Opportunity Knocks for Youth currently serves children in Cobb County who are most in need. Many are in foster care. Here you will find a summary of the activities and support services offered through each group.

Haven Hearts, Turning Point and Project Plus

The groups meet the first Thursday of each month for mentoring and planned life skills programs. The program begins with dinner that promotes an atmosphere  conversation and open discussion, followed with life skills training that incorporates communication, listening and interaction. A guest speaker—a business owner, a corporate executive, a member of one of our non-profit partnerships—further engages with the youth in a manner which plants the seeds of possibility and relays the message that every success requires certain disciplines.

Each mentor is accessible to their mentee for support, homework help, and as someone to talk with.

Fieldtrips are scheduled each quarter. The January 2008 fieldtrip included a visit to IKEA-Atlanta and WSB TV. The General Manager of IKEA spoke with our youth about their training program for new employees and the need for each to complete their education. From there we went to WSB TV. The station’s General Manager, Bill Hoffman, and News Anchor, John Pruitt, both spoke to our youth concerning education, setting personal goals, and following their dreams. To top off the day, we watched the Newscast live in the Studio.

In turn, our youth give to their community. Their service project in 2007 was part of National Youth Service Day and involved refurbishing and laying new sod for the Marietta Youth Athletic Association Athletic Field. MYAA is also a nonprofit corporation.

Franklin Road Weed & Seed

Franklin Road is home of many transient youth and a Boys & Girls Club. The Weed & Seed Project emphasizes education and reducing crime rates. Our program of life and job skills is in partnership with their Mission.

Cobb County Schools

Since 2006, we have had the privilege of working with schools in establishing better standards of accountability for our youth. If they are not viewed seriously within the school environment, our students do not approach their own responsibilities seriously. Through collaborative efforts of our Board President, a DFCS coordinator, and the school graduation coach program, steps have been taken to enhance scholastic improvements. Continuing the momentum for scholastic achievement with a system of review remains a primary focus.

We additionally have a joint relationship with Kennesaw State University through their interns program. This past year a, Kennesaw State Intern and our Board President have been working in the respective schools alongside our youth and educators.

For more detailed information about our work, please contact us.