2023 School Year Family Stabilization Report

2023 Family Stabilization Report

When we established the Family Stabilization Fund, we knew it was important because throughout the Cobb County School District there are nearly 50,000 students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch. Our social workers partner with many local nonprofits, which help tremendously, but there were some cases where time was so limited that by the time the referral was received, it could be too late. Our students and their families could be living in their cars or be displaced, or simply need graduation attire in order to walk across the stage.

The Cobb Schools Foundation Board of Directors set out to help bridge this gap by establishing this fund. The fund represents a strong partnership between our community, the Foundation, social workers, and our students. This partnership is completely dependent on the hearts of our donors, who feel compelled to support families when life takes an unforeseen turn. Our social workers identify students who are typically struggling at school in some way and they intervene. When a financial situation is discovered, they perform a financial assessment and come up with a plan that best fits the needs. If they are urgent and are on the brink of sending a family into a crisis situation, this fund is there to help.

During 2020, we had just established the fund and because of the support from the community, we were able to provide over 1,000 devices to students who didn't have access to technology at home during the pandemic. Since then, we have been using the funds to support unmet needs. Our 2021-2022 report will demonstrate how this fund helps and where the funds are utilized.

Here is the 2023 report .

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Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.