ABOUT US

"Helping others to live better lives" is the goal of the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (CCMA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Norma Joy Barnes in April 2008. The target population served by the CCMA is at-risk youth, young black males.

OUR MISSION
To advocate, formulate, mandate and coordinate resources that empower and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

• The CCMA supports, promotes and sponsors services that improve the quality of life for others.
• The CCMA devises, prepares, plans and communicates programs that help others to live better lives.
• The CCMA Board of Directors orders, directs, and authorizes free services and resources that empower and improve the quality of life of others.
• The CCMA organizes, manages, and brings together services and resources that improve the quality of life for others.

Since its inception in April 2008, the CCMA has coordinated and sponsored twenty-six free programs that have helped to fulfill its mission, with no federal, public, or foundation funding. Over two thousand (2000) persons have been served by the CCMA.

The target population served by the CCMA is:

• At-risk youth
• Young black males
• Ex-offenders

GOOD NEWS . . .
The good news is that the challenges faced by at-risk youth, young black males, and ex-offenders can be overcome by putting constructive strategies to work. The CCMA is committed to providing these resources through its self-help and outreach programs.

WHY YOUTH?
Research shows that today’s youth face more serious and critical risks than any previous generation. The need for intervention is evidenced by high rates of untimely deaths; youth crimes; high school drop-outs; substance abuse; and gang activity that have put too many of our youth at-risk.

WHY YOUNG BLACK MALES?
Young black males, between the ages of 18-28, seem to be facing special challenges. Too many young men in this age bracket are caught in the gap between youth and full manhood, with no hands-on support to help them succeed in life. A disproportionate number of these young black males are poor, uneducated, unskilled, unemployed, or underemployed.

WHY EX-OFFENDERS?
Ex-offenders, encounter problems re-entering the community and obtaining employment upon release from jail or prison. As a result, many resort back to habits that led them to prison in the first place.