1981 - a private nonprofit was created, Cobb County Children's Center. The purpose of this organization was to create a temporary emergency shelter for abused and neglected children and youth in Cobb County. State Court Judge Tom Cauthorn, Lillian Darden and Johnny Isakson were among some of the community leaders involved in the development process. Funding came from various sources within the community including the Junior League Cobb-Marietta and the Marietta Kiwanis.

August 1984 - Open Gate accepted its first children. The program was designed to care for boys and girls, ages birth to 17, who were taken out of their home due to abuse or neglect.

1989 - A study conducted by the Cobb County Commission on Children and Youth initially identified the need for a program to service at-risk teens.

1991 - The request was made that Cobb County Children's Center offer a program for teens. Because of the special needs of the population to be served, a new facility was warranted.

1993 - Construction began on the one-of-a-kind teen shelter, Another Chance.

February 1995 - Another Chance opened and began caring for up to 20 youth ages 12-17. Youth were referred to Another Chance by the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Juvenile Court.

1996-1997 - The Children's Center began a comprehensive strategic planning process to assess the needs of a future generation of at-risk children and youth and the direction of the organization's future growth in light of these needs.

1998 - The Children's Center initiated a $2.5 million capital campaign. The elements of the campaign included: increasing the bed capacity of Another Chance from 20 to 26; relocating Open Gate to the Another Chance site thus creating a campus setting and improving operating efficiencies; creating a transitional living program for older youth between the ages of 17 and 21; and establishing an endowment fund for maintenance of its physical facilities.

June 2000 - Expansion on Another Chance and Open Gate's relocation was completed. To reflect the additional population to be served, the agency changed its name to The Center for Children & Young Adults.

April 2001 - Turning Point, a transitional living program, opened serving young adults ages 17-21.

First Quarter, 2004 - Turning Point became a male only facility.

End of 2004 - Turning Point returned to a co-ed facility.

Fall of 2005 - The Center began a partnership with Northside Psychological Services to provide enhanced therapeutic services for the children and youth.

2006 -- The Center celebrates three young adults at Turning Point graduating from high school and starting college.

July 2007 -- Due to changes implemented by the Department of Human Resources, that oversees all child care agencies, The Center became a long-term care facility. Changes by DHR prohibit The Center from providing clincial staffing. However, we are mandated by the State to ensure each client receives therapeutic services from a Medicaid approved provider. Changes also required a change in ages served at Open Gate and Another Chance. Open Gate now cares for birth to 12 and Another Chance serves 13-17.

Overview - Open Gate accommodates up to nine boys and girls ages birth to 12. Children are referred to Open Gate by DFCS. Another Chance is a 24-bed facility caring for youth ages 13-17. The Department of Family and Children Services, the Juvenile Court or the Department of Juvenile Justice refer boys and girls to Another Chance. During a child's stay all of their needs are met including: food, clothing, shelter,medical attention if necessary, academic assistance and recreational activities.

Turning Point, a transitional living program, provides a residential, vocational training program for older adolescents ages 17 to 21. The program also provides vocational training skills and support services to assist homeless and at-risk youth in making a smooth transition to self-sufficiency. Young adults may reside at Turning Point for 12 months.

The Center is mandated by the State to ensure that each client in care receives weekly therapeutic services by a Medicaid approved provider. The Center works with Northside Psychological Services, a community based group with licensed therapists and clinicians, to ensure each client receives the services necessary.

In 2007 The Center served 14 counties within the state of Georgia.

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