A big part of Cobb Community Foundation’s mission is connecting donors who care with causes that matter. One way we do this is through our Nonprofits Making a Difference Bus Tours where we provide a firsthand look at the incredible work happening in our community. These experiences spark new partnerships, inspire generosity, and create lasting impact. Want to see what we discovered and how the nonprofits we visited are making a difference? Read on!
On March 7, 2025, we took our latest tour to Mableton, Cobb County’s newest and largest city, to visit two remarkable nonprofits: The SAE School and Special Needs Cobb (SNC). These organizations are transforming lives in education and special needs care, and our group had the privilege of seeing their work up close.
A Day of Discovery and Connection
The day kicked off with Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, who shared insights on the vital role nonprofits play in the city. From there, our bus headed to The SAE School, an innovative institution dedicated to Science, Arts, and Entrepreneurship. We then visited a Special Needs Cobb home, where we learned about the challenges and successes of providing lifelong care for individuals with developmental disabilities. We wrapped up the tour at MooYah Burgers, where attendees reflected on the morning’s eye-opening experiences and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
What We Learned
The event welcomed 21 fundholders, friends, and staff members, including five CCF board members. The response was overwhelmingly positive—64% of attendees completed our survey, with every response rating the event 10/10.
The standout moments? Meeting the all-female, African American SAE Robotics team—the only one of its kind in Georgia’s FTC Robotics competition—and engaging with SNC residents, whose warmth and resilience left a lasting impression. The tour also shed light on the critical need for more affordable special needs housing and the challenges faced while trying to secure suitable homes and government support, topics that resonated deeply with our group.
Meet the Nonprofits
The SAE School
This independent school serves 400 students (95% minorities) from infancy through 8th grade, offering a private-school-caliber education at a fraction of the cost. Co-Founder Scott Starowicz emphasized their commitment to middle-class families, keeping tuition at $13,000 per year compared to the $30,000–$40,000 of many private schools.
SAE students benefit from:
- Small class sizes (9:1 student-to-teacher ratio) for personalized learning
- Life Coaching programs to support emotional and social development
- International travel experiences—last year, Brazil; this year, Barbados
- Sustainability leadership as Georgia’s first fully solar-powered school
One of the most inspiring moments? Watching SAE’s Robotics team in action. Their talent and dedication prove that representation in STEM matters!
Special Needs Cobb (SNC)
SNC provides lifelong housing and care for individuals with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities. Stability is crucial for this population, and 43% of SNC residents are orphans, relying entirely on the organization for a home and family-like care.
SNC stands out for its:
- 95% HUD inspection pass rate, ensuring top-quality housing
- Family-like environment, where residents receive care for life
- Medicare-certified services, ensuring safety and well-being
For many on the tour, the highlight was meeting SNC residents, whose warmth and hospitality were unforgettable.
How You Can Help
Want to make a difference? Here are a few ways to support these incredible organizations:
🔹 The SAE School:
- Fund scholarships for students
- Support the Robotics Program & Championship Team
- Help build a playground for younger students
- Offer in-kind contributions—like the recent roofing materials donation from @gafroofing, which sparked widespread interest!
- You can give to the SAE School Fund here.
🔹 Special Needs Cobb (SNC):
- Fund house renovations to improve resident care
- Help identify board members to support SNC’s growth
- Sponsor or attend an event like the SNC Fashion Show on April 26 (see ‘Events’ below for further details)
- Advocate for special needs funding with policymakers
- You can give to the Special Needs Cobb Fund at here.
To learn more about these organizations, or connect with them directly, visit:
https://www.saeschool.org/ (CFO, Scott Starowicz)
https://www.specialneedscobb.org/ (CEO, Debbie Day)
What’s Next?
CCF’s Bus Tours continue to uncover the heart of our community. Stay tuned for upcoming tours—and let us know where you’d like us to go next!
