We were thrilled to award Act 6 Ministry of Stonebridge Church with this year’s Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award! Established in 2022 by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation to honor the legacy of Howard Koepka, whose dedication to collaboration inspired countless efforts to uplift those in need, this award is annually bestowed upon a Cobb nonprofit that embodies his spirit, bringing people and resources together to meet critical needs. CCF was also able to recognize other local heroes making extraordinary contributions and transforming lives in Cobb County.
The award was presented during the 31st Annual Human Services Awards Luncheon, held on December 3rd and co-hosted by the Cobb Collaborative and Cobb Community Foundation (CCF). The event brought together over 150 attendees, including nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and supporters, to recognize the power of collaboration and service.
The luncheon featured three distinct awards honoring outstanding achievements in human services: The Jack Vaughan, Jr. Human Services Awards and William E. “Bill” Hanson Collaboration Award, presented by the Cobb Collaborative, and The Howard Koepka Collaborative Spirit Award, presented by Cobb Community Foundation.
The Koepka Award as well as a check of $10,000 was presented to Courtney Schreer and Steven Egan of Acts 6 Ministry of Stonebridge Church by CCF CEO, Shari Martin, who also recognized the other five nominees for their spirit of collaboration and service.
Congratulations to Our 2024 Recipient and Nominees:
- Acts 6 of Stonebridge Church (Recipient)
- Cobb Connecting Veterans (CCV)
- Cobb County Safety Village (CCSV)
- Cumberland Counseling Centers
- Simple Needs Georgia
- Waymark
Below is a short description about each of them.
Acts 6 of Stonebridge Church (Recipient)
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.
Cobb Connecting Veterans (CCV)
Cobb Connecting 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
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, LiveSAFE 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.
Howard Koepka was a tireless advocate for connecting people and organizations. From serving vulnerable populations, including the homeless, single mothers, and foster children in Greater Atlanta to leading disaster relief in Puerto Rico to building schools and orphanages in Haiti, his work exemplified selfless service. During the pandemic, Koepka coordinated the Cobb Community Food Fleet, uniting 90 organizations to distribute 168,000 boxes of fresh food to Cobb County residents. He passed away in2021, due to COVID-19, and this award was established by Cobb Community Foundation to recognize a nonprofit serving Cobb County that embodies Koepka’s collaborative spirit.
We are deeply inspired by the work of all our nominees and the lasting impact they make in our community. Together, these organizations are living Howard’s vision by working together to serve our community, and they remind us of the incredible things we can achieve when we join forces.
Here’s to building a stronger, more connected Cobb County—together!
