We are thrilled to announce this year’s nominees for the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award! These remarkable organizations exemplify the values of partnership, innovation, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community. The award, established by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Howard Koepka, whose dedication to collaboration inspired countless efforts to uplift those in need. Each year, the award recognizes Cobb nonprofits that embody his spirit, bringing people and resources together to meet critical needs.
Congratulations to Our 2024 Nominees:
- Acts 6 Ministry of Stonebridge Church
- Connecting Cobb Veterans (CCV)
- Cobb County Safety Village (CCSV)
- Cumberland Counseling Centers
- Simple Needs Georgia
- Waymark
These six outstanding organizations will be honored at the Human Services Awards Luncheon on December 3rd, where the recipient of this year’s Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award will be announced. We’re proud to co-present this event with @The Cobb Collaborative—stay tuned for the results!
Meet the Nominees
Acts 6 Ministry of Stonebridge Church
Acts 6 is a mission-driven organization known for helping homeless and low-income clients secure essential documents, such as IDs and birth certificates. Beyond these vital services, Acts 6 fosters collaboration by hosting quarterly breakfasts for nonprofits in the Marietta Square area, creating a space for resource-sharing and productive discussions. This year, they partnered with MUST Ministries and Marietta City Schools for Homeless Family Resource Day, connecting families with life-changing resources. Their ego-free, community-first approach exemplifies the collaborative spirit the Koepka Award celebrates.
Connecting Cobb Veterans (CCV)
Connecting Cobb Veterans (CCV) ensures Veterans receive comprehensive, dignified support. Through quarterly meetings with community partners, CCV addresses service gaps, shares data, and fosters connections within the Veteran ecosystem. As a thought leader, CCV works with Veteran Service Organizations to tackle homelessness and create stability pathways, while advocating and promoting those serving Veterans. Their commitment to partnership and holistic care exemplifies the spirit of the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award.
Cobb County Safety Village (CCSV)
The Cobb County Safety Village (CCSV) is dedicated to promoting safety education for all ages through collaboration with community partners. By working with local police departments, they offer programs like radKIDS camp, teaching essential safety and bullying prevention skills. Each year, they provide free safety education to over 25,000 students in Cobb and Marietta schools and host initiatives like Spanish Safety Day for Spanish-speaking families and the SafeKids Golf Tournament. CCSV’s commitment to community engagement, including hosting events and supporting organizations, exemplifies the values of the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award, celebrating partnerships that enhance community well-being.
Cumberland Counseling Centers
Cumberland Counseling Centers combines faith-based and evidence-based approaches to provide personalized mental health care. Their collaborative efforts extend beyond client care, as they work with local churches, schools, and organizations to expand access to counseling services. Partnerships with institutions like Richmont Graduate University and the Cobb Collaborative allow them to secure vital grants, ensuring high-quality, accessible mental health resources for the community. Cumberland’s commitment to working alongside others embodies the essence of the Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award.
Simple Needs of Georgia
Simple Needs GA (SNGA) focuses on supporting individuals and families moving out of homelessness or facing significant need through seven impactful programs. They collaborate with a wide range of organizations, including the Center for Family Resources, Live SAFE Resources, MUST Ministries, Family Promise of Cobb, Together With Families, the Extension, Communities in Schools, Sweetwater Mission, the Red Cross, Ser Familia, The Table on Delk, and Mothers Making a Change. Additionally, they work with DFCS, school social workers in Cobb County and Marietta, churches, and drug treatment facilities to ensure comprehensive support. Their “Simple Household Needs” program provides beds, furniture, and essential household items to those transitioning from homelessness, while “My Birthday Matters” offers birthday gifts to children experiencing homelessness and the children in our furniture families. During the holidays, their “Spirit of Christmas” program helps families unable to access other holiday assistance. For more information on all seven programs, please visit their website. By avoiding duplication of services and filling critical gaps, SNGA effectively complements existing agency programs to address the community’s most pressing needs.
Waymark
Waymark is a Christian-based organization dedicated to supporting foster care children as they transition to adulthood. Through mentorship programs, life skills education, and faith-based support, Waymark builds trust with foster care children and families. Their collaborative efforts include partnerships with organizations like Devereux and WeFoster, as well as fundraising initiatives like their annual Gala. Waymark’s work amplifies the impact of its partners, ensuring foster children receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
We are deeply inspired by the work of all our nominees and the lasting impact they make in our community. Together, they remind us of the power of collaboration and the incredible things we can achieve when we join forces.
Join us on December 3rd to celebrate these amazing organizations and their contributions to our community.
Here’s to building a stronger, more connected Cobb County—together!
