City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Community Champions

Organizations Making a Difference

During this season of giving, let's celebrate and recognize four remarkable organizations that are making a significant impact in our communities: Bosley's Place, Cumberland Counseling Centers, Davis Direction Foundation, and Four Corners Group. These entities address a range of important social issues, including animal rescue, mental health support, addiction recovery, and empowering at-risk youth. Their dedication exemplifies compassion, resilience, and selflessness, embodying the true essence of this festive season. By highlighting these organizations, we aim to inspire and encourage support for their noble missions, strengthening our communities.

Bosley's Place: A Haven for Neonatal Puppies

In a world filled with heartwarming rescue stories, Bosley's Place stands out for its dedication to helping tiny, vulnerable creatures: neonatal puppies. Founded by Jennifer Siegel in 2014, this unique organization has dedicated its mission to saving the lives of orphaned and homeless neonatal and underage puppies. Their story began with a little furball named Bosley, a 1.2lb pitbull puppy found in a trash heap in Grant Park, Atlanta, facing a grim fate until Jennifer stepped in to foster him. Bosley's journey transformed Jennifer's life, leading her to create a sanctuary for these fragile souls.

The decision to focus primarily on neonatal puppies at Bosley's Place stemmed from realizing the stark 15% survival rate for orphaned puppies due to limited resources. With unwavering dedication, they increased the survival rate to an impressive 87%, standing out as a leader in this niche area of rescue.

The services offered at Bosley's Place are a testament to their commitment. Newborn orphaned puppies, entirely reliant on care, receive round-the-clock attention. Feeding every 2 to 3 hours, temperature-controlled habitats, assistance for bodily functions, and specialized medical care are the norm. The facility boasts a neonatal puppy ICU equipped to care for a spectrum of cases, from healthy newborns to those with critical medical conditions or congenital defects.

What sets Bosley's Place apart from other rescues across the United States is its singular dedication to neonatal orphaned puppies. This exclusive focus enables them to save numerous young lives that might have otherwise been lost.

Numerous heartwarming success stories have marked the organization's journey. From the bleak beginnings of abandonment or tragedy, these tales evolve into narratives of hope and joy when these once-helpless puppies find their forever families.

Over the years, Bosley's Place has faced its share of challenges. Initially, obtaining medical advice for newborns was difficult and medications specifically designed for newborn puppies were scarce. Through dedication and collaboration with veterinarian Dr. Shannon Ewing at Collier Animal Hospital, they conquered these obstacles. Current challenges center on the necessity for additional resources, such as fosters, volunteers, and donations.

The organization encourages community involvement through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and donations. They also host engaging events like offsite corporate puppy parties, puppy yoga, and puppy-inclusive events at their Smyrna facility.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision and goals of Bosley's Place are simple yet profound: to continue saving the lives of these vulnerable puppies. Their steadfast dedication ensures these neonatal puppies have a brighter future, continuously serving as a beacon of hope for the most fragile members of the animal kingdom.

Breaking Barriers: Cumberland Counseling Centers Pioneering Mental Health Access

Mental health issues are on the rise, and Cumberland Counseling Centers (CCC), spearheaded by Alexandra Thompson, LCSW, is on a mission to revolutionize mental health care accessibility. Their vision centers around the belief high-quality mental health services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial limitations. As a non-profit, they've partnered with local churches and faith-based organizations, paving the way for universal access to quality mental health care.

CCC’s service portfolio is diverse, offering clinical mental health therapy and faith-based counseling. They swiftly establish operational mental health centers within partner churches or faith-based organizations in 3-4 weeks. These partnerships go beyond therapy, including workshops, support groups, and professional development sessions on faith and mental health. They also provide scholarships for individuals from lower-income backgrounds, awarding $45,000 in counseling scholarships last year, with plans to double that amount this year, showcasing their commitment to inclusive care.

The services cater to a wide demographic, including individuals, teenagers, couples, and families grappling with various mental health challenges. From trauma and grief to anxiety and relational challenges, CCC provides comprehensive support, aiming to foster healing and growth at both individual and community levels.

What sets them apart is their unique approach to partnership with churches and faith organizations. Instead of operating as a separate “referral source,” they integrate seamlessly as a sister partnership within the walls of the organization. By taking charge of the business and liability aspects of therapy, they offer unparalleled support to the existing staff and community.

Real-life success stories emphasize CCC’s impactful work. Testimonies reveal life-changing experiences and gratitude for the tools, support, and financial accessibility offered. CCC’s faith-based approach fosters personal growth and enhances individuals' spiritual well-being. 

Community support is vital for the center's success, particularly in aiding underserved clients. Financial contributions and community involvement play a critical role in ensuring these individuals receive necessary assistance.

CCC plans to broaden their impact by establishing more partnership sites, increasing scholarships, and enhancing community engagement through education programs. Their goal is to normalize mental health care in faith-based communities for holistic well-being.

To engage, support, or access their services, individuals can contact them via their website, email, or phone, or follow them on social media.

Cumberland Counseling Centers is more than a mental health provider; it's a force for community-driven change, fostering healing and mental wellness through innovative partnerships and dedicated service.

Spearheading Change: The Davis Direction Foundation's Impact on Addiction and Recovery

Established in 2014 after the tragic loss of Davis Henry Owen due to an overdose, the Davis Direction Foundation (DDF) has emerged as a formidable force in the battle against addiction and the facilitation of recovery. Founded by Michael and Missy Owen, the foundation stands as a guiding light, addressing the escalating opioid and illicit drug epidemic that continues to devastate communities.

The DDF is dedicated to fighting addiction, supporting recovery, and eliminating stigma. It acts as both a local model and a national resource to enhance the lives of those dealing with substance use and mental health issues. By promoting various paths to recovery and community engagement, the DDF fosters an inclusive, multifaceted approach to rehabilitation.

The foundation's initiatives like COPE House, Zoned 4 Re-Entry, Zoned for Youth in Recovery, CCAR, Mental Health First Aid, and the Friday Night Lights campaign have significantly influenced individuals and communities. These programs offer extensive support and resources to aid recovery and prevent relapses, particularly focusing on youth support and re-entry strategies.

DDF's success stories abound, illustrating the tangible impact on individuals and communities. Collaborations with influential entities such as Cobb DA’s Office, Cobb Commissioners, and numerous sober living homes position the foundation as a beacon of change, committed to breaking barriers and establishing sustainable recovery pathways.

The foundation's holistic support extends to various resources, from food and access to sober living scholarships to job opportunities and specialized assistance, like the CARES Team for individuals recently affected by overdoses. Moreover, DDF's efforts are not limited to individual support; they actively engage in raising awareness through diverse channels, from local news outlets to national symposiums, and collaborate with law enforcement and judiciary bodies.

Looking towards the future, DDF’s upcoming initiatives, including the impactful Friday Night Lights campaign, underscore the foundation's proactive approach to awareness and prevention, striving to save lives and encourage safe medication disposal.

Community support is essential for the DDF's success. Individuals, businesses, and volunteers all play crucial roles by providing financial support, volunteering, and advocacy, significantly aiding the foundation's cause.

Key figures, including Daniel Spinney, Michael Owen (CFO), and Dr. Tracie Doe (Mental Health Program Director), express the profound impact of the Davis Direction Foundation. Spinney emphasizes the foundation as a safe haven for recovery, Owen highlights its role in eradicating stigma and saving lives daily, while Dr. Doe underscores the foundation's support in enabling individuals to seek necessary help.

Under Missy Owen's visionary leadership, the Davis Direction Foundation stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven efforts in combating addiction and promoting recovery through resilience and fortitude.

Empowering Youth: Four Corners Group's Journey to Transform Lives

Four Corners Group stands as a guiding force for youth navigating turbulent paths, striving to curb the tide of juvenile recidivism and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. Founded on the mission of decreasing recidivism rates and empowering underserved adolescents, the organization is committed to redefining the trajectories of young lives.

Mindful of the urgent need to assist historically underserved youth, the group focuses on various vulnerable demographics, including students in Title I schools, dropouts, those in alternative education, and individuals recently released from juvenile detention or involved in the juvenile court system. Four Corners Group addresses not only symptoms but also systemic issues contributing to these youths' challenges.

Through a diverse set of programs, the organization provides education, support, and empowerment. The Pathways to Success initiative, a pivotal program, focuses on imparting life skills, character development, and public speaking, facilitated by trained coaches and mentors. The commitment to these individuals doesn’t cease after program completion; the Boss Up Program offers continuous opportunities, emphasizing entrepreneurship and personalized success coaching for program alumni.

Understanding that prevention is paramount, Four Corners Group embraces a personalized approach, offering a continuum of care that equips youth with tools and positive influences to steer them away from the grip of recidivism. This support extends to intervention efforts, including court support and mentorship, bridging the gap for students navigating legal entanglements.

President and founder, William Johnson shares that the heart of the organization lies in restoring hope and opportunities. Recognizing the need for mental health support, the group has partnered with experts to introduce mental health services, emphasizing skills-based programs for participants. This holistic approach endeavors to address the complexities and traumas that many of these young individuals face.

The impact of Four Corners Group is evident through success stories of students transitioning back to public schools, gaining employment, and improving essential life skills. Statistical assessments indicate substantial growth in both external and internal assets, marking a positive shift in the lives of the youth they support.

Four Corners Group envisions an expansive future, aiming to extend their programs and support services to reach more students across multiple campuses. Their objective is not only to assist individual youths but also to contribute to a network that strengthens the entire community by empowering the next generation.

Crucial to their mission's success is the involvement and support of individuals and businesses. Through donations, volunteering, and raising awareness, the organization encourages community involvement in this transformative journey, nurturing the potential of every young participant.

Four Corners Group stands as a testament to the profound impact an organization can have on the lives of at-risk youth. With an unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for these individuals, their dedication is a beacon of hope in an often challenging landscape.

Bosley's Place
Phone: (404) 565-4025
Website: bosleysplace.com
Facebook: bosleysplace
Email:  info@bosleysplace.com

Cumberland Counseling Centers
Phone:  (404) 884-8247
Website: CumberlandCenters.org
Instagram/Facebook: @cumberlandcounseling

Davis Direction Foundation:
Phone:  (770) 693-5982
Website:  davisdirection.com
Email: info@davisdirection.com

Four Corners Group
Website:  fourcornersgroup.net
Facebook:  Four Corners Group Inc.
Instagram:  @fourcorners_grp
Email: info@fourcornersgroup.net

Businesses featured in this article