Local Hero: Canningtons Quietly Make Life Better In Acworth

ACWORTH, GA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Jacqui Jackson - CEO of Ignite Hope, who nominated Jay and Dianne Cannington of Acworth.

Local hero’s full name

Jay and Dianne Cannington

Local hero’s home state

Georgia

Local hero’s Patch

Acworth

How do you know the local hero?

Jay and Dianne Cannington are on staff with us at Ignite Hope, a child welfare. Hope - Champions for Children - an (organization) that my husband and I founded in 2015. I have also known them since I was 2-years-old!

What does the local hero do?

Jay and Dianne Cannington are the mobilization team for child welfare ministry - Ignite Hope, Champion for Children. They are our directors of Strategic Programs and as such work to meet the tangible needs for kids and families in crisis in amazing ways. They have together set up our Ignite Hope Chest boutique, hosted on the campus of NW Christian Church, which allows social workers or ministry leaders to bring families they serve to shop for tangible needs for free, such as coats, cribs or diapers. Jay weekly goes to extended living motels to pass out bread and pastries and make relationships with those living there. They have recently been instrumental in helping Ignite Hope partner with Life Changing Ministries and the City of Acworth to host monthly birthday parties of foster children and other kids/neighborhoods in need who deserve to be celebrated. Additionally, they were instrumental in executing Ignite Hope's Christmas project in 2021 when we as an organization were able to bless 13 foster/ adoptive/ or family preservation families with Christmas for all the kids and adults alike! Their hearts for service, and for others is incredible. They have a humility and a kindness of heart that is inspiring. They are a couple who are a credit to Cobb and to all who know them.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Jay and Dianne have worked in the background for years through church projects, community projects and as part of different teams in different capacities that have blessed Cobb residents and many, many others. They work without the desire for credit, and do it with their full hearts. They are parents and grandparents, and bring that love for family to every family that they serve through Ignite Hope - Champions for Children, and in every other way. They are not afraid of walking into the messy in order to bring hope and healing and God's love to whoever needs it most.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Dianne and Jay Cannington are a credit to Cobb County and are true unsung heroes!

Thank you for all you do, Jay and Dianne Cannington!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.