Empowering Parents Enriches Childhoods
Parenting doesn’t require expensive gadgets or advanced degrees—just meaningful connection and the right resources. That’s the guiding belief behind Cobb Collaborative’s community work.
Cobb Collaborative, a nonprofit organization focused on child and family well-being in Cobb County, Georgia, is empowering parents through hands-on learning and literacy programs.
Alison Nyarko, right, reads to children at a Playground Palooza.
“We’ve really tried to teach parents that they are their child’s first teacher, they’re their child’s first advocate,” said Alison Nyarko, director of Early Childhood Programs at Cobb Collaborative. “If parents know the importance of creating a language rich environment at home, it sets children up for success when they enter school.”
Cobb Collaborative says it’s the little things that count. It could be as simple as interacting with your child as you create a pretend play box out of cardboard boxes, old clothes, and hats.
They’re bringing that information to parents and caregivers in their community through Playground Paloozas, pop-up community workshops in which Cobb Collaborative distributes books, shares supplies, and distills language and literacy tips and tricks through research-backed training.
Their Playground Paloozas utilize the Basics Learning Network strategies as an evidence-based framework for activities and workshops.
“We’re being intentional about meeting families where they already are, and strategic about ensuring we’re getting resources to local families in our community,” Nyarko said.
Beyond workshops, Cobb Collaborative extends its reach through dynamic local partnerships.
Over the summer they joined forces with their YMCA to distribute books and resources alongside the YMCA’s food deliveries every week.
They visit farmer’s markets to pass out information packets and collaborate with the health department to get information on a variety of topics, including parenting, to as many families as possible.
Irene Barton, right in orange, presents a new initiative in the community.
“People are eager for resources and tips on how to parent,” said Cobb Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton. “There is definitely a willingness, almost a hunger, for information from all of our child- and family-facing adults.”
What they’re doing is working.
Program Impact at a Glance:
Reached 1,000+ parents through Playground Paloozas
98% surveyed said text updates helped them support their child’s learning
84% learned new parent-child activities
More parents reported showing affection, discussing emotions, and engaging in play
“Every parent, and every adult wants the best for their children,” Nyarko said. “I’ve never seen a parent or guardian turn down something they think and believe to be beneficial for their child. It’s our job to show them why this information is beneficial.”
By showing families why early literacy matters—and how simple it can be—Cobb Collaborative is building a brighter foundation for every child in their community.
Cobb Collaborative is funded in part by the Deal Center’s Community Coalition grant. For more information about our grants email Ryan Hersh at ryan.hersh@gcsu.edu. To discuss programming with Cobb Collaborative, contact Alison Nyarko at thebasics@cobbcollaborative.org.