Special Needs Cobb

Here for you

for life.

“Stability is key for this population. We treat our clients like family by providing homes for them for life. Our group homes have a stellar HUD inspection pass rate score average of 95% and are operated and maintained on SNC properties in local communities with the assistance of trained Medicare service providers.” – Debbie Day, CEO

Your Lifeline for Special Needs Resources

We serve families across the region who would otherwise fall through the cracks in our healthcare and social services systems because of the lack of affordable, safe care for loved ones with Developmental, Physical and Intellectual Disabilities.

Special Needs Cobb provides families with resources, respite and residential group homes for life to give their loved one the best path to greater independence, inclusion and self-determination. Our 23 group homes are situated in neighborhoods on SNC purchased land and staffed with contract Medicaid service providers.

We are Cobb’s Original Special Needs Nonprofit

In 1956, a small group of Cobb County parents fought the prevailing system of the time of institutionalizing children with developmental disabilities, determined that they would not put their kids away. They  became known as Right in the Community, a trailblazing organization in the Special Needs community that accomplished many “firsts” to meet the needs they saw. In 2021, we became Special Needs Cobb, and we are still blazing a trail to provide Resources, Respite and Residential services for families right in the community.

We focus on the entire family unit, not just the individual. We provide respite care to relieve some of the stress of caregiving, keeping families strong and together. We connect parents with other families who “get it,” and hold their hands as they navigate the complicated system of resources. Finally, we give people with disabilities a path to greater independence and opportunities to shine and reach their full potential.

26th Annual

Special Needs Cobb

Golf Invitational

Pars for Stars Golf Invitational

Honoring Volunteers, Donors & Clients

Save the Date!

October 14, 2024

Dogwood Golf Club, Austell, GA

Proceeds from this Special Needs Cobb Golf Invitational fundraiser will be used to: 

  • Fund much-needed operational expenses
  • Maintain 23 Group Homes
  • Help fund our Weekend Respite Home

Not A Golfer? You can still join in on the fun!

Join us for lunch!
Purchase a $30 “Luncheon Only” ticket to join us at 12 p.m. for lunch, meet our residents, and bid in our auction and raffle contests.

Unable to attend? 
You can still make a difference, and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Any amount is appreciated.

Become a Sponsor

Click one of the links below to learn more.

See the Golf Invitational photos from last year. What a great day it was!

A Tribute to Terry Johnson

Special Needs Cobb pays tribute to former board Chairman, Terry Johnson, and gratefully acknowledges his impact on this organization. He was instrumental in negotiating prices and working with zoning for many of our group homes from 1999-2005. We are forever grateful for his advice and contribution to the special needs community.

You can read more about Terry Johnson here (ajc.com).

A Tribute to The Nelons

This weekend we learned the devastating news of a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and Amber Nelon Kistler of the gospel music group, The Nelons. Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, the family’s assistant, Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa Haynie also died in the crash.

We were honored to have The Nelons perform at our 2022 Different is Dazzling fundraiser. Their warmth and generosity shone brightly throughout the evening. They didn’t just perform; they embraced our special needs clients with open arms, inviting them on stage and creating moments of pure joy and connection. Their genuine kindness and heartfelt interactions with everyone present made the event truly special.

Our hearts go out to the Nelon, Hodges, Kistler, Haynie, and Clark families and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our deepest condolences to the Thomas and Hiott families, cousins to the Nelons, who are deeply involved in Special Needs Cobb and our mission. We are thinking of you and praying for you during this time.

Thank You to Cobb Community Foundation for allowing us to participate in the 2023 Bus Tour!

Homes with Heart for Our Special Needs Community

Different is Dazzling Banner

‘Different is Dazzling’ Celebration

Honoring the Special Needs Community

Our inaugural ‘Different is Dazzling’ Celebration was a massive success.

Congratulations to our CEO, Debbie Day

2021 Professional of the Year!

Jack Vaughan Jr Human Services Award Recipient

2021 Human Services Awards Nominees/Recipients

Our Clients

Lexi with Santa

Lexi lights up the room

Lexi is a soft spoken young lady, and she lights up any room with her beautiful smile. Lexi is a girly girl who loves to get a mani and pedi and show off her nails. She enjoys being with her friends, no matter what the activity!

Christopher is a leader

Christopher is always looking out for his peers and lending a helpful hand to staff. He loves shooting hoops with his basketball team or going bowling with his friends on the weekend. He also plays the drums and guitar.

Louisa is a star

Louisa, or “LuLu,” as her friends call her, is a talented singer. She knows the words to nearly every song on the radio and loves to sing and dance along. She also enjoys crafting projects and making friends.

Reach out.

We're here to help.

Contact [email protected] for information on

Residential Special Needs Group Homes and Special Needs Respite Home

Get Involved!

Email us to find out about getting family help, volunteering opportunities, and other ways to get involved.