It takes more than walls to be home. A few years ago, Special Needs Cobb CEO, Debbie Day, received a call that stopped her in her tracks. The state needed an emergency placement for an 85-year-old with developmental disabilities. She was blind. She had no family and no clothes. Her name was Miss Louise.
The organization knew Miss Louise needed a safe, loving place to land. Immediately. Community partners helped gather clothing and essentials. And then, just as Special Needs Cobb had done for decades, they opened their doors. Miss Louise moved into one of their group homes. There were cozy blankets, warm meals, and a house full of new friends. She had caregivers by her side around the clock. And for the next three years, until she passed away at 87, Miss Louise lived in peace, comfort, and dignity.
Since 1956, Special Needs Cobb has served adults with developmental disabilities in Cobb County, and since the late 1990s, they have maintained a growing network of group homes — 23 today. These homes aren’t institutions; they’re just that — homes. They’re in residential neighborhoods and filled with routines, joy, and care. They are often the last option for individuals who would otherwise be forgotten.
The organization’s mission is to provide lifelong housing for adults with special needs, and that includes the full responsibility of maintaining and operating 23 properties year-round. This is no small task. The homes are under constant scrutiny from multiple governing bodies, including HUD and DBHDD, and they take pride in exceeding their rigorous standards mandated to keep them in operation. Special Needs Cobb has done so for 70 years! Many of its homes are now 25+ years old, and wear and tear is beginning to show with commercial-grade use.
The nonprofit is most in need of general operational funds that support it in keeping these homes running and safe. Its team of just five staff members manages it all. They’re on call after hours. They juggle urgent maintenance and other issues with grace and grit, including fundraising events. The nonprofit’s Annual Pars for Stars Golf Invitational on October 13, 2025 is open to the public. Your attendance helps them continue to thrive. Whether you are a golfer or just want to join them for lunch and fabulous auction, have fun and do good by visiting specialneedscobb.org and register today.
Here’s why donors can trust Special Needs Cobb:
- Longevity — They are one of the oldest nonprofits in Cobb with nearly 70 years of trusted service.
- They’re deeply embedded in the community, collaborating with families, schools, and care providers.
- They’ve quietly, dependably supported over 90 residents a year — some for over 30 years.
But numbers only tell part of the story. It’s in stories like Miss Louise’s, and in the steady assurance the homes provide every single day. Special Needs Cobb believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home — for life. With your support, they won’t just keep the lights on — they will keep hearts full.
This post is part of a series:
Top Volunteer Opportunities For You And Your Business:
Nonprofits making a difference in Cobb
