At the start of each new year, people make a list of things they are going to do to improve their lives. We say we are going to eat less and work out more. Think about making resolutions that will not only help you, but help your community. Volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need. In addition to our local schools, synagogues and churches, here’s a sampling of some local, non-profit organizations that are in need of volunteers, financial contributions and/or miscellaneous donations.

ADOPT-A-STREAM PROGRAM
(Watershed Stewardship Program)
This Cobb County program provides participants the opportunity to learn about the watershed they live in with a variety of programs designed to help people learn how to improve local water quality through hands-on activities for all ages. Free.
www.watershed.cobbcountyga.gov 770-528-1482

AMERICAN RED CROSS
Provides care to those in need. A network of generous donors, volunteers and employees who share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering.
1955 Monroe Drive Atlanta, GA 30324
www.redcross.org 404-876-3302

BACKPACK BLESSINGS
Provides food for elementary school children who qualify for the free meal plan and go without food on the weekends.
Tony Palermo, Volunteer Crew Leader, Board Chairman
www.backpackblessings.org 678-245-1252

CENTER FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS
Provides secure residential care for Cobb County’s abused and neglected children.
Kimberly Tinsley, Volunteer & Activities Coordinator
www.ccyakids.org 770-333-9447

THE CENTER FOR FAMILY RESOURCES
Provides emergency assistance to families in Cobb County so that they can acquire the resources they need to become independent and self-sufficient, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty.
Alicia Ferguson, Development & Volunteer Coordinator
995 Roswell Street, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30060
theCFR.org 770-428-2601

COBB COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Promotes philanthropy to create and support a vital and caring community. It builds a collection of endowment funds and distributes the proceeds to nonprofit organizations that serve the community’s members.
Cobb Chamber of Commerce
240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
www.cobbfoundation.org 770-859-2366

COBB COUNTY JUVENILE COURT – CITIZEN PANEL REVIEW
A volunteer supported program tasked with reviewing foster care cases.
Michael Figueras; michael.figueras@cobbcounty.org
www.cobbcountyga.gov 770-528-2284

COBB COUNTY JUVENILE COURT SPECIAL ADVOCATE
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a Juvenile Court Judge to speak up for the best interest of an abused or neglected child involved in a juvenile court proceeding. Seeking volunteers for future training classes.
Carlene Redmond
www.cobbcountyga.gov 770-528-2285

COBB COUNTY JUVENILE COURT YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM
This program is for first offenders with minor offenses. These juveniles are given the opportunity to appear before a panel of community volunteers instead of a judge. Volunteers are needed to serve on the panel. Training provided and required.
Bridget Jones
www.cobbcountyga.gov 770-528-2243

COBB COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Help needed with shelving and straightening paperbacks and periodicals as well as other opportunities as listed on website.
www.cobbcat.org 770-528-2320

COBB COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Cobb County Sheriff’s program is looking for residents to assist deputies and other staff in sheriff’s day-to-day office operations.
Kim Norrell
www.cobbcounty.org 770-499-4651

COBB LITERACY COUNCIL
Needs tutors for GED as well as administrative help.
Donna Frankovsky
www.cobbworks.org 770-528-8094

MUST MINISTRIES
Since 1972, MUST has provided services to the poor and homeless in Cobb and Cherokee Counties.
1407 Cobb Parkway, Marietta, GA 30062
volunteer@mustministries.org
www.mustministries.org/BeHelp 770-427-9862

NORTHWEST METRO ATLANTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Strives to eliminate substandard housing in Cobb County through new home construction and existing home renovation. Also offers zero-interest loans.
Camellia Chandler Volunteer Coordinator & Development Assistant
1625 Spring Road, Smyrna, GA 30080
dwalker@nwmetroatlantahabitat.org
www.nwmetroatlantahabitat.org 770-432-7954 x100

RALLY FOUNDATION
Empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. Volunteers needed for special events and fundraisers.
Maureen Barry, Volunteer Coordinator
5775 Glenridge Drive, Building B, Suite 370 Sandy Springs, GA 30328
www.rallyfoundation.org 404-847-1270

SAFE AMERICA FOUNDATION
They distribute information, develop and facilitate programming, and support businesses and products with a focus on emerging health and safety issues at home, work and play.
Len Pagano, President
2000 First Drive, Suite 310, Marietta, GA 30062
www.safeamerica.org 770-973-7233

SAFE KIDS COBB COUNTY
Safe Kids Cobb County is committed to reducing and preventing accidental injuries to children in Cobb County. It provides information and education on the following topics: Car and Booster Seats, Poison Prevention, Water Safety, Bicycle/Wheel Safety, Home Safety & Pedestrian Safety. Sponsors car seat checks, bike rodeos, and safety fairs.
Lisa Grisham, Safe Kids Co-Coordinator
114 Cherry Street, Suite G, Marietta, GA 30060
www.safekidscobbcounty.org 770-793-7185

SAFEPATH CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER
Ensures a child-friendly environment in which child victims of abuse and neglect can feel safe and comfortable during the process of intervention and investigation. Caring adults are needed to greet families and supervise children in their playroom/waiting area during the day, and in the evening on Mondays and Wednesdays.
736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 600 Marietta, GA 30064
www.safepath.org

SECOND WIND DREAMS
Second Wind Dreams is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of educational programs including its flagship, sensitivity training.
www.secondwind.org 678-624-0500 x 415

SIMPLE NEEDS GA
Monthly hands-on projects help the homeless and children in need. Check out website for other opportunities.
P.O. Box 670265, Marietta, GA 30066
info@simpleneedsga.org
www.simpleneedsga.org 678-266-3344

UNITED WAY OF GREATER ATLANTA
United Way does “whatever it takes” to help the Cobb community focus and get results on important human issues. While United Way does raise and invest dollars, it also helps people volunteer, lend their professional expertise, donate household and office items and advocate on behalf of issues.
Bianca Ash, Regional Director
995 Roswell Street, Suite 338 Marietta, GA 30060
info@unitedwayatlanta.org
www.unitedwayatlanta.org 770-428-8344

WELLSTAR
WellStar volunteers are an integral part of the healthcare team. Volunteers provide service to the hospital while also promoting a caring attitude in the hospital and community. Volunteers interact daily with hospital team members, physicians, patients and patients’ families.
330 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard Marietta, GA 30060
www.wellstar.org 770-793-7120

This article was written by Irene Barton, Resource Manager, Cobb Collaborative, and originally appeared in the January issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, beginning on page 16. Click HERE to access the digital edition.