Category: news feature

ATLANTA – February 28, 2025 – Pebble Tossers, Metro Atlanta’s leading youth development organization, announced the retirement of Founding Executive Director Jennifer Guynn after 16 years of service. Jonathan Gosse, a seasoned nonprofit leader, will succeed her as Executive Director, effective March 3, 2025.

Since its founding in 2008, Pebble Tossers has engaged more than 26,700 youth, ages 4 to 24, in volunteer service. In 2024 alone, the organization curated 477 service projects benefitting the Atlanta community. As executive director, Gosse will oversee strategic direction, program development and operations. Guynn will transition to the board of directors, ensuring continued guidance and support.

Gosse brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, program development and community engagement. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Development at Soccer in the Streets, where he expanded outreach and fundraising efforts. Prior to that, he spent 18 years with the Oracabessa Foundation in Jamaica, leading strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives.

“Jonathan’s experience in youth development and community building makes him the ideal leader for Pebble Tossers’ next chapter,” Guynn said. “His passion for empowering young people and fostering partnerships will ensure our continued growth and impact.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Pebble Tossers team and continue making a meaningful impact on youth,” said Gosse. “Service learning has been a guiding force in my life, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how working toward a cause greater than oneself can transform both individuals and communities. I look forward to expanding our reach and deepening our impact.”

Guynn’s legacy at Pebble Tossers is one of unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and service. Under her leadership, the organization provided opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful volunteerism, fostering a culture of giving that will continue for generations. One of Pebble Tossers’ youth development programs, the Teen Leadership Program, is a state-wide recognized youth leadership development program. “Jen’s dedication and vision drove Pebble Tossers into the impactful organization it is today,” said Kelly Weber, Board Member. “The programs she developed have shaped our future leaders.

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About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is Metro Atlanta’s leading youth development and service organization, creating pathways for youth and families to serve, lead, and succeed through meaningful volunteer experiences. Our customized programs provide age-appropriate service opportunities paired with a unique service-learning curriculum that fosters leadership, social-emotional growth, and a commitment to social impact. By engaging in hands-on service, youth develop lifelong skills and create lasting change in their communities. Learn more at www.pebbletossers.org.

Congratulations to our Founding Executive Director, Jennifer Guynn, on being named a 2023 Georgia Titan 100

Click Here To Learn More about Titan 100

Pebble Tossers announces new 2022-23 teen leadership program  application now open

 

(Atlanta, GA, May 5, 2022)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, proudly announces the culmination of its second annual Teen Leadership Program (TLP) and the launching of its third year. This year’s cohort included 28 teens representing more than 20 Metro Atlanta High Schools. These teens completed the program by participating in monthly sessions, engaging in leadership skill-building activities, and creating and executing service projects. The program will conclude this May with a joint service project with the Refugee Women’s Network. 

In line with the Pebble Tossers mission to empower and equip youth to lead through service, the TLP 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 how 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 create and implement as a group. The TLP provides valuable hands-on learning 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. 

Program member, Zeke D. said, “It has changed my idea of a leader by showing me that a leader doesn’t have to control what everyone else does. They have to take charge and change problems in others’ lives that are not able to take that risk or action.” 

The 2022-23 program will begin in August 2022 and continue through May 2023. When asked why rising 9th – 12th graders should apply, current member Gavi D. said, “You should definitely join because hearing from experienced leaders helps really build on your leadership skills.”

The 2022-23 TLP application process is open until July 15, 2022. The program will accept a maximum of 35 rising 9th through 12th graders. Throughout the 2022-23 school year, the selected teens will participate in eight (8) meetings, several special events, and attend presentations. As a group, they will create, develop, plan and execute a service project of their own.

“For the past thirteen years, Pebble Tossers engages youth in service to provide  experiences which develop  their leadership skills that benefit our community,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “Our Teen Leadership Program takes this to the next level as we target fundamental civic, social, emotional and leadership skills teens need to handle the challenges of adulthood.”

Teen Leadership Program Information

Website + Application

www.pebbletossers.org/teen

 

About Pebble Tossers

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

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Jen Guynn, Executive Director of Pebble Tossers, shares about the President’s Volunteer Service Award and those teens that have been awarded this outstanding award.

Visit https://citylifestyle.com/atlanta-ga/articles/local-services/making-giving-count to read the article in its’ entirety.