎡 One of our favorite nights at the North Georgia State Fair is almost here! Tomorrow, September 29, is Special Populations Night, with free admission and rides for eligible participants and an adult chaperone from 2–7 PM. New this year are Sensory Friendly Hours from 2–4 PM—no lights, no crowds and no music, just rides! 🎠 We’re especially happy to share this opportunity because the North Georgia State Fair has also been a generous supporter of Special Needs Cobb through its community grant program. We’re grateful for the many ways they give back to individuals and organizations throughout our community. 💙 If you’re headed to the fair tomorrow, have a wonderful time! Be sure to check the flyer for all registration details and important information.

A partnership can take many forms! 💙 We’re excited to recognize @fivestarbathsolutionsmarietta as the Luncheon Sponsor of this year’s Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic—and thank them for supporting SNC for the third year in a row! Five Star knows our homes firsthand, too. Their team has completed bathroom renovation work in our group homes, creating safer, more functional spaces for the residents who live there. Swipe to see one of those transformations! ➡️ We’re grateful for Five Star’s continued partnership and support of our mission. ⛳ Not golfing? Join us for lunch on October 12! Registration link in bio. #SpecialNeedsCobb #FrankHiottMemorialGolfClassic #CobbCounty #CommunityPartners

It’s Birdhouse Drop-Off Day at SNC! 🏠🎨 Our office has been getting a little more colorful by the hour as Homes with Heart birdhouses make their way back to us—and we are having SO much fun seeing what our artists have created. We can’t show you everything just yet. 👀 But trust us...you’re going to want to see these. The Homes with Heart online auction opens October 13, with dozens of one-of-a-kind birdhouses created by local artists to benefit Special Needs Cobb. Consider this your sneak peek. More to come! ❤️

Homes with Heart is BACK! 🏠💙 Something special is taking shape… Artists across our community are busy transforming birdhouses into one-of-a-kind works of art for Homes with Heart, Special Needs Cobb’s annual art auction benefiting our group homes. This year, around 40 custom birdhouses will be up for bid, each created and donated by talented artists and friends throughout our community. And these are just a few works in progress—we can’t wait to show you what they become! 📅 Tuesday, October 27 | 6–9 PM 📍 StillFire Brewery in Smyrna Our online auction opens October 13, so bookmark the auction page now and come back when bidding begins (LINK IN BIO). Then join us October 27 to see these one-of-a-kind creations in person, celebrate the artists behind them, and bid on your favorites! Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce you to our artists, reveal their finished creations, and share more about the “heart” behind Homes with Heart. For now…here’s your first peak! 👀 @designed.by.shea @megan.made.creator @atlpenpushers @nicktwiner @cindiwithaneye_creative @stillfirebrewingsmyrna @thegrainhousega

We’re proud to recognize @cobbemc Foundation, Presenting Sponsor of the 28th Annual Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic! Their generous support helps make this special day possible—and, more importantly, helps Special Needs Cobb continue providing safe, well-maintained homes and lifelong support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. We’re grateful to have Cobb EMC Foundation standing with us as we honor Frank’s legacy and tee up another great year at Dogwood Golf Club. Thank you, Cobb EMC Foundation, for investing in our mission and the people we serve. ⛳ Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic 📅 October 12, 2026 📍 Dogwood Golf Club

A new look. A new name. A legacy that carries on. Today, we’re proud to unveil the new logo for the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic. There’s something especially meaningful about seeing Frank’s name here. For so many years, he poured his time and energy into this tournament. This October, for the first time, we’ll gather with his name at the top of it—and with the hope that this event continues to grow, bring people together and support the SNC community for many years to come. We think Frank would get a kick out of seeing his name on the logo. And we know he’d want us to get on with the golf. So, let’s fill the course. 28th Annual Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic Monday, October 12 | Dogwood Golf Club Register for Golf or our Luncheon by tapping the link in our bio. #specialneedscobb #frankhiottgolfclassic

To our Special Needs Cobb family, This has been a season filled with so much celebration. But behind that celebration, we have also been carrying tremendous heartbreak. On August 7, we unexpectedly lost someone very dear to us, Frank Hiott—SNC parent, longtime volunteer, golf tournament chairman, and, most importantly, our friend. If you knew Frank, you knew his warmth, his wonderful sense of humor, and that little mischievous streak that so often kept us laughing. He had a way of making things more fun just by being there, and each of us on staff had our own special relationship with him. Frank’s stepson, Phillip, has called one of our group homes home for more than 20 years, and his wife, Kay Hiott, is our beloved Board President Emeritus. For years, Frank also poured his heart into our annual golf tournament, connecting with golfers, donors and guests and helping make the event what it is today. It is only fitting that beginning this year, the tournament he gave so much to will permanently bear his name: the Frank Hiott Memorial Golf Classic. We miss you, Frank—your jokes, your mischievous grin, and mostly, just having you around. The golf course won’t be the same without you. But from now on, your name will always be part of it. 💙

We have the photos. We have the final numbers. And we have a lot to share. But not quite yet… For now, just a little glimpse of Up in Lights. 🎬⭐

“I’m Thriving.” That’s what 70 years of Special Needs Cobb is really about. If you’ve driven past one of our billboards around Cobb County this year, you’ve seen some of the incredible people at the heart of our mission. People who have a safe place to call home. People who are connected to their communities. People who are thriving. For 70 years, Special Needs Cobb has stood alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Today, that legacy continues through lifelong housing, family resources, education, and connection. And on Saturday, August 15, we’re putting that legacy 'Up in Lights.' Join us at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Marietta Square for an Old Hollywood-inspired celebration with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, and seven decades of stories worth celebrating. This isn't your typical fundraising dinner. It's a party 70 years in the making. Come celebrate the people who started it, the people who carried it forward, and—most importantly—the people who remind us why this work matters. August 15 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | Marietta Square 🎟️ There’s still time to join us. Reserve your tickets today. Link in bio.

The lights dim. The curtain rises. A legacy 70 years in the making takes center stage. Join us for an unforgettable evening of Old Hollywood glamour, live music, handcrafted cocktails, and celebration as we honor seven decades of changing lives through Special Needs Cobb. Behind every ticket is something far greater than a party. It's a commitment to ensuring adults with developmental disabilities continue to have safe, loving homes—and the opportunity to thrive for generations to come. One unforgettable night. One incredible mission. Seventy remarkable years. We can't wait to celebrate with you. Tickets in bio. Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre August 15th, 2026 6:30-8:30 PM #UpInLights #SNC70 #SpecialNeedsCobb

"I Belong." For 70 years, Special Needs Cobb has worked to create a community where adults with special needs can live, thrive, and belong. This week, that message became especially meaningful as Phil and his mother, Kay, stood in front of Phil's billboard on Cobb Parkway. As Board President Emeritus, Kay has dedicated countless hours to helping Special Needs Cobb grow and serve generations of families. Like so many parents before her, she dreamed of a future where her loved one would be valued, supported, and included. Today, she got to see that message shining back at her. "I Belong." As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary and put our residents, supporters, and partners Up in Lights throughout 2026, we're reminded that our story has always been about people—families who believed in a vision, advocates who helped build it, and residents like Phil who inspire it every day. Thank you, Kay, for helping light the way for so many families over the years. And thank you, Phil, for reminding us why this work matters. #SpecialNeedsCobb #UpInLights #IBelong #70YearsStrong #HereForYouForLife

We are honored to share that Special Needs Cobb has been awarded a $15,000 grant through the Cobb County Fair Association! @northgeorgiastatefair As a first-time recipient, we are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission and in the adults with special needs we serve throughout our community. This generous support helps us continue providing safe, supportive homes and critical resources for adults with special needs while ensuring they have opportunities to thrive for years to come. Thank you to the Fair Association, its leadership, volunteers, and supporters for making this Giving Campaign possible. We are honored to be among this year's recipients. Thank you for helping us build a brighter future together. #SpecialNeedsCobb #CommunitySupport #CobbCounty #NonprofitImpact #northgeorgiastatefair

We're still smiling from Sparkle & Style 2026. Thanks to an incredible community of supporters, volunteers, sponsors, models, and friends, we raised more than $30,000 to support adults with special needs. Enjoy this look back at a day filled with fashion, friendship, and purpose. Special thanks to Sadie Hixon for this video recap. #SparkleAndStyle #SpecialNeedsCobb

Rare conditions may be considered uncommon, but the people impacted by them are not invisible. Today for Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day, we’re sharing a few facts about PWS and why understanding and compassion matter so much. At Special Needs Cobb, we’ve had the privilege of supporting residents with PWS over the years, and their lives continue to remind us that people are always more than a diagnosis. Swipe through to learn more 💜 #PWSAwareness #PraderWilliSyndrome #RareDiseaseAwareness #SpecialNeedsCobb #HereForYouForLife

👀 You might have seen us around… Sparkle & Style, presented by @cobbemc Foundation, is officially lighting up Cobb County — and we couldn’t be more excited! Our team had to stop and capture the moment in front of our very own billboard this week (because… how often does this happen?!) Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fashion, community, and impact at our Sparkle & Style Fashion Show, Silent Auction & Luncheon. If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, this is your sign :D Saturday, April 25 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Early shopping for the silent auction begins at 10:30 AM Holy Family Catholic Church 3401 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta Tickets are $40 (Tap the link in our bio to purchase) Whether you're coming for the fashion, the fun, or the cause — we promise a dazzling afternoon you won’t want to miss. @clearchanneloutdoor @cobbchamber

Sparkle & Style returns April 25! Presented by Cobb EMC Foundation (@cobbemc), this joyful afternoon includes: 👗 Fashion show sponsored by @casabellaeastcobb 🛍 Silent auction 🍽 Luncheon 🎟 50/50 raffle — already up to $500! Our models — residents and friends of Special Needs Cobb — will light up the runway in one of the most heartwarming events of the year. 🎟 Tickets on sale now through the link in our bio.

At Special Needs Cobb, we believe adults with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live safely and with dignity in their communities. But right now in Georgia, 1,217 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are in critical or urgent need of NOW/COMP waivers. These waivers provide essential services that help people live in community settings instead of hospitals or institutional care. Advocates across Georgia — led by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities — are urging legislators to: • Fund 1,217 critical NOW/COMP waivers in this year’s state budget • Hire 26 additional DBHDD staff needed to process and manage these waivers ⏱️ Taking action takes less than 2 minutes. Use the link in our bio to send a message directly to your legislators through the Quorum advocacy platform. Thank you to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Georgia’s disability community and thank you to everyone who takes a moment to speak up today.

What if a job fair flipped the script? At the Abilities in Action Fair, young adults with disabilities take the lead — showcasing their talents, skills, and career goals for local employers. 📅 March 27, 2026 ⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (drop in anytime) 📍 NorthStar Church – True North Building, Kennesaw Come meet motivated candidates and discover the value of inclusive hiring. ✨ When we see ability, we create opportunity. #InclusiveEmployment #CobbCounty #DisabilityInclusion #AbilitiesInAction #CommunityConnections

Awareness in Action 💙 Last week, Special Needs Cobb had the honor of participating in an advocacy event at the Georgia Capitol to raise awareness about Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). We were proudly represented by Kay Hiott, our Board President Emeritus, with son, Phillip, Special Needs Cobb resident. Having Phillip and PWS families with us made this experience especially powerful, reminding legislators that policies are not abstract, but deeply personal and life-shaping. This impactful advocacy event was organized by @pwsausa, bringing together families, advocates, and service providers united around one goal: improving care, awareness, and outcomes for individuals with PWS. We are grateful for the opportunity to amplify these voices and continue advocating for inclusive policies that support individuals with disabilities and their families.

Heads together, plans in progress 💙✨ Our Student Fellow Bertille and Human Services intern Anna are hard at work planning logistics for KSU Day of Service this March. From coordinating volunteers to mapping out the details, their behind-the-scenes work helps make a big impact possible. Both are students at @kennesawstateuniversity, and we’re so grateful for our continued partnership with KSU and its strong commitment to community service. We love seeing students use their skills to support our mission—and each other. #KSU #KSUDayofService #StudentLeaders #CommunityInAction #ServiceWithHeart We can’t wait to see this day come together—thanks to amazing partners and students like these!

The ARC House ladies shined in this year’s Homes with Heart auction! Their handcrafted birdhouse was bursting with creativity — and resident Leah’s mom, Sherry, saw something truly special in it. She bid on the piece with one beautiful goal: to bring it right back to ARC House as a symbol of the girls’ friendship and the joy they share at home. After winning, Sherry teamed up with the residents to add a few dazzling finishing touches before returning the birdhouse to its forever spot inside ARC House, where it now inspires everyone who walks by. These photos were snapped outside to show off every gorgeous detail the ladies designed. ✨💙

If They Could Tell You… Today, on Giving Tuesday, we’re sharing something truly special: the voices of our residents telling us what they love about their homes. Some express it in words. Some in smiles or laughter. Some in the small, joyful sounds that say “I feel safe here.” Together, they remind us what home means at Special Needs Cobb — safety, belonging, friendship, and the chance to shine every single day. Your Giving Tuesday gift helps keep all 23 of our group homes safe, seen, and supported. And while today is a special day to give, your year-end gifts are welcome all month long. Give Today and Make Your 100% Tax-Deductible Donation Now: www.specialneedscobb.org #GivingTuesday #SpecialNeedsCobb #SupportLocal #GiveBack #HereForYouForLife

✨ These Guys Brought the SHINE — And Then Some! ✨ Our relationship with this amazing, veteran-owned company began back in April, when Rob and Joe of @thecitrusman sponsored our Sparkle & Style Fashion Show & Luncheon. From day one, they showed up with heart — and they’ve only continued to shine brighter. This summer, Rob and Joe visited our Kenny Cox House and treated us to a complimentary floor cleaning that left the whole home smelling fresh and looking brand-new. Our staff is still talking about it! Fast forward to Pars for Stars… Rob and Joe joined us as special guests. Rob grabbed a few 50/50 raffle tickets “just for fun.” Then he WON — $650!! And what did he do? Without hesitation, he donated every single dollar right back to Special Needs Cobb. 🔥💙 Talk about community magic. Talk about heart. Talk about veterans who embody service in every possible way. Rob, Joe, and the whole CitruSolutions team — thank you for your generosity, your kindness, your service, and the way you’ve wrapped your arms around our SNC family. We’re endlessly grateful. ✨ And hey — if you want your floors looking holiday-ready and dazzling enough to impress even your pickiest relatives, give CitruSolutions a call. You won’t regret it. https://www.citruscleancarpet.com/✨ #SpecialNeedsCobb #HereForYouForLife #citrusolutions #CobbCounty #SupportLocal #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSpotlight #VeteranOwned #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteransInBusiness #CommunityPartners #LocalBusinessLove #ShineBright

✨ NEW RECORD: $45,758 Raised for Adults with Special Needs! ✨ Thanks to our incredible golfers, luncheon guests, donors, volunteers, and supporters, our 27th Annual Pars for Stars officially shattered our fundraising record, raising $45,758 to support safe, lifelong homes for adults with special needs. 💙 A huge thank-you to our 2025 Sponsors, whose generosity helped make this possible: Cobb EMC Foundation- https://cobbemc.com/cobb-emc-foundation Five Star Bath Solutions- https://fivestarbathsolutions.com/marietta-ga/ id enterprises, inc.- http://identerprises.net/ My Cleaning Lady- https://www.mycleaninglady-ga.com/ M&M Alterman Family Foundation Kim C. Martin, Special Needs Law, Harrison LLP- https://harrisonllp.com/people/kim-c-martin Blad & Hezlep, Certified Public Accountants- https://www.bladhezlepcpa.com/ Debbie Day, CEO Special Needs Cobb Kay & Frank Hiott East Cobb Civitan- https://civitan.org/east-cobb/ North Cobb Civitan- https://www.northcobbcivitanclub.org/ Manning Properties- https://manningproperties.com/ Rockefeller Capital Management- The ECQG Group- https://www.rockco.com/ DO Marketing & Fundraising- https://www.domarketingfundraising.com/ Sterling Seacrest Pritchard- https://sspins.com/ Frances Roberson, Harry Norman Realtors- https://francesroberson.harrynorman.com/ Adele Grubbs Incompass Financial- https://www.incompassfp.com/ Todd Nelon Roofing- https://www.facebook.com/ToddNelonRoofing/ In-Kind Sponsors The UPS Store Pavilions at East Lake- https://locations.theupsstore.com/ga/marietta/2146-roswell-rd-ne The Grain House Custom Woodworks- https://www.thegrainhousega.com/ And a very special thank you to Sara Fera! As you prepare for the holidays and the year ahead, we encourage you to support the businesses that support our community. Your kindness helps keep 92 adults safe, supported, and thriving. 📸 Photo Gallery Now Live! Relive the day — view all photos on our website here: https://www.specialneedscobb.org/golf/ Thank you for being part of our mission. 💙✨ Here for you. For life.

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