Marietta, GA · Serving Metro Atlanta & Rural Georgia

Every child deserves their own path to self-sufficiency.

Calliope Cognitive Learning Center (CCLC) helps at-risk youth in impoverished communities and foster care build the skills to move from crisis to stability. We do this through evidence-based programs, mentorship, and a community that shows up. Headquartered in Marietta, our programs extend into rural Georgia communities through grant-supported outreach and a hybrid mix of in-home, in-person, and virtual services.

Donate to cclc

Make a Referral >

20+ yrs

in Georgia's child welfare system

4

core skill-building programs

Our Story

Built from two decades inside the system we now help families navigate.

In many under-resourced communities, teens face a higher risk of substance use, involvement in the justice system, victimization, and low graduation rates. Without consistent support, building a stable future can feel impossible.

CCLC exists to change that trajectory. We pair teens with mentors and evidence-based programs that help them navigate obstacles and build real, transferable skills. Our approach is shaped directly by decades of hands-on experience inside Georgia's child welfare and juvenile justice systems, not theory borrowed from elsewhere.

While CCLC is based in Marietta, our program model is designed to scale. Through grant-supported outreach, we've extended services into rural Georgia communities where access to consistent youth support is often even more limited.

“We all came together in a circle. We each opened up about our stories and struggles. I connected with my peers in a way I had never before. I am in a new place now, a safe environment, because we are all in this together.”

CCLC program participant

Programs & Groups

Evidence-based curricula, delivered consistently.

Mentoring Program

One-on-one and small-group mentoring that pairs youth with trained, screened adult mentors for consistent, ongoing support. Research shows a single stable relationship with a caring adult is one of the strongest predictors of resiliency. Our mentors provide exactly that, alongside our clinical programs. We offer therapeutic skill-building that helps youth navigate placement changes, strengthen resilience, and feel grounded.

Ages 8–21

Background-checked mentors

1:1 & small group

Refer to This Program >

Substance Use Group

A safe, non-judgmental space where teens explore substance use, understand emotions, and build healthier coping strategies, using the Seven Challenges curriculum.

Ages 13–21

Seven Challenges curriculum

Meets 2x weekly

Refer to This Program >

Anger Management Group

Skills-based emotional regulation and conflict-resolution training using the NCTI Crossroads curriculum, helping teens respond safely and confidently at home, school, and in their community. We provide restorative, structured support that builds accountability, and future-focused decision-making.

Teens

NCTI Crossroads

Meets 2x weekly

Refer to This Program >

Parenting Skill Training

Structured, supportive guidance using the Parent Project curriculum, helping caregivers strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and create stability at home.

Parents & caregivers

Parent Project

Meets 1x weekly

Refer to This Program >

Prevention Skill Training

Early-intervention skill training for students before crisis points. It builds the decision-making tools that helps students manage emotions, build healthy coping skills, and reduce long-term risk.

Students

Meets 1x weekly

Refer to This Program >

Governance & Leadership

The people accountable for CCLC's mission.

Board Chair

Nyatui Welch‑Byfield

Executive Director, PMO Atlanta

• Leadership • Strategic Oversight • Community Partnerships

Vice Chair

Quovadis Pallord, M.Psych.

Therapist, QNP Mentoring and Life Coaching LLC

• Case Manager • Therapist • Life Coach • Mentor

Treasurer

Charidy Miles

Compliance & Quality Control, We Care Homes

• Fiscal Management • Quality Assurance • Operational Integrity

Secretary

Derenisha Sutton

Grievance & Appeals Operations Support Specialist, Humana

• Documentation • Member Advocacy • Compliance Support

General Member

Mia Hobdy

Executive Director, New Town Success Zone, Inc.

• Program Development • Youth Services • Community Impact

General Member

Beverly George

Licensed Master Social Worker, Emory University Hospital

• Clinical Social Work • Family Support • Crisis Intervention

Common Questions

For caseworkers, schools, and families.

Is there a cost to families?

CCLC's programs are grant-funded, so families are not billed directly for program participation.

How does a referral work?

Submit a referral through our online form. Our team reviews eligibility and reaches out to the referring caseworker, school, or court contact to coordinate next steps.

Do you serve families outside Marietta?

Yes. Through a hybrid mix of in-home, in-person, and virtual services, and grant-supported outreach, we extend into rural Georgia communities where access is limited.

What ages and populations do you serve?

Youth ages 8–21, including those in foster care, group homes, and DJJ commitment, along with their parents and caregivers. See Programs for age ranges by group.

Volunteer with CCLC

Become a mentor or support a program directly.

All volunteers working directly with youth complete a background check and a short orientation before placement. Fill out the form below and our team will follow up.

Submit the form

Every child deserves their own path to self-sufficiency.

20+ yrs

4

Built from two decades inside the system we now help families navigate.

Evidence-based curricula, delivered consistently.

Mentoring Program

Substance Use Group

Anger Management Group

Parenting Skill Training

Prevention Skill Training

The people accountable for CCLC's mission.

Nyatui Welch‑Byfield