Circles of Cobb

09/18/2026

Kenneth’s got a car! 🎉🎉🎉 With only one vehicle for a busy family, getting everyone to work, school, appointments and everything in between wasn’t always easy. Purchasing a car was one of Kenneth’s big goals - and now he's reached it.

When a friend of Circles shared that they were selling an affordable used car, Kenneth was able to arrange a payment plan that worked for him. This was not a donation - it was an opportunity made possible through connection, trust and Kenneth’s commitment to moving forward.

This milestone means greater flexibility, independence and opportunity for Kenneth and his family. Because of this car, he's now been able to secure an amazing new job at the City of Austell! 🎉🎉🎉

Please join us in celebrating Kenneth and this exciting step toward his goals!

09/15/2026

There are 12 new reasons to celebrate at Circles Cobb! 🎉 Please help us welcome Cohort Four - 12 new Circle Leaders beginning their two year Circles journey TODAY! Over the coming weeks, they’ll be setting goals, building new skills, strengthening their finances and laying the groundwork for the futures they want for themselves and their families. And we’re so excited to have them in the Circle. 🥳

But here’s an important part of the Circles model: they won’t make that journey alone. After completing their initial training, each Circle Leader is paired with volunteer Allies who walk alongside them - offering encouragement, connections, perspective and a consistent community of support as they work toward their goals.

And with 12 new Circle Leaders, we need more people willing to step into the Circle with them. Curious about becoming an Ally? Come learn what it actually looks like at our upcoming Ally Info Session.

📅 Thursday, October 8 | 6–7:30 PM @ Milford Baptist Church
🍽️ Dinner provided
🔗 bit.ly/circlesally

For today, though: Welcome, Cohort Four! We’re so glad you’re here. 💙

Join the Circle. Change the Story.

09/13/2026

What does it actually take to be an Ally? You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be a financial expert, life coach or professional problem-solver. You just need to be willing to show up.

Circles Cobb Allies walk alongside our Circle Leaders as they work toward the goals they’ve set for themselves — listening, encouraging, sharing connections, celebrating progress and sometimes simply reminding someone that they have people in their corner.

As two of our current Allies put it:

💬 “Being an Ally has reminded me how powerful it is simply to show up, listen, encourage, and believe in someone.” — Daliah

💬 “Showing up matters.” — Jen

Curious whether becoming an Ally might be for you? Come find out! Join us for our upcoming Ally Info Session to meet the Circles Cobb family, learn how it works and ask all your questions. Dinner is on us! 😊

📅 Thursday, October 8 | 6–7:30 PM @ Milford Baptist Church
🔗 Register: bit.ly/circlesally

Join the Circle. Change the Story.

09/11/2026

🗽We remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken on September 11, 2001. We honor the first responders, service members, families and countless others whose lives were forever changed. And we remember something else from the days that followed: people showed up for one another. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers became helpers. Communities rallied around people who were hurting. Across differences and circumstances, people recognized how deeply we need one another.

At Circles Cobb, we see the power of community every day. While the circumstances are very different, the principle remains: when life becomes difficult, no one should have to navigate it alone. On this 25th anniversary, we remember those we lost - and honor their memory by continuing to build communities where people care for, connect with and show up for one another.

We will never forget.

09/09/2026

Our Circle is growing! Please help us welcome three wonderful new members of the Circles Cobb team! Each brings a unique combination of experience, heart and commitment to helping individuals and families thrive - and we’re so excited to have them in the Circle.

🩵 Elaine Kelly | Childcare Coordinator
Elaine brings experience spanning early childhood education, corporate administration and ministry leadership, along with a lifelong heart for children and families. From childcare and youth ministry to leading sewing and art programs in Cobb County schools, she is passionate about creating spaces where children feel supported, valued and encouraged to thrive.

💚 Nichelle Walker | Circles Coach
Nichelle is a community-minded leader with more than a decade of experience serving individuals, families and communities. With strengths in administration, teaching and faith-based leadership, she is passionate about connecting people with practical support, hope and opportunities to move forward.

🧡 Nikky Cotton | Training Facilitator
Nikky brings something especially meaningful to this role: she knows Circles from the inside. A former Circle Leader and Circles Cobb graduate, she now brings her lived experience alongside her professional expertise as a Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and Community Resiliency Model Trainer to help equip our newest Circle Leaders for their own journeys.

We couldn't be happier to have Elaine, Nichelle and Nikky helping us do this work. Welcome to the team, ladies! 💙

Join the Circle. Change the Story.

09/07/2026

Our Circle Leaders work. They raise families. They juggle bills, transportation, housing, childcare and all the unexpected things life can throw their way. And week after week, they keep showing up - for their families, for their goals and for themselves.

Because one of the things we know at Circles Cobb is that working hard and earning an income doesn’t always mean making ends meet is easy.

That’s why our work goes beyond simply telling people to “work harder.” We build community around people who are already doing the work - helping them grow income, strengthen finances, expand their networks and create pathways toward lasting economic stability.

So this Labor Day, we celebrate our Circle Leaders - and all of our Cobb neighbors working hard to build a better future for themselves and the people they love.

We see you. We celebrate you. Keep going. Happy Labor Day. 💙

09/05/2026

🥹THIS is what we mean when we say, “Join the Circle. Change the Story.”

When Dominique first applied for a Habitat home, the answer was no. But that wasn’t the end of her story. After being referred to Circles Cobb, she got to work - increasing her income, building her savings and strengthening her finances, all while working two jobs and raising her newly adopted niece and nephew.

And then she tried again. This time, the answer was a YES!! Last week, we had the absolute joy of joining Dominique, her Circles family, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta and so many of the people who helped make this moment possible to dedicate her beautiful new home.

As Dominique says, “Just because God says no right now doesn’t mean no forever!”

Dominique, YOU did this. We are incredibly proud of you - and so grateful for every nonprofit, community partner, Ally, volunteer and friend who helped surround her along the way.

A dream deferred is not a dream denied. Welcome home, Dominique! 💙

🎥 Want to hear Dominique tell her story? Watch her 2.5-minute story at bit.ly/dominiquecircle.

09/03/2026

Circles Cobb had a wonderful time at the 5th Annual Taste of Mableton - a celebration designed to bring together the residents, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations and leaders who make this community what it is.

And our Executive Director, Barbara, got an added bonus: catching up with some of her new Class of 2027 classmates!

Barbara enjoyed connecting with Cassandra Brown, Mableton City Councilmember, and Naceo Denney, Area Manager with Georgia Power. Our Program Manager Cynthia Crawford was there enjoying the day, too!

For us, that's one of the best parts of getting out into the Cobb community. Relationships matter. The more we know one another, understand the work happening around us and build connections across our community, the more we can accomplish together.

Here’s to new friends, stronger connections and a great LC27 year ahead! 🎉

Mableton Improvement Coalition Cobb Chamber City of Mableton - Government Georgia Power

09/01/2026

Become an Ally and say yes to transformation - not just for someone else but for yourself as well. Want to learn more? Join us for our Ally Info Session on Thursday 8 Oct. 2026, 6-7:30 pm. Dinner will be provided! Go to bit.ly/circlesally to sign up.

Need more reasons to join our Circle? Here are 3!

1. You Have the Power to Change Lives - You have the ability to guide someone through life’s challenges, lift them up when they stumble, and show them what is possible when they believe in themselves.

2. It’s About Connection, Not Just Giving Back - This is not a one-sided act of service - it’s a journey you take together. You receive just as much as you give (some would say even more!).

3. Empower Someone to Break the Cycle of Poverty - Becoming an Ally is about more than just offering advice. You’re making a friend and helping them find the tools, strategies, and inner strength to overcome obstacles and create a future they may not have thought possible.

Join us to discover how Circles fosters intentional friendships between struggling families and a supportive community - people just like you! These friendships provide encouragement, accountability and vital networks that help families secure better-paying jobs, develop new financial habits like ...