CONNECTING LEADERS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
Helping Hands The Center for Family Resources and the Magistrate Court help families resolve eviction crises. 1st Annual Giving Issue: A salute to Cobb County-based nonprofits
Cobb Community Foundation | Insurance Solutions | Legal Lessons | Leader Profile: Drew Tutton
CONTENTS
Vol. XXII, No. 6 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
FE ATURE
How We Show Up for Each Other Strong communities depend on more than government programs or charitable organizations. They depend on people who recognize that the well-being of their neighbors matters and who chooses to act when others face difficult circumstances.
6 SHARPER FOCUS Find out what’s going on throughout Cobb County with our news updates.
8 INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Those who volunteer to serve on a board should keep solid risk management practices in mind.
9 LEGAL LESSONS The best NDAs clearly define what information is protected, limit how it may be used, and create a paper trail that can prove misuse if a dispute arises.
28 COBB COMMUNITY FOUNDATION A little planning before yearend can sometimes allow you to accomplish your charitable goals while also improving your tax picture.
32 FINAL FOCUS A holiday roundup of entertainment with a theme of giving back.
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15 SPECIAL SECTION: THE GIVING ISSUE 16 COBB SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION The foundation’s mission is to serve as an advocate for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and its community-engagement efforts.
18 SAFETY VILLAGE This eight-acre campus utilizes miniature structures and streets to educate children about health and safety.
20 GIVING GUIDE LISTING More local organizations which have found unique ways to support our community.
22 GLORY HAUS Glory Haus was founded on the belief that art can be about so much more than what hangs on our walls.
24 COBB SALUTES Cobb Salutes brings local residents together to honor military service and support veterans and their families.
26 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY For 40 years, Habitat NWMA has worked to help create a future where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
ON THE COVER: L-R: The Center for Family Resources Team: Melissa Kirby, Prevention Services Supervisor; Destiny Collins, Housing Stability Court Case Manager; Melanie Kagan, CEO. The Housing Stability Court Team: Judge Brendan Murphy, Chief Magistrate of Cobb County; Stephanie Stephens, Court Support Supervisor; Grace Hardy, Deputy Clerk IV. PHOTO: LARUCHE PHOTO
ATTENTION LEADERS OF COBB! If you’re reading this, chances are you are a local business owner, industry executive, nonprofit leader, civic/government official, a leader in education, or community organizer. You’re an individual who is among Cobb County’s premier influencers. We offer you an opportunity to share your entrepreneurial insights, your business acumen, and your thought leadership with a Leader Profile in Cobb In Focus. To learn more about our Leader Profile and other advertising possibilities, please contact info@nsmpag.com.
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FROM THE E D I TO R
Your Generosity Inspires BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
Photo by LaRuche Photo
Welcome to our 1st Annual Giving Issue! This issue is dedicated to those organizations and individuals who are giving back to the community — with their expertise, their time, their treasure, and their good deeds. We wish to show our appreciation for their efforts as well as to share their stories with you. Additionally, we hope you find inspiration to not only support these groups, but perhaps to start a program of your own that could assist the underserved and disadvantaged among us. On the following pages you will learn how The Center for Family Resources helps to stabilize families and prevent homelessness. You will discover how the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation builds community. You can read about the various ways in which the Cobb County Safety Village educates and supports local youth. You can see how Glory Haus creates meaningful art that inspires people while building relationships and strengthening our community. Then uncover how Cobb Thanks You For Your Service (Cobb Salutes) transforms a seemingly small act into an invaluable act for those who have served our country. Next, gain inspiration from Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta’s good works in building affordable housing in Georgia. Finally, learn from the Cobb Community Foundation how a little planning before year-end can sometimes allow you to accomplish your charitable goals while also improving your tax picture. Then see how local business owner Drew Tutton has built a community of customer relationships through his many years of service in the automotive industry. In assembling this issue, it’s clear to us at New South Publishing just how generous the Cobb community continues to be. As this year comes to a close and we give thanks for our friends and families, and our good fortune, save a thought for those less fortunate. And if you can, consider giving back. •
Contact Cobb in Focus We want to hear from you! Share your story ideas and comments with our editor. Visit cobbinfocus.com or send your suggestions to: cspettite@nspmag.com or New South Publishing, Attn: Cory Sekine-Pettite 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30350
New South Publishing Inc. PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR Robyn Sobelson, PhD PRESIDENT John Hanna ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sherry Gasaway Senior Director of Media Partnerships
Mark Tisdale Director of Media Partnerships
Kenny Naylor Director of Media Partnerships
MANAGING EDITOR Cory Sekine-Pettite EDITOR-AT-LARGE Denise K. James MARKETING DIRECTOR Mira Sawyer GRAPHIC DESIGNER Garon Hart CONTRIBUTORS LaRuche Photo, Photography Kevin DiPetrillo, Contributor Corrie Thrasher, Contributor PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Megan Willis CIRCULATION Amy Fine PRESIDENT EMERITUS Larry Lebovitz cobbinfocus.com @cobbinfocus facebook.com/cobbinfocus @cobb-in-focus-magazine Cobb in Focus™ is published six times a year by New South Publishing Inc., 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA, 30350. Direct all editorial and circulation queries to (770) 650-1102. Direct all advertising queries to the email addresses listed below. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies. Material in this publication may not be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. Copyright 2026 by New South Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. For advertising inquiries, email info@nspmag.com.
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S H A RP ER FOCUS Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community. Cobb EMC Celebrates Launch of SolarShare Community Solar Project In early October, Cobb EMC celebrated the launch of its SolarShare project in Cherokee County. The 1-megawatt facility is now operational and generating local renewable energy, providing members with a new way to participate in solar energy without installing rooftop panels on their homes. Located adjacent to Interstate 75, the project is one of only a few interstate solar projects in the United States and just the second in Georgia. Developed in coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation, the facility was made possible through collaboration with project partner Gas South and installation partner Colite Technologies. SolarShare expands access to solar energy for eligible Cobb EMC members who may not be able to install rooftop panels or who prefer a simpler alternative. Through the program, members can subscribe to solar blocks from the shared facility and receive monthly bill credits based on the energy produced. “This project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can create practical energy solutions for our members,” said Tim Jarrell, Executive Vice President of Power Supply and Emerging Technologies at Cobb EMC. Enrollment in SolarShare is now open. Members may purchase up to five solar blocks, with each block representing three solar panels in the shared facility. To learn more or enroll, visit cobbemc. com/solarshare.
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31 Nonprofits Selected for Cobb Community Foundation’s 2026 Match Magic Thirty-one nonprofit organizations have been selected to participate in Cobb Community Foundation’s 2026 Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon, the largest group in the campaign’s four-year history. The organizations were chosen from a record 70 applicants, up from just over 50 in 2025. The increase speaks to how far a simple holiday giveathon has come. Match Magic began in 2023 as the Cobb Thrives Gift Guide, a print and online catalog featuring specific year-end wishes from 30 local nonprofits. Community members responded with $71,000 in gifts. The guide helped important requests find generous donors, but it also revealed a larger opportunity: What if a holiday campaign could help nonprofits raise not only money, but also visibility, stronger fundraising skills, and relationships with new supporters? The community’s response changed the scale of what was possible. Twenty-five organizations raised more than $703,000 in 2024, and a $108,000 Match Pool brought the total distributed to more than $811,000. In 2025, 27 organizations raised nearly $1.6 million; with almost $138,000 in matching funds, the campaign generated $1,710,586 in just three weeks. The growth was measured in relationships as well as dollars. Among 2025 participants, 93 percent reported gaining new donors, 89 percent reached a new audience and 78 percent received larger gifts from existing supporters. Nearly nine in 10 said the time they invested was worth the exposure and donations they received. “The numbers are extraordinary, but the real magic is what remains after the campaign ends,” said Shari Martin, president and CEO of Cobb Community Foundation. “Nonprofits leave with clearer stories, practical tools they can use again, and new and more people who understand and care about their work. At the same time, neighbors, businesses and families have an easy way to discover organizations strengthening our community and to be part of what they make possible.” Learn more at cobbfoundation.org. •
SHARPER FOCUS SHARPER FOCUS SHARPER FOCUS SHARPER FOCUS SHARPER FOCUS SHARPER FOCUS
Cobb Executive Women Names Jackie McMorris The 2026 Woman of Distinction Award Recipient
EXPOSURE METER
The Cobb Chamber’s Cobb Executive Women recently named Jackie McMorris the winner of the 2026 Woman of Distinction Award. McMorris is the County Manager for Cobb County Government. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to public service, collaborative leadership, and strengthening the community she serves. The Woman of Distinction Award is given annually to recognize a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her professional endeavors, community involvement, and social responsibility. McMorris’ career in public service spans more than 27 years and includes a series of groundbreaking leadership roles. After serving in leadership positions in Cherokee County and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, McMorris joined Cobb County Government in 2013. She went on to become Cobb’s first Deputy County Manager and, in March 2020, became the first African American woman to serve as County Manager. She has played a key role in creating resources for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. Her leadership helped establish the Cobb Family Advocacy Center, the first of its kind in Georgia, bringing together critical services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking.
City of Smyrna Awarded Bee City Designation The City of Smyrna is now a “Bee City,” a designation provided by Bee City USA that provides protection for the pollinators across the city. The announcement comes after months of effort by Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Smyrna has designated Keep Smyrna Beautiful as the facilitating committee for Smyrna’s efforts to engage the community in promoting pollinator conservation. “The Bee City designation represents an important step in our shared commitment to protecting the pollinators that are essential to the Smyrna community,” said Casey Chaviano, at-large KSB board member. “Georgia is home to more than 500 species of native bees, many of which are facing increasing threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, introduced diseases, and changing climate conditions.” •
COBB CHAMBER HONORED. The Cobb Chamber recently was recognized by the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network for its civic leadership, positive civic engagement, and a commitment to strong democratic norms and institutions. The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network is a cross-partisan initiative supported by The Carter Center. The network brings together civic, business, faith, and community leaders from across Georgia’s political spectrum to promote peaceful civic engagement, trusted elections, and confidence in democratic institutions.
MARIETTA THEATRE COMPANY. Marietta Theatre Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary and entering a new chapter through a partnership with Cobb PARKS that will bring its full 2027 season to Jennie T. Anderson Theatre and nearly triple its most recent audience capacity. “We are honored to continue serving the patrons who have supported us throughout our first decade and to welcome even more people at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. The stage may be larger, but the connection between our artists and audiences will remain at the heart of all we do,” said Katrina Stroup, co-founder and board president of Marietta Theatre Company. NURSING EDUCATION. Kennesaw State University has honored longtime donor Katherine A. Scott by naming a nursing simulation lab in recognition of her $1-million gift establishing the Katherine A. Scott Nursing Scholarship Endowment. The facility provides nursing students with opportunities to develop clinical skills through hands-on simulation and practice.
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INS U R A N CE SO L U T I O N S
Give Back With Confidence Here’s how to limit your liability on a volunteer board BY KEVIN DIPETRILLO, PARTNER, POINTENORTH INSURANCE GROUP
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our kid plays a sport, and you’ve been asked to step in as the treasurer for the league. Your first thought probably wasn’t about lawsuits, but you’ve seen the parents on the sidelines, right? Most volunteers don’t consider the personal liability associated with helping out, and that’s exactly why it’s worth a few minutes of consideration before you say yes. Those who volunteer to serve on a board (a neighborhood HOA, PTA, or a nonprofit) should keep solid risk management practices in mind so that good intent doesn’t lead to catastrophic consequences for them and their family.
The commonly missed first step The first step in risk management is not to buy insurance. It’s to reduce risk. You can reduce the risk of your volunteer board position through a few steps: 1. Only volunteer for a position that aligns with your skills, experience, and expertise. You’re less likely to make a mistake if you’re operating in an area with which you’re familiar. 2. Ask questions about who handles the money. Many liability suits surrounding board members are linked to misallocation of funds and breach of fiduciary duty. You want strong financial controls in place, including multiple signers of checks and bank reconciliation by someone other than the treasurer. 3. Inquire about the governing documents and whether they’re followed. Also ask if the governing documents include Indemnification language in favor of the board members. An organization with poor governance exposes the board members to personal liability. 4. Consider the structure of the organization you’re volunteering for. A formal corporate entity that’s in good standing with regulators, including the IRS, will create more of a personal liability shield for volunteer board members than an informal organization or group. 5. Confirm the organization is adequately insured for its operations, including special events and fundraisers. There are federal and state laws that limit liability for volunteer board members and extend immunity for certain actions under certain circumstances, but there are limits to these laws, and you can only claim immunity once you’ve been sued. That means you’ll need an attorney, which is where insurance comes in. 8
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What are the insurance solutions? If you’re serving on the board of a smaller local organization, it’s possible that your homeowners insurance may offer an Kevin DiPetrillo endorsement extending your liability coverage to your board service. Your personal insurance agent should be your first call. For others, a Directors & Officers Liability insurance policy (D&O) is the best tool for the job. D&O is purchased by the organization you’re volunteering for, and it protects the individual board members from certain liabilities associated with their actions as board members. D&O also offers important protection for the organization, including defense against: 1. Allegations of misuse or misallocation of donated funds, such as a donor alleging their gift was used for the wrong cause. 2. Breach of fiduciary duty. 3. Discrimination in services or membership. 4. Disputes with vendors or partners. 5. Wrongful denial of services such as a potential beneficiary claiming they were unfairly refused program benefits or services, or, to take us back to your sports league, when a parent sues because their child was denied a spot on the elite team. Most D&O policies include these types of circumstances and more. So, the policy provides valuable coverage for the individual board members, but also valuable coverage for the organization itself. All policies are different so you should have a conversation with your agent about your concerns and what you want covered. As you prepare to take your next volunteer role, keep this information in mind. Don’t let your desire to help create a liability exposure for your family. Take the time to make sure the right practices and policies are in place. Consult with your personal insurance agent, then have conversations with the organization’s insurance broker to make sure the right coverage is in place. Then, follow your passion, and do some good in the world. It’s the season for it, after all. •
KEVIN DIPETRILLO is a Partner at PointeNorth Insurance Group. With a degree in Risk Management from The University of Georgia, he has been helping businesses and High Net Worth households with their insurance needs for 25 years. Visit pointenorthins.com to see how the company can serve your needs.
LE GA L LE SSO N S
If A Business Sale Falls Apart, Will Your NDA Still Protect You? BY CORRIE THRASHER, FOUNDER OF THRASHER LAW
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s a small business attorney, I often get asked to review nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for clients who are selling their business. Sellers enter these agreements because they are about to share some of their most valuable information: customer relationships, financial data, pricing strategies, vendor agreements, and growth plans. But what happens if the transaction falls through? Many business owners assume that an NDA prevents a prospective buyer from using any information received, at any point. Unfortunately, courts have repeatedly shown that an NDA is only as strong as its drafting. The best NDAs clearly define what information is protected, limit how it may be used, and create a paper trail that can prove misuse if a dispute arises.
Prohibit use, not just disclosure Many NDAs focus on preventing “disclosure” of confidential information. That’s important, but the language is also important. A prospective buyer may never disclose your information, yet still use it to compete against you, solicit your customers, or improve their own business operations. For that reason, sellers should ensure their NDAs expressly state that confidential information may be used only for evaluating the proposed transaction and for no other purpose. Unauthorized use should be treated as a breach, even if the information is never publicly disclosed.
Be specific about what is confidential An NDA should specifically identify the categories of information expected to be shared, such as customer lists and customerspecific data; financial statements; forecasts, margins, and projections; vendor information; and operational processes. In several recent cases, businesses struggled because they could not adequately explain what information was supposedly confidential or why it deserved protection, because they had not defined it upfront in their agreements concerning confidentiality.
Plan for a failed deal An NDA should clearly address what happens to confidential information if negotiations end without a sale. It should require the prospective buyer to stop using the information immediately, return or destroy all confidential materials, including notes, copies, and extracts, and certify compliance upon request. These obligations reduce the risk that the seller’s information will remain in circulation after the deal falls apart. To strengthen any later claim, the seller also should document what information it provided, when it was provided, and when it was due to be returned or destroyed. Clear obligations backed
by good records help contain the seller’s risk and make the NDA easier to enforce if the buyer does not follow through.
Define the breach and preserve the remedy An effective NDA should define both what Corrie Thrasher constitutes a breach and what the seller can do about it. The agreement should identify unauthorized use, disclosure, copying, retention, or sharing of confidential information as violations. It also should preserve the seller’s right to seek an injunction and other equitable remedies because money damages may not be enough. For example, if a prospective buyer uses due-diligence materials to solicit the seller’s customers, the seller may need to stop that conduct immediately rather than wait years for a damages award. Clear breach terms paired with meaningful remedies make the NDA easier to enforce when prompt results matter.
Keep records that can prove misuse Even the best NDA will not win a case by itself. Courts regularly look for evidence showing what information was shared, when it was shared, who received it, how it was accessed, and how it was allegedly used afterward. Sellers should maintain data room logs, access reports, email records, and copies of materials provided during due diligence. If the buyer later competes for the same customers or launches a similar initiative, those records will become critical evidence.
Bottom line When it comes to failed acquisitions, courts consistently focus on two questions: What exactly was protected, and can the seller prove it was used improperly? A well-drafted NDA, combined with thoughtful evidentiary documentation, puts business owners in the strongest position to answer both questions. • Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with a qualified attorney regarding their specific circumstances.
CORRIE THRASHER is the founder of Thrasher Law and provides ongoing legal counsel to business owners and executive teams who value consistent, senior-level judgment in business operations, growth, and complex transactions. Learn more at thrasherlegal.com. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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L-R: The Center for Family Resources Team: Melissa Kirby, Prevention Services Supervisor; Destiny Collins, Housing Stability Court Case Manager; Melanie Kagan, CEO. The Housing Stability Court Team: Judge Brendan Murphy, Chief Magistrate of Cobb County; Stephanie Stephens, Court Support Supervisor; Grace Hardy, Deputy Clerk IV.
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C OV E R F E ATU RE
How We Show Up for Each Other
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PHOTOS: LARUCHE PHOTO
n a time when people are increasingly defined by labels — homeowner or renter, wealthy or struggling, successful or in need of help — it can be easy to overlook what they have in common. Before any of those distinctions, they are neighbors, sharing the same schools, workplaces, and community. Strong communities depend on more than government programs or charitable organizations. They depend on people who recognize that the well-being of their neighbors matters and who chooses to act when others face difficult circumstances. In Cobb County, one partnership demonstrates what that commitment can accomplish. Through their innovative Housing Stability Court, The Center for Family Resources (CFR) and the Cobb County Magistrate Court and are helping families resolve eviction crises before they lose their homes. Since the program’s inception, 180 households have been served, receiving assistance and support designed to address both immediate financial challenges and the circumstances that put their housing at risk. The program illustrates how public institutions, nonprofit organizations, landlords, and community supporters can work together to create opportunities that might not otherwise exist.
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Behind Every Case Is a Family For many families, housing instability begins with an ordinary setback. A car repair, medical expense, a sick child, or a reduction in work hours can leave parents struggling to cover rent. When household budgets are already stretched, even a temporary disruption can quickly become a crisis. An eviction filing brings uncertainty that extends far beyond an unpaid bill. Parents may worry about maintaining employment while searching for another home. Children face the possibility of leaving their schools, friends, and familiar routines. One mother who received assistance through Housing Stability Court described the relief of learning how her family could remain housed. “I felt like I could breathe,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine having to tell my kids that we have to pack up and move away from their school and uproot their lives. Mentally, that is a lot.” Her experience reflects the human side of housing instability, where the consequences of a financial setback can affect an entire family’s sense of security. For Melanie Kagan, CEO of The Center for Family Resources, those circumstances demonstrate why the community’s response matters. “It’s easy to see an eviction filing and make assumptions about the family behind it,” Kagan said. “What we see are parents working, raising children, and trying to manage circumstances that have become overwhelming. Sometimes the difference between a temporary setback and homelessness is whether someone is willing to help them find a path forward.”
Through their innovative Housing Stability Court, The Center for Family Resources and the Cobb County Magistrate Court and are helping families resolve eviction crises before they lose their homes.
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Judge Brendan Murphy with Melanie Kagen, CEO of The Center for Family Resources
A Different Approach to Eviction Prevention Housing Stability Court brings together the Magistrate Court’s responsibility to administer the law and The Center for Family Resources’ experience helping families navigate complex financial and housing challenges. Eligible households receive assistance to address pastdue rent while working with case managers on financial planning, employment opportunities, and other resources that can help prevent another crisis. The program also relies on the participation of landlords and families. Landlords must be willing to consider an alternative to displacement, while families commit to addressing the circumstances that contributed to their instability. Judge Brendan Murphy sees the partnership as an opportunity to find solutions within the legal process. “The law is strict, and as a judge, my job is to follow the law,” Murphy said. “This program can’t help everybody, but it can help somebody. When we can bring people together voluntarily to problem-solve in a new way, break the chain of eviction and invest in people, that is a hugely satisfying part of my job. I’m glad to be a part of it with The CFR.” The program recognizes the legitimate needs of both housing providers and families. Landlords need to receive rent, and families need stable housing. When a financial crisis can reasonably be resolved, collaboration can offer a better outcome for everyone involved. Families referred to The Center for Family Resources commonly owe between $3,500 and $7,000 in past-due rent. Addressing those balances can require substantial financial assistance, but the program’s approach extends beyond resolving the immediate debt.
“The goal isn’t simply to pay someone’s rent,” Kagan said. “It’s to help families become financially stable enough to pay it going forward. We want to know that our intervention made a lasting difference, not just that we resolved an immediate crisis.”
Stability Requires More Than Housing Housing instability rarely occurs in isolation. Families struggling to pay rent may also be dealing with rising grocery costs, unreliable transportation, childcare challenges or insufficient income. The Center for Family Resources broader services recognize how closely these issues are connected. Through partnerships with organizations such as CobbWorks, families can access employment resources, résumé assistance, and job training.
CFR job lab
“It’s easy to see an eviction filing and make assumptions about the family behind it. …Sometimes the difference between a temporary setback and homelessness is whether someone is willing to help them find a path forward.” – Melanie Kagen, CEO of The Center for Family Resources The Center for Family Resources’ Family Cupboard Choice Pantry provides groceries and essential supplies, helping households stretch limited budgets. Case management connects families with additional resources and helps them develop plans for greater financial independence. Founded in 1960, The Center for Family Resources has spent more than six decades serving Cobb County children and families experiencing housing instability, homelessness, and food insecurity. In 2025, the organization served 9,937 Cobb County residents through housing assistance, homelessness prevention, food access, and other supportive services. These efforts share a common objective: helping families move beyond an immediate crisis toward greater stability. The benefits extend throughout the community. Stable housing helps children remain in school, parents maintain employment, and families participate more fully in their neighborhoods and local economy.
The Role of Community Investment
CFR's Family Cupboard Choice Pantry
Housing Stability Court was established with American Rescue Plan Act funding. As that initial funding concludes in 2026, The Center for Family Resources is working to identify resources and partnerships that can sustain the program. The challenge highlights a broader question about how communities invest in solutions that demonstrate value. Government funding helped establish the program, and public investment remains an important part of addressing housing instability. Sustaining and expanding effective prevention efforts, however, creates opportunities for businesses, foundations, faith communities, and individual donors to participate.
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“Strong communities are built by people who recognize a shared responsibility for one another. Businesses, foundations, faith organizations, and individuals all have something to contribute. When we invest together in solutions that work, we’re investing in the strength of our entire community.” – Melanie Kagen, CEO of The Center for Family Resources For Kagan, philanthropy is about more than filling gaps in public funding. “Government has an important role in supporting families and addressing community challenges, but it cannot be the only source of solutions,” she said. “Strong communities are built by people who recognize a shared responsibility for one another. Businesses, foundations, faith organizations, and individuals all have something to contribute. When we invest together in solutions that work, we’re investing in the strength of our entire community.” Meaningful intervention requires both generosity and accountability. Preventing eviction can be expensive, particularly when rental arrears have accumulated over several months. Financial assistance must be paired with appropriate safeguards, family participation, and services that support longer-term stability. Success cannot be measured solely by the dollars distributed. It must also consider whether families remain housed, strengthen their finances, and reduce their risk of another housing emergency. For one family assisted by The Center for Family Resources, the impact extended beyond financial relief. “Your kindness and belief in us mean more than I can properly put into words. That extra time will give us the breathing room we need to strengthen our foundation even more, save wisely, and continue moving forward with confidence. It’s not just financial help, it’s encouragement, hope, and reassurance that we’re on the right path.” The family’s words capture an often-overlooked aspect
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of philanthropy: knowing that someone believes a better outcome is possible can be as meaningful as the assistance itself.
Building a Stronger Cobb County Jennifer Giusti, Chair of The Center for Family Resources’ Board of Directors and Principal and Founder of Just Performance, LLC, sees housing stability as essential to both family well-being and community prosperity. “A stable home is foundational to a family’s wellbeing, a child’s ability to learn, and a community’s economic vitality,” she said. “For area businesses, housing stability is closely tied to the strength of our workforce, the success of future generations, and the long-term health of our community. The Housing Stability Court demonstrates what is possible when public, private, and nonprofit partners work together to address challenges before they become more costly and disruptive for families and the broader community.” Her perspective reflects the connection between philanthropy and the long-term health of a community. Investments that help families remain housed can also support a more stable workforce, stronger schools, and more resilient neighborhoods. The Housing Stability Court partnership is one example of what can happen when organizations and individuals approach a difficult challenge with a shared commitment to finding solutions. It also demonstrates that compassion and accountability are not competing values. Families can be expected to participate in their own progress while receiving meaningful support. Public institutions can fulfill their responsibilities while working with community partners. Businesses and individuals can invest in effective solutions without waiting for government to address every need. This work offers a reminder that people do not have to share the same circumstances, beliefs, or perspectives to care about the well-being of their neighbors. Cobb County’s strength has always depended on the willingness of its citizens, businesses, and institutions to invest in something larger than themselves. Continuing that tradition means recognizing that the challenges facing one family can affect the entire community — and that meaningful solutions often begin when people choose to work together. A strong community isn’t defined by how we label one another. It is defined by how we show up for one another. •
T HE GI V I N G ISSU E
Cobb’s Generosity Abounds
1st Annual e: Giving Issu A salute to Cobb County-based nonprofits
EDITED AND WRITTEN BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE AND DENISE K. JAMES
‘Tis the season for giving. And this year, Cobb In Focus reached out to businesses in Cobb to find out how they are giving back, and supporting the community, as well as how you can help them in their various causes. Through this special section of the magazine, we are showing our appreciation for these organizations and all the services they provide. Their work certainly has inspired us, and we hope you find inspiration as well. 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation Safety Village More Local Orgs Doing Good Work Glory Haus Cobb Salutes Habitat NWMA Cobb Community Foundation
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T HE G I V I N G ISSU E
Beyond The Badge
1st A nnual e: Giving Issu A salute to ed Cobb County-bas nonprofits
Building Community, Creating Opportunity, Leaving a Legacy
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he Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, established in 2021, is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to strengthen relationships between the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the communities it serves while creating a philanthropic vehicle through which businesses, residents, charitable supporters, and community partners could make a meaningful difference. The foundation’s mission is to serve as an advocate for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and its community-engagement efforts by supporting education, health, social services, public safety, and charitable causes. That mission is reflected through three guiding principles: Embrace the Community, Embody the Mission, and Engage the Team. In practice, that means supporting agency personnel and families during times of hardship, assisting residents experiencing critical needs, investing in youth and education, supporting public-safety initiatives, and creating opportunities that bring law enforcement and the community together. For example, the Annual Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation Golf Classic brings businesses, community partners, sponsors, and individual supporters together and has become a signature fundraising and relationship-building event. Planning is underway for the 2027 event, and more information can be found at cobbsheriffsfoundation.org. Although the foundation is independently governed (by Founder and Executive Director Robert G. Haley and a board of directors composed of respected business, civic, and community leaders), it works closely with Sheriff Craig D. Owens Sr. and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. The relationship is intentionally collaborative. The Robert G. Haley, Sheriff’s Office provides Founder & Executive Director valuable insight into the needs of agency personnel and the community, while the Foundation can bring together philanthropic resources, businesses, donors, volunteers, and community organizations to help address those needs. That collaboration can be seen through initiatives such as Santa on Wheels, the Public Safety Cadet Program, back-to-school efforts, community engagement activities, support for agency
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personnel and families experiencing hardship, and public-safety enhancements. Each organization has a distinct role, but they share a common interest: building a safer, stronger, and more connected Cobb County. Among its many community initiatives, the foundation currently is focusing on the following programs:
• Through the Care, Compassion & Fallen Fund, it provides a means of supporting agency personnel and families facing hardship, including circumstances involving line-of-duty loss. • The Greatest Need Fund supports charitable assistance, community-engagement initiatives, and Cobb County residents experiencing critical needs.
• The Public Safety Cadet Program, introduced with the Sheriff’s Office in 2025, creates opportunities for young people to explore public-safety careers while developing leadership skills and a commitment to community service. • As we approach the holiday season, Santa on Wheels remains one of the foundation’s signature initiatives. Through donor, volunteer, and community support, wrapped gifts and holiday goodwill are delivered directly to Cobb County children and families. It is one of the clearest examples of how generosity can become personal. • Still in development, the proposed Youth Development Center represents a long-term vision for creating a place centered on education, mentorship, leadership, workforce exposure, positive engagement, and opportunity for Cobb County’s young people. • Broader community efforts include educational and scholarship support, back-to-school initiatives, literacy and mentoring efforts, community partnerships, and support for numerous organizations serving Cobb County. As a 501(c)(3), the foundation receives support through individual and corporate contributions, grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, community partnerships and donor-advised charitable giving. Another important resource is Georgia’s LESS Crime Act, which provides eligible Georgia taxpayers an opportunity, subject to applicable requirements and state approval, to receive a state income tax credit for qualifying contributions to approved law-enforcement foundations. Importantly, the foundation says that giving back does not always mean writing a check. Residents can volunteer during community initiatives, participate in foundation events, support holiday and school-supply drives, introduce the foundation to prospective partners, and help increase awareness of its mission. Businesses can sponsor programs and events, provide in-kind resources, engage employees in volunteer opportunities, or explore partnerships around specific foundation initiatives. According to the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, community participation takes many forms — contributing resources, volunteering time, sponsoring an initiative, mentoring a young person or simply making a connection that creates another opportunity. They want Cobb residents to see themselves not simply as donors, but as partners in the work. The foundation is entering an important period in its evolution, the organization reports. The first five years were about building the foundation — establishing strong governance, creating trusted relationships, developing programs, raising resources, and demonstrating how a nonprofit organization can help connect public safety, philanthropy, and community engagement. The next chapter is about building legacy. To learn more or make a gift, visit cobbsheriffsfoundation.org/donate or scan the QR code. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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It Takes A Village To Build A Safer Community
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t the Cobb County Safety Village, a child can practice escaping a smoke-filled room, calling 911, and crossing a street safely, all before facing those situations in real life. The miniature buildings and familiar streets draw children in, but the purpose behind every activity is mission-driven — helping residents protect themselves and others. Located on Al Bishop Drive in Marietta, the Safety Village opened its doors in 2009, but its story began decades earlier. In 1978, Cobb County established its Public Fire and Life Safety Education division, bringing firefighters and other health and safety professionals into schools to teach about fire and injury prevention. As the county grew, so did the need for a more comprehensive way to reach students. Inspired by the safety villages in Canada, Cobb created a place where residents could practice safety skills in environments that reflect everyday life here in the community. Today, the eight-acre campus features miniature buildings, streets, crosswalks, and working traffic signals. These familiar surroundings become classrooms where students learn by doing. In Sparky’s House, children identify household hazards and practice escaping a fire. Throughout the Village, they learn about pedestrian, bicycle, electrical and water safety, along with how to call for help.
Safety Village staff and Rocky Mount 2nd graders at the Atlanta Braves home opener.
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The experience also creates connections with the people who respond during emergencies. Learning alongside firefighters and other public safety professionals gives students the opportunity to ask questions and become comfortable seeking their help. Director Allison Carter and the Safety Village’s education team guide this work with support from public safety agencies, schools, health organizations, and business partners. The Cobb County Safety Village Foundation helps turn community generosity into educational opportunities. The volunteer-based board develops partnerships, raises funds, and secures resources to support the Village’s continued growth. Donations, business sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and public investment have helped strengthen the campus and its programs. Sponsors contribute more than just their names on the buildings; they help create learning environments that serve the community. Recent additions show just what that support can accomplish. In 2025, the Atlanta Braves Foundation ballpark opened for students to enjoy. This addition offers a setting where children can reinforce lessons about healthy habits, staying active, and helmet safety while running the bases. This past spring, UL Research Institutes’ Office of Research Experiences & Education opened its interactive science safety classroom. This year, they will be piloting a program for middle and high school students, where
According to Cobb County’s 2025 Annual Report, the Safety Village educated more than 28,000 students that school year. The education team also installed 1,860 smoke alarms and replaced 1,301 batteries in residents’ homes. they will use Xplorlabs to help students understand real-world safety phenomena such as fire dynamics and forensics, fire safety, thermal runaway, and lithium-ion battery extraction and recycling using science. The impact also reaches well beyond the campus. According to Cobb County’s 2025 Annual Report, the Safety Village educated more than 28,000 students that school year. The education team also installed 1,860 smoke alarms and replaced 1,301 batteries in residents’ homes.
ULRI Science Safety Classroom ribbon cutting
The Safety Village also hosts other events throughout the year, including Family Fun Safety Days, Camp Puzzle, Truck-a-Palooza, the Cobb Public Safety Golf Tournament, and CPR courses. Through an onsite partnership with Safe Kids Cobb County, parents can get car seats inspected and fitted to their child’s needs. With 400,000 students served over its 18-year history, the Safety Village has given generations of children lessons they carry for a lifetime. Local businesses can become part of that story, but opportunities to sponsor buildings and storefronts are becoming limited as the Village nears capacity. A new plaza sponsorship offers another way to get involved. For $2,500, a business can sponsor a picnic table and an umbrella featuring its company logo, providing seating and shade for visitors. Residents can also support the mission of the Safety Village by attending events, sharing program information, reinforcing safety lessons at home, or contacting the Village about other opportunities to get involved. The Safety Village grows through the people who believe in its purpose: educators who make lessons memorable, public safety professionals who share their experience, and residents and businesses who invest in the work. Their commitment carries those lessons into homes and neighborhoods across Cobb. It takes a village to build a safer community, and this is a village worth supporting. To learn more about the Safety Village, or sponsorships, contact Allison Carter at Allison.Carter@cobbcounty.gov, or call 770.852.3272. •
St. Benedicts 2nd graders in the plaza.
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More Local Organizations Doing Good Work In Cobb A.G. Rhodes agrhodes.org Founded in 1904 as one of Georgia’s first nursing homes and one of metro Atlanta’s first nonprofits, A.G. Rhodes provides longterm and short-term care for more than 1,100 residents a year at its three locations (Marietta, Grant Park, and Wesley Woods). After more than 120 years of serving Atlanta’s elders, A.G. Rhodes knows that long-term sustainability depends on a willingness to evolve. That’s why they work closely with universities, healthcare organizations, and business and community partners to improve how elder care is delivered and measured. Whether it’s advancing dementia care outcomes, improving workforce development, or creating intergenerational programs that combat isolation, A.G. Rhodes continually seeks partnerships that will result in better outcomes for aging adults and for those who support them. As a nonprofit organization, A.G. Rhodes isn’t influenced or beholden to outside investors, ensuring that any profits earned are reinvested back into its communities to support operations, services, and long-term sustainability. Your tax-deductible donations go directly toward senior care services. To learn more about general contributions, directing funds toward specific programs (such as Songs for Seniors or the Living Well Luncheon), or to volunteer, visit agrhodes.org/support-us.
Cobb Chamber of Commerce cobbchamber.org
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Through its programs and partnerships, the Cobb Chamber drives eco- Chamber of Commerce nomic growth, cultivates leaders, ignites the entrepreneurial spirit, and equips people to reach their goals. The organization champions pro-business policies that keep Cobb County and Georgia strong places to live, work and do business, and giving back is woven into much of what they do. The Chamber’s Give Our Schools a Hand series honors the Teacher of the Year from every school in the Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools. Each March and October, more 20
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than 130 educators receive gifts of appreciation from the local business community. Through the organization’s Partners in Education program, they connect businesses with local schools to provide resources and volunteers for students and teachers. During the first week of October, the Cobb Chamber coordinates Public Safety Appreciation Week, matching businesses with a public safety agency. Businesses “adopt” an agency and bring snacks, thank you cards, and other items of appreciation. In addition, the Chamber’s Cobb Young Professionals, Cobb Executive Women, Leadership Cobb, and Honorary Commanders Association feature donation opportunities to local nonprofits throughout the year. Through groups and committees, the Cobb Chamber unites the region’s most informed, determined, and innovative people to ensure that our county is a healthy place for all. To learn how you can get involved, visit cobbchamber.org/get-involved.
Cobb EMC Foundation cobbemc.com/cobb-emc-foundation Did you know that Cobb EMC does much more than provide electricity for the communities it serves? Through the Cobb EMC Foundation, the organization to date has donated nearly $12 million to local nonprofits. Cobb EMC customers fund the Foundation through Operation Round Up by voluntarily rounding up their utility bill to the nearest dollar. Foundation Nonprofits in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton and Paulding counties can request funding through the Foundation’s website. Thus far this year, the foundation has supported more than 140 organizations. In addition to helping nonprofits, the Cobb EMC Foundation awards 14 scholarships each year in the amount of $5,000 each to eligible students with a primary residence served by Cobb EMC. There are two types of scholarships available: College/ University and Vocational/Technical College. Students can learn more about the program and apply for a scholarship via the foundation’s website, cobbemc.com/cobb-emc-foundation.
Smyrna Public Safety Foundation smyrnapsf.org The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation (SPSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2009 to support the men and women who keep our community safe. Since its founding, SPSF has become a pillar of support for Smyrna’s dedicated public safety teams,
ensuring they have resources in times of need, and opportunities to connect with the community they serve. Its mission is to encourage and strengthen the partnerships between the Smyrna community and its public safety personnel and to improve life for everyone. Key initiatives include the Benevolence Fund, which assists first responders with unexpected expenses, and access to free counseling sessions that support their mental well-being. In 2026, the Foundation awarded more than $30,000 to first responders through its Benevolence Fund, providing financial assistance to local first responders and their families during times of injury, loss, or unexpected hardship. The program relies on community support to continue providing aid. Donations to the Benevolence Fund help ensure financial assistance is available when local first responders need it most. In 2025, SPSF surpassed 2024’s fundraising total by roughly 30 percent and exceeded its 2025 projections by 6 percent, marking the most successful year in its more than 15-year history. The SPSF also increased participation in its Shop With a Hero event, which began more than 20 years ago, by nearly 22 percent, achieving two goals: serving at least 100 students and helping students at both the elementary and middle school levels. To build community, the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation raises money through a series of community events, including a gala in March, a golf tournament in April, and Jazz Under the Gazebo in November. Learn more at smyrnapsf.org. •
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Home Is Where The Glory Is Glory Haus supports Emmanuel’s Village in Marietta
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ounded on the belief that art can be about more than what we hang on walls, the mission of local, faithbased home decor shop Glory Haus is to create meaningful art that inspires people and strengthens the community. That mission continues to grow beyond the popular products through the relationships built, the organizations supported, and the people served. Glory Haus was founded in 2008 by Owner Molly Holm, who leads her business with faith at the center of everything she does. “My guiding principle is to follow God’s heart, discover my purpose for the kingdom, and honor God and the people around me through my work,” says Holm. Today, the Glory Haus mission is reflected in one of the shop’s most meaningful projects yet: Emmanuel’s Village, a tiny home community planned for Marietta which will provide housing, resources, and compassionate support for families with children in Marietta City Schools. “Through this initiative, we hope to create lasting change by helping families find stability, build community, and create a brighter future for the next generation,” says Holm. “We believe that community changes everything. Through Emmanuel’s Village, we hope to create a place where families can not only find physical stability but also spiritual and emotional support, meaningful relationships, and a renewed sense of hope and purpose.”
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This is not the first time Glory Haus has invested deeply in the community. Holm is also co-founder of GRACEPOINT School, an educational institution serving students with dyslexia. The seeds of the school were planted back in 2012 when Holm and fellow mother Angie Strack found themselves searching for the best school to meet the needs of their dyslexic sons. The experience of searching for the right educational solution inspired both Holm and Strack to create a school built on the belief that every student can become a successful learner when given the right opportunities, tools, and teaching techniques. In fact, Holm’s middle son, Paul, became one of the first students at GRACEPOINT and has gone on to be a successful grad student at the University of Texas. “Glory Haus has been proud to support GRACEPOINT’s mission, and our heart for helping families continues through Emmanuel’s Village,” Holm notes. Developed on the property directly behind the Glory Haus warehouse, the transitional housing of Emmanuel’s Village will be offered for approximately 12-18 months as families work toward securing more permanent homes and achieving long-term stability. Holm reiterates that Emmanuel’s Village aims to do more than “put a band-aid on a problem” regarding homelessness. Instead, lasting change is the goal. “We want to create generational change by helping families build a foundation of stability, opportunity, and hope that can
“Whether you shop with us, donate to Emmanuel’s Village, volunteer your time, or simply share the mission with someone else, every contribution can help make a difference. We are preparing to break ground in January 2027, and we hope people will consider Emmanuel’s Village when deciding where to give this holiday season.” – Molly Holm
Rendering of Emmanuel's Village
change the trajectory of their children’s lives and help break the cycle of poverty,” she says. “We believe the impact will extend far beyond the homes themselves. When families have a safe place to live and a community supporting them, they have more opportunities to thrive and create a different future for the next generation. “Marietta and Cobb County are filled with generous people who have incredible skills, resources, and a desire to help,” she continued. “We want to demonstrate what can happen when passionate individuals come together around a shared purpose. Ultimately, we hope Emmanuel’s Village will leave a legacy that extends far beyond our own lifetimes.” As the holiday season of shopping and giving approaches, there’s never been a better time to support the mission of Emmanuel’s Village and future missions of Glory Haus. Shopping at the warehouse sales and attending the annual Christmas Extravaganza are two big ways to help — all while getting into
the spirit of the holidays and enjoying time with loved ones. Because Glory Haus is funding so much of the tiny home development, every dollar spent in the shop directly supports Emmanuel’s Village. And for those who want to give time, volunteer opportunities will also exist in the springtime. “We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead, and we invite everyone to be part of it,” says Holm. “One of the most exciting things about this project is that donors will be able to see meaningful, tangible progress as the community takes shape over the coming months. So, whether you shop with us, donate to Emmanuel’s Village, volunteer your time, or simply share the mission with someone else, every contribution can help make a difference. We are preparing to break ground in January 2027, and we hope people will consider Emmanuel’s Village when deciding where to give this holiday season.” Visit gloryhaus.com. • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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Cobb Salutes
1st A nnual e: Giving Issu A salute to ed Cobb County-bas nonprofits
Cobb Thanks You For Your Service, known as Cobb Salutes, brings local residents together to honor military service and support veterans and their families.
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obb Thanks You For Your Service, known as Cobb Salutes (CobbSalutes.org), was founded in 2018 by Mark Maloney and Mary Ansley Southerland while they served on the Hospice Committee of the Wellstar Foundation. Their initial purpose was to honor veterans receiving hospice care in the Wellstar Health System. The recognition visits included a specially designed lapel pin, a letter thanking the veteran and the family who supported that service, and a blanket in patriotic colors. When possible, volunteers invited veterans to share memories of their time in uniform. Families sometimes gathered friends and relatives to witness what could be one of their loved one’s final honors. The organization raised funds through galas, walk/run events, and other means, with beneficiaries including the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation and the Atlanta History Center’s Veterans Oral History Project. The organization’s mission has since grown from hospice recognition to honoring veterans, supporting their families, preserving their stories, and encouraging community participation. Maloney, himself a Vietnam veteran and former Army combat photographer, also hopes this recognition will inspire future generations to serve. Earlier this year, Maloney and Alan Bernhardt, a retired VA psychologist who designed the therapeutic photography program called Fresh Eyes, taught an eight-week course at the VA hospital in “mindful photography.” Mindful photography teaches participants to see more, be more aware, and take comfort in everyday sightings. With funding from the NEA, the program offers veterans opportunities for creative expression, awareness, and social connection. The courses encourage participants to look at familiar surroundings with renewed attention. “Impact is not measured merely by dollars raised and distributed, but also by veterans and families reached, hospice recognition visits supported, completed photography courses and participant counts, mental-health assessments accessed, and volunteer participation,” Maloney said. Another key program of the Cobb Salutes organization is Say Their Names, in which volunteers read the names of those who have served during an annual ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery. Participants help ensure that more than 17,000 veterans are honored and remembered by publicly saying their names. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7. “Say Their Names 2026 honors and remembers the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in uniform, especially those laid to rest in Marietta National Cemetery,” Maloney said. “Many of their names may not have
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been spoken aloud since the last family member who remembered them passed away. Speaking their names brings them back into the community’s memory. As long as someone says their name, their memory lives on.” Local citizens can volunteer to read names at Say Their Names, assist with event logistics and outreach, introduce potential sponsors, and contribute skills that support the organization’s programs. They can also submit the name of a veteran to be honored, whether living or deceased. Donations are welcome but are not required to submit a name for reading. Businesses and community groups can help recruit readers, sponsor the work, and spread awareness. Current opportunities and participation details should be obtained through CobbSalutes.org. Cobb Salutes began with two local citizens deciding that gratitude should take a tangible form — a pin, a letter, a warm blanket, and the chance to tell a story could make a veteran feel recognized and could help a family see that service with fresh appreciation. That same impulse continues in Say Their Names: It is a community choosing to remember people whose lives and service deserve acknowledgment. Residents do not need to have served in uniform to help. They can give their time, their skills, or their support. To volunteer or donate, go to cobbsalutes.org. •
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The Next Chapter For Habitat For Humanity Of Northwest Metro Atlanta Starts With You KYLE HUHTANEN, CEO OF HABITAT NWMA
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t Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta (NWMA), our impact extends beyond building homes. For 40 years, we have worked alongside families, volunteers, donors, and community partners to help create a future where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Since 1986, we have seen how access to affordable housing can transform lives. A home creates a foundation for families to build financial stability, pursue opportunities, and plan for the future.
50 percent of renter households in Cobb County are now housing cost-burdened, spending over 30 percent of their income on housing. We honor the people and partnerships that have made this work possible while looking ahead to the next 40 years. As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we recognize the housing needs that remain and invite more people to be part of the solution.
As housing needs evolve across Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties, so does our approach to serving the community. As the third largest producing Habitat for Humanity in the State of Georgia, we have built, rehabbed, or repaired more than 691 homes by providing families a hand-up. As housing needs evolve across Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties, so does our approach to serving the community. While new home construction remains central to our mission, we recognize that addressing housing challenges requires a broader range of solutions. Through critical home repairs, our Community Curb Appeal initiative, and down payment assistance, we are expanding pathways to safe, affordable housing and helping more neighbors remain in their homes. With the mission as our north star, each program reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission and local market data, Cobb County home prices have surged over 120 percent in the last decade, outpacing local income growth and leaving structural supply gaps in mid-tier ownership. More than 26
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We must continue opening doors for local families. Pursuing that goal takes a community of people who believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live and are willing to invest in making that vision a reality. We invite you to give a one-time gift of any amount or become a Sustaining Builder by contributing $40 per month for 40 months. Your gift will create more pathways to homeownership, support essential home repairs, and revitalize neighborhoods throughout Northwest Metro Atlanta. Together, we can build on 40 years of progress. The next chapter of our story starts with you. •
C OBB C O M M U N I T Y F O UNDAT I O N
Had A Good Year? Your tax return may be about to remind you just how good it was.
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id you sell a business or investment this year? Realize a significant capital gain? Receive an unusually large bonus? Or look at your projected income and think, I could really use another deduction before December 31? If charitable giving is already part of your plans, this is a good time to stop and think about how you give, not just how much. A little planning before year-end can sometimes allow you to accomplish your charitable goals while also improving your tax picture. Before you simply write another check, here are a few questions worth asking. Do you own appreciated stock? If you own publicly traded stock that has increased substantially in value, donating the stock itself may be more advantageous than selling it and donating the proceeds. If you sell appreciated stock that you have held longer than one year, you may owe capital gains tax on the increase in value. By donating qualifying appreciated securities directly to a charity, you can generally avoid recognizing that capital gain and are likely eligible for a charitable deduction based on the stock’s fair market value. That means more of the asset’s value may ultimately go toward the charitable work you want to support. Do you need the deduction this year but haven’t decided where you want the money to go? That is one of the situations where a donor advised fund can be particularly useful. You can make an irrevocable charitable contribution to the donor advised fund now and receive the charitable deduction for the year in which you make the contribution. You can then take your time recommending grants from the fund to charitable organizations in the months or even years ahead. For someone who has had an unusually high-income year, that can be especially valuable. You don’t have to rush in December to choose several charities simply because the calendar is running out. You can separate the tax decision from the charitable decision. Cobb Community Foundation offers donor advised and other types of charitable funds and is happy to help you think through whether one makes sense for their charitable goals. Are you required to take a distribution from your IRA this year? If you’re age 70½ or older, don’t overlook the Qualified
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Charitable Distribution, or QCD. A QCD allows eligible IRA owners to direct money from an IRA straight to a qualifying charity. If you’re already subject to Required Minimum Distributions, the QCD can count toward satisfying that requirement. The key distinction is that you do not receive a charitable deduction for a QCD. Instead, the qualifying distribution is excluded from taxable income. For many people, keeping that distribution out of income can be especially valuable. One caution: QCDs generally cannot be made to donor advised funds, so be sure to talk with your tax or financial advisor and make sure the gift is structured correctly. What if you know you want to give, but you aren’t sure where? That is a common challenge, especially at year-end. There are many worthy organizations doing important work, and most donors cannot know them all. You might ask a community foundation for guidance based on the causes you care about. You might also consider a collaborative giving opportunity. Here in Cobb, for example, Match Magic brings together 31 local nonprofits that have gone through a community-based application and selection process. Donors can give directly to any of the participating organizations or contribute to the Match Pool, which provides additional funding across the campaign. For someone looking for a meaningful destination for a yearend gift — or an eligible QCD — it can be a simple way to support a range of needs close to home. Finally, don’t wait until December 31. Gifts of securities, QCDs and other non-cash gifts can take longer to process than writing a check or making an online contribution. Starting the conversation with your CPA, financial advisor, IRA custodian or charitable organization earlier gives everyone time to make sure your gift is completed properly before year-end. The best charitable planning starts with what you want your money to accomplish. Tax benefits shouldn’t determine whether you are charitable, but if you are already planning to give, there is no reason not to be thoughtful about how you do it. Before you write that year-end check, ask one more question: Is there a smarter way for me to give? To learn more, contact Cobb Community Foundation at 770.859.2366, or at ccfteam@ cobbfoundation.org. •
LEADERS OF COBB After More Than Three Decades With Ed Voyles, Drew Tutton Looks Ahead to a New Chapter Drew Tutton, CEO/President, Tutton Group
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Where to find Drew Tutton and the Tutton Group » Tutton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram — Jasper, GA (formerly Jasper Jeep) » Open Roads Complete RV — Acworth and Jasper, GA » Jasper Tractor — Jasper, GA » Future Expansion — New RV dealership planned in Leeds, AL
For more information about the Tutton Group and its businesses, visit TuttonGroup.com.
Pictured with Drew Tutton is his daughter, Jessica and son, Dylan
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fter more than three decades of building relationships, developing employees, and helping grow dealerships within the Ed Voyles Automotive Group, Drew Tutton is beginning a new chapter in his business career. For Tutton, the transition comes with tremendous gratitude for the Voyles family, the opportunities they provided, and the thousands of customers and employees who became part of his journey. “I will always be grateful to the Voyles family for the trust they placed in me and the opportunities they gave me over the years,” Tutton said. “We accomplished a great deal together, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those relationships and experiences.” But while this chapter is coming to a close, Tutton makes one thing clear: He is not retiring, slowing down, or stepping away from the automotive industry. Instead, he is focusing his leadership and energy on the continued growth of the Tutton Group, a familyowned organization with businesses spanning automotive dealerships, recreational vehicles, tractors and equipment, and other industries. At the center of that next chapter is Tutton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Jasper, Georgia, formerly known as Jasper Jeep, a dealership with a remarkable history in the Jeep industry. The group also operates Open Roads Complete RV in Acworth and Jasper, along with Jasper Tractor, and is preparing for further expansion with a new RV dealership planned in Leeds, Alabama, outside Birmingham.
For Tutton, these businesses represent much more than an opportunity for financial success. “I’ve never believed that growing a business is simply about selling more vehicles or making more money,” Tutton said. “It’s about growing people. It’s about giving employees opportunities they might not otherwise have, helping them become leaders, and building relationships with customers that last for generations.” Tutton added he hopes the customers, employees, and friends he has worked with over the years will continue to be part of his journey. “One of the things I want people to understand is that although my role and the name on the building may have changed, my commitment to serving people hasn’t. I still love the car business. I still love developing employees. And I still want to earn the trust and business of the people who have supported me over the years.” While automotive retail remains an important part of his future, Tutton sees opportunities across multiple industries. Future growth could include additional automotive dealerships, RV locations, tractor dealerships, or entirely new business ventures. “I don’t know exactly what every opportunity ahead will look like, but I know I’m not finished,” he said. “God has blessed my family and me beyond anything I could have imagined. I believe those blessings come with a responsibility to use what He’s given us to create opportunities for others.” His vision is rooted in the same principles that have guided his career: faith, family, integrity, accountability, service, and a commitment to excellence. “I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible people over the years, and many of those relationships will last a lifetime. My hope is that people who have trusted me in the past will know where to find me today, and that we’ll have the opportunity to continue serving them for years to come.” For Tutton, this next chapter isn’t about leaving something behind. It’s about taking everything he’s learned, every relationship he’s built, and every opportunity God has provided — and continuing to move forward. More information about the Tutton Group and its businesses is available at TuttonGroup.com. • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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FINA L FO CU S
The Gift Of A Movie Night Get into the true spirit of the season with these seven family films.
BY DENISE K. JAMES
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ost of us cherish this time of year for a chance to show love and appreciation to our family and friends with treats, gifts, and festive invites. But the giving season can be more than that; it can extend to the broader community. To put everyone into a giving frame of mind, we’ve rounded up movies with the theme of opening your heart and paying it forward. We’ve even mixed holiday with non-holiday films so there’s something for everyone. Happy holidays, and happy watching. “Pay It Forward” (2000). This one is a must. The plot features a middle school student named Trevor helping an unhoused person in his neighborhood — a kind act that sparks others to follow his lead. Though there’s tragedy in the film, you’re left with a message of hope. “Klaus” (2019). For something seasonal, try this retelling of Santa’s origin story with a side of outreach. This flick shows what happens when an isolated toymaker delivers a toy to a sad child. It’s the power of reciprocity just in time for the season. “Ordinary Angels” (2024). This film stars Hillary Swank as a hairdresser who is touched by her widowed client and a daughter who needs lifesaving surgery. When she rallies the community
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to raise funds and save the girl’s life, it’s a poignant reminder that anyone can be a hero. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946). The classic of the list, this film shows how the ripple effects of one person’s existence can change a family and community for the better. Yes, it’s oldfashioned compared to what most of us watch in 2026, but the message is timeless. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965). Another classic in cartoon form, this holiday special features the Peanuts gang practicing for a pageant while disillusioned Charlie Brown tries to find the meaning. While the undertones are Christian, themes of community and friendship make it inclusive. “Wonder” (2017). For anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in, this feel-good film shows there’s enough belonging for all of us. Partly inspired by the song “Wonder” by Natalie Merchant, this one features an all-star cast with Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019). Mr. Rogers is the cultural icon of accepting your neighbor, and this biographical drama starring Tom Hanks shows why he was well-loved for generations. •