The Jean Simmons After-Divorce Scholarship Fund

CCF Donor Jean Simmons, first row, center; and CCF Executive Director, Sue Wootton, second row center, congratulate Jean Simmons Scholarship winners: first row left: Christine Longwell, Jennifer Shifflett, and Cherie Brackett

The Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) was pleased to partner with Donor Jean Simmons to award a 5th annual round of After-Divorce Scholarships to three deserving young women to assist them in completing their education. Jean understands very well the difficulties faced by single mothers – or fathers - with young children to raise while trying to finish their own education and job training. Her Scholarship Fund is a direct result of her personal experience as a young, divorced mother with four young children. While she was building her outstanding career as a real-estate agent in Cobb County, Jean knew that she wanted to develop a scholarship program for other young, divorced persons, but rather than start a private foundation which is burdened with many IRS requirements and policies, she turned to CCF for assistance in establishing her Fund.

The 2010 After-Divorce Scholarship application deadline has been extended to April 1.

As a 501c-3 public charity, CCF handles all of the administration, investment management, and grantmaking functions, thereby enabling donors to concentrate on their main interests – their philanthropic goals and grants.

Sweetwater Valley C.A.M.P.
— Christian Aid Mission Program

When Sweetwater Valley C.A.M.P. received a large bequest in 2008 from an individual who had spent many years as a dedicated volunteer, executive director, Darlene Duke, called The Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) for information about creating a CCF Fund. As a previous recipient of one of CCF’s Community Grants, Darlene and the C.A.M.P. Board were familiar with the advantages and services of a community foundation, and with their organization’s immediate need for safety and access for this windfall, it didn’t take them long to establish a Sweetwater C.A.M.P. Foundation Fund with CCF.
Located in a one story building off Veteran’s Memorial Highway in Austell, C.A.M.P. has been responding to critical needs for emergency assistance in the South Cobb area since 1968. It was formed by a coalition of churches, businesses, civic groups and individuals and offers an extensive food pantry, clothing for adults and children, and direct financial aid. In partnership with other organizations, it also offers free income tax preparation and a CobbWorks mobile unit onsite. Its services have never been more needed than during the epic floods of Fall, 2009 when the surrounding South Cobb areas were especially devastated. C.A.M.P. served as the “One-Stop” Center for flood relief services by coordinating and housing relief efforts by the American Red Cross, The Center for Family Resources, The Salvation Army, Cobb Disaster Recovery, and others.
C.A.M.P. continues to provide aid to hundreds of families impacted by the flood and serves as a central location for information, referrals, and service delivery. Since 2006, the agency budget has increased by 73% with an increase in staff from 2 full-time members to 8 FTEs – 3 of whom are bi-lingual. The number of families and individuals served has increased by 159%. Pounds of food distributed have increased by 184%; Direct Financial Aid given has increased by 92%. C.A.M.P. has been recognized for excellence by the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Cobb County and Marietta Schools, and has received the Jack Vaughn Human Services award in 2007 and 2009. CCF is proud to hold the Sweetwater Valley C.A.M.P. Foundation as one of its 16 Funds for Cobb agencies! Other CCF Funds have been established by individuals, families, and businesses. Let us know when CCF can help you, your business, or charitable organization with managing your philanthropic dollars.heir cherished family tradition of giving back to make a significant difference in their communities.

The Canopy Fund
— Joni House, Donor

With a generous grant from Donor Joni House through her CCF Canopy Fund, an excited group of 5th grade students at Powers Ferry Elementary School — and their grateful teacher, Dr. Kristine Anderson — were treated to a hands-on, outdoor learning adventure and streamwatch program at the East Cobb Park. Students were taught by a naturalist educator about the basics of what kinds of “wiggly, squirmy” things live in healthy streams and rivers, and the importance of each one. Then, with nets and “waders,” they ventured into the nearby stream to take their own samples and evaluate its condition. The initial cheers of enthusiasm soon gave way to some quiet examination of what had actually been caught in those nets, and a greater understanding of what each sample meant. As Dr. Anderson happily commented, “This experience could not have happened without the Canopy Fund grant!”

Thanks for Giving: Partners in Philanthropy

Presenting Sponsors:
Bank of North Georgia - Cobb EMC
Fidelity Bank - Futren - Genuine Parts Company
G H & I - Moore Colson - Security Exchange Bank
MSI Benefits Group

Supporting Sponsors:
The Bottoms Group, LLC - Carriage House Catering
Forrester Media - Infomart
Lockheed Martin - RaceTrac Petroleum
Sinclair Townes & Company - Six Flags Over Georgia