Collaborative Connection: July 7, 2022
From Mental Health America:

"July Is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month.

Mental Health America recognizes that Black, Indigenous, and people of color have rich histories that go #BeyondTheNumbers. While there are stories of resilience born out of oppression, persecution, and abuse, there is immeasurable strength in each of these cultures. In an increasingly diversified America, we acknowledge the specificity of individual and group experiences and how it relates to their beliefs and well-being. BIPOC communities are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions, and one of the major barriers to mental health treatment is access and the need for understanding mental health support. #BeyondTheNumbers explores the nuances and uniqueness in BIPOC communities.

This year’s theme for BIPOC Mental Health Month is #BeyondTheNumbers. Join us and together, we will gain knowledge on historical context, systems of support, and actionable ways to move forward toward a mentally healthy future."

To receive MHA's 2022 toolkit, please click here. For more information on BIPOC mental health from MHA, please click here to visit their website.

According to data from Mental Health America (MHA), over 7 million Black Americans report having mental illness. BIPOC are often faced with years - even generations - of trauma, which translates to socioeconomic disparities and, in turn, is linked to mental health concerns today. Cobb Collaborative has a new "Mental Health Resources for Black Communities" downloadable PDF free on our website. To access this information, please click here.

For additional mental health information and resources, please visit our Mind Your Mind webpage by clicking here.
SUMMER READING: OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES
In partnership with Uplift Georgia and the Cobb County Public Library, the Collaborative is encouraging participation in the Library's summer reading program - Oceans of Possibilities. Summer reading programs at public libraries in Georgia offer creative, fun, and free ways to build a love for reading. Libraries offer prizes for meeting reading goals, in-person and online activities, and even opportunities to explore Georgia. This program is open to readers of ALL ages! For more information, please click here.

We look forward to going out into communities to distribute books each week. The children are so excited to read and have logged in excess of over 100 community reading hours so far this summer. We love seeing those reading hours add up and are SO proud of these children for being voracious readers! The benefits of reading are tremendous and their reading successes set them up for greater achievement in so many ways.

To learn more about Cobb Collaborative's literacy initiative and the Literacy And Justice For All program, please click here.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY UPDATE
We had the honor of dedicating another Little Free Library last Friday at a wonderful neighborhood in Powder Springs. We would like to give a shout out to Ms. Alexandre who rallied her neighbors and her HOA to prioritize this LFL for their community!

We have another LFL dedication coming up on Tuesday, July 12, at 1PM at Princeton Academy. Please see event graphic below for details and make plans to join us!
We are accepting new and gently used books for ALL ages (infants to adult) to distribute in Cobb communities and via Little Free Libraries. To donate books, please contact Cobb Collaborative Executive Director, Irene Barton via email to coordinate. You can also donate funds to our LFL Campaign by visiting our online LFL Campaign page by clicking here.
COBB COLLABORATIVE IS HIRING VOTE YOUR VOICE INTERNS
Do you know any high school or college students who are passionate about civic engagement and community involvement?

The Cobb Collaborative is currently seeking energetic and vibrant interns to support our Vote Your Voice programming for the Fall Semester of 2022. Interested candidates should have a particular interest in civic engagement and be willing to conduct Voter Registration Drives and other voter education events for their fellow students and staff.

Our particular focus is on the South Cobb area. This opportunity is open for all high schools in Cobb County and Marietta City Schools. Additionally, students at KSU or any area colleges are encouraged to apply.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Kaitlyn Ball, Vote Your Voice Coordinator. Applications will be accepted until August 26, 2022. The cover letter should be concise, compelling, and include why you would like to be an intern for Cobb Collaborative.

Cobb Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. US Work Authorization is required.
We are consistently add new events to our calendar! Be sure to check out our website for a full list of upcoming programming.
This month the focus of our meeting will be on veterans housing. We’ll have representatives from MUST Ministries, Zion Keepers, Cobb Legal Aid, Marietta Housing Authority and other veteran-serving organizations as featured presenters.
Tue, Jul 19, 2022 8:00 AM EST
Cobb Marietta Early Learning Initiative
Tue, Aug 30, 2022 9:00 AM EST
Q3 Coffee With the Collaborative
Tommy Nobis Center, Marietta
Austell Community Collaborative is hiring a Part-Time Executive Director, up to 24 hours per week. 

Purpose of Executive Director Position: Plan, organize and direct all organization activities to ensure consistency and adherence to established vision, mission and goals/objectives of the Collaborative and its Board of Directors. Ensure compliance with contracts and funding source requirements, including implementation and evaluation of all program activities, development, fiscal management, community, and public relations. Develop new collaborative initiatives, as appropriate, and take lead role in process of securing, maintaining, and expanding funding base.

To download a PDF with the full job description, please click here. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be concise, compelling, and include why you are the right person for this role. Email cover letter and resume to info@austellyouthinnovationcenter.com.
These grants are made possible through funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, AmeriCorps. The application deadline is Friday, July 15, 2022.
For additional resources, please click here for our Q2 Resource Newsletter.
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Serving the Cobb County Community since 1997.