Category: media-releases

Pebble Tossers to host experts in a panel discussion on February 24th

(Atlanta, GA, February 18, 2021)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, is hosting two online panel discussions on February 24th for parents and guardians to help navigate the dangers of online activities.

Pebble Tossers, partnering with The Kid Factory, will host a viewing of Childhood 2.0 followed by an open dialogue for parents with a panel of experts. The Childhood 2.0 documentary explores the dramatic technological and cultural shift that children and parents face with the rise of social networks and mobile devices, including:

• issues of addiction and withdrawal

• anxiety and depression

• cyberbullying

• the culture of sexting and unforeseen consequences

• the loss of free play and autonomy

• the rapid growth of suicide among children and teens

“As parents, we worry about the physical safety of our children. However, many of us are not as savvy on social media and don’t know how to discuss cyber-safety with our kids, “ said Jen Guynn, Founding Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “The Childhood 2.0 documentary brings this aspect to light and Pebble Tossers believes that cyber-safety is an important issue intertwined with the social-emotional development of youth.” 

A panel of experts, moderated by Guynn, will join the conversation to encourage communication between parent and child while still allowing freedom and privacy and the ability to maintain mental health and physical safety. They are:

Robert Myers, Clinical Psychologist with a history of working with the individual and family service industry

Tessa Cole, Ph.D. Candidate, Criminal Justice at Georgia State University Member of American Society of Criminology and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer, Bark Technologies and author of Parenting in a Tech World

Cindy Robinson, Founder, The Kid Factory and certified parent coach

Event Details

(same panelists for both sessions)

Date: Wednesday, February 24th:

10:00am: Viewing of Childhood 2.0 documentary online. All participants are encouraged to watch the Childhood 2.0 documentary prior to the panel discussion. It can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/He3IJJhFy-I. Parental discretion is advised before showing to children 12 years of age and under.

11:45am: Panel Discussion via Zoom*

6:00pm: Panel Discussion via Zoom* 

*To register for either session, please visit: http://bit.ly/2NvcMsD. If you have any questions, please call 678.757.5597 or email beth@pebbletossers.org.

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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Pebble Tossers invited to join Snooze, A.M. Eatery for their “community days” Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14.

Snooze, An A.M. Eatery will open its long-planned Sandy Springs location next month, a rep for the breakfast chain Thursday confirmed in an email to What Now Atlanta. Snooze Sandy Springs has been delayed by at least a year and will finally debut its first Georgia location on February 17, at 4600 Roswell Road.

Leading up to its official grand opening, Snooze is set to host a series of soft-opening days — “community days” — on Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14. “These special community days are a great way to introduce the community to Snooze and their commitment to community-based initiatives and partnerships,” the spokesperson said. A portion of pre-opening breakfast sales will be donated to local initiatives, Pebble Tossers, and Southern Education Foundation.

To see the full article please visit: https://whatnowatlanta.com/snooze-sets-opening-day-in-sandy-springs-breakfast-chains-entry-into-georgia/

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Pebble Tossers featured in the November Issue of Georgia Magazine

Georgia Magazine, the largest circulation monthly magazine in the state, featured Pebble Tossers and its impact on the nonprofit community.

(Atlanta, GA, December 12, 2020) Pebble Tossers and The Georgia Center for Nonprofits were the focus of an article in Georgia Magazine. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits helps nonprofits throughout the state of Georgia be successful and operating smoothly. One of the ways they help is through GA Gives on Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday that follows Thanksgiving and is an important day for nonprofits around the globe. Georgia Magazine interviewed Jen Guynn, Executive Director of Pebble Tossers, on what Georgia Center of Nonprofits means to Pebble Tossers during Giving Tuesday.

To read this article at Georgia Magazine please visit their website by clicking here.

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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Pebble Tossers Welcomes Two New Board Members

(Atlanta, GA, September 30, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, welcomes two new community leaders to its board of directors: Brandy Brock of Google Cloud Business Solutions and Andy Dakshina of FiServ.

“Brandy and Andy bring diverse talents and experiences to the Pebble Tossers Board, which are a vital part of the Board’s success, “ said Rebecca Sandberg, Board President. “We look forward to the leadership and perspectives they will add to our team.” 

Brandy Brock
A developer of leaders in the workforce, Brandy fits right in with the Pebble Tossers mission to empower youth to lead through service. She is a strong believer in volunteerism leading to good citizenship and strong character development. Brandy is the Head of Southeast Sales for Google Cloud Business Solutions.

“I cherished my time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Brandy. “After 15 years, I am still in contact with my little and her family and we meet up often with our families. Volunteering is a great way to grow in confidence, empathy and understanding.”

Andy Dakshina
Andy and his family are longtime Pebble Tossers members and have participated in several of our key service projects. They hold a strong belief of volunteerism as an essential part of youth and family development. They embody the Pebble Tossers mission. Andy is an Account Executive at FiServ.

2020 Board of Directors, Pebble Tossers
Rebecca Sandberg – Board President, The Brevit Group
Aaron Dixon – Board Vice President, Alston & Bird
Vijay Vaswani – Board Treasurer, Bennett Thrasher, CPA
Broughton Barry – Board Secretary, Wolters Kluwer
Brandy Brock – Google Cloud Business Solutions
Andy Dakshina – FiServ
Leslie Graham – United Digestive
Mary Ulmer Jones – Bank of America
Eric Meier – United Heathcare
Amy Merry – Amazon Web Services
Elizabeth Rasberry – ABB
Asher Royal – Davita Kidney Care
Kelly Weber – OneDigital

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

(Click to Download the Media Release)

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Top Leaders Slated to Speak for Teen Leadership Program

Business and education leaders to share their insights, best practices and advice to the next generation of leaders as a part of the  Pebble Tossers Teen Leadership Program.

(Atlanta, GA, September 16, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, launched its Teen Leadership Program (TLP) in August and is now launching its impressive lineup of speakers.

The speakers represent a wide cross-section of the Southeast’s professional business community including nonprofit organizations, technology businesses, educational institutions, and a Super Bowl Champion. These community leaders and their chosen topics support the mission of the TLP to help the service-minded teens selected for the program to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their impact on their community and the world. 

Topics will cover the multiple benefits of service, self-awareness and a personal presence, college planning, developing an understanding of society, leadership styles, relationship skills, trends in digital citizenship and more.

Scheduled to Speak:

Jann H. Adams, PhD
Associate Vice President for Leadership Initiatives and Lead Director of the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership
Morehouse College

Leslie Anderson, M.S., LMFT, Ph.D.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Associate Professor
The University of Southern Mississippi

Beth Bristow
Educational Consultant: College Planning + Test Preparation
Beth Bristow Tutorial Services

Alex Desiderio
Director, Recruitment + Employee Engagement
Woodruff Arts Center

Titania Jordan
CMO and Chief Parent Officer
Bark.us

Malcolm Mitchell
Retired NFL, New England Patriots: UGA Football
Author
Founder
Share the Magic Foundation, Inc.

Michelle Schroeder
Artist Educator
Columbus Academy

Cherie Wilson
Director, Community Relations Manager
Bank of America

“In our inaugural year, we are excited to partner with leaders of this caliber who have generously offered their time and expertise to our teens,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founding Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “We know the guidance and wisdom they offer will greatly benefit our young leaders now and as they move forward on their chosen paths.”

To view a complete list of speakers, bios and topics click here.

The 32 teens selected for the inaugural Pebble Tossers TLP will be initiating, developing and organizing their own service projects that will assist in their development of the three tenets of the program: Serve, Lead, Succeed.

Teen Leadership Program (TLP) Information

The nine-month TLP includes in-person + virtual meetings, special guest speakers, and a service project that participants will create and implement as a group. The TLP supplements valuable experiences in the lives of these passionate young people and builds the sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy that our world needs in the leaders of tomorrow. The 32 students chosen for the inaugural program are not only participants but trailblazers as they will help mold the program for future participants.

For more information, visit www.pebbletossers.org/teen.

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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Metro Atlanta Teens selected for New Teen Leadership Program

Pebble Tossers congratulates 32 teenagers selected for its
inaugural 2020-21 teen leadership program

(Atlanta, GA, July 22, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, is launching its Teen Leadership Program (TLP) in August, 2020. In line with the Pebble Tossers mission to empower and equip youth to lead through service, the program provides opportunities for service-minded teens to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their impact on their community and the world.

The Teens

32 students
25 Metro Atlanta high schools and middle schools
One (1) 7th grader, eight (8) 8th graders, four (4) freshmen, seven (7) sophomores, nine (9) juniors, and three (3) seniors
Who are they?
Musicians, Artists, Athletes, Tech Wizards, Philanthropists, Girl Scouts, Writers and more!

The TLP curriculum covers personal and practical life-skills such as self-awareness, self-management, growth-mindset, social awareness, healthy relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills. The scheduled activities also cover the ways these skills apply within the three tenets of the program: Serve, Lead, Succeed.

“I’m looking forward to watching a group of exceptional young people grow personally and come together to create their own service projects within the community,” said Ben Deignan, Youth Program Manager, Pebble Tossers.

The nine-month program includes in-person + virtual meetings, special guest speakers, and a service project that participants will create and implement as a group. The TLP supplements valuable experiences in the lives of these passionate young people and builds the sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy that our world needs in the leaders of tomorrow. The 33 students chosen for the inaugural program are not only participants but trailblazers as they will help mold the program for future participants.

“I am inspired. The applications submitted by these teens reflect how much good there is in our community,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “These teens are well on their way to being successful leaders.”

Teen Leadership Program Information

Website:
www.pebbletossers.org/teen

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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Teen Leadership Program 2020-2021 Members

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Serve. Lead. Succeed. Metro Atlanta Teen Leadership Program

Pebble Tossers announces new 2020-21 teen leadership program initiatives, milestones and goals.

(Atlanta, GA, July 9, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, is launching its Teen Leadership Program (TLP) in August, 2020. In line with the Pebble Tossers mission to empower and equip youth to lead through service, the program provides an opportunity for service-minded teens to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their impact on their community and the world.

The TLP curriculum covers personal and practical life-skills such as self-awareness, self-management, growth-mindset, social awareness, healthy relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills. The scheduled activities also cover the ways these skills apply within the three tenets of the program: Serve, Lead, Succeed.

The nine-month program includes in-person + virtual meetings, special guest speakers, and a service project that participants will create and implement as a group. The TLP supplements valuable experiences in the lives of these passionate young people and builds the sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy that our world needs in the leaders of tomorrow.

A maximum of 30 rising 7th through 12th graders will be accepted into the program that kicks off on August 24th with a virtual meeting. Throughout the 2020-21 school year, the selected teens will participate in eight (8) meetings, several special events and presentations, and as a group they will create, develop, plan and execute a service project of their own.

“For the past eleven years, Pebble Tossers has engaged youth in service to provide the experiences they need to become leaders in our community,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “Our Teen Leadership Program takes this to the next level as we target fundamental social, emotional and leadership skills teens need to handle the challenges of adulthood.”

Teen Leadership Program Information:

Teen Leadership Program Website

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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