Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Hood.
Hi Ciara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Ciara S. Hood, I’m 37 years old and I’m from Decatur, Ga. I am the Founder/CEO of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization “Children of Sudden Angels Co.”, aka C.O.S.A My whole life I have resided on the Eastside of Atlanta and for the last 9 years of it I was blessed to share it with my beautiful daughter, Kennedy “Kennyboo” Edouard. I am the daughter of two of the strongest people I know, Mr. Robert and Linda Hood and we have resided in Ga my entire life. My home has always held a special place in my heart. Whether it was East Lake, Stone Mountain, or Lithonia I have always connected with people from all over. In 2010 I met a man Dejon Edouard aka “DJ”, who I spent the next 8 years on and off with, until he met his demise on February 21st 2018 which changed my life forever. I lost my best friend, parents lost their son and my daughter lost her father in a tragic accident. This tragic event forced me to start a movement that would help other children, such as Kennedy, to heal from the loss of a parent. I realized not only I, but Kennedy would need support from others who could relate and that there may be kids who are looking for that same support. The idea started in my head, I prayed hard about it and finally began my organization “Children of Sudden Angels Co.” August 9, 2020, I put all the pain and mourning I had into starting my organization because I knew it was something that was absolutely needed in our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Whew, you would think starting such a positive organization I would have the support of everyone who was affected by Dejon’s death, however I wasn’t. I received as much backlash as I did support from those who did not want me to make him such an important role in the startup of my organization. I lost friends and had to detach myself from some of his family members as well. His death allowed me to see who was going to stick around and support me on this new journey.
There were a few obstacles I needed to accomplish to help me make C.O.S.A what it is today. These issues were like most which were financial and how to let people know we even exist.
First thing I did was leave corporate America, I figured In order for C.O.S.A to grow, it not only needed my full attention but It needed the savings I had put away to get it off the ground.
The next major move was Children of Sudden Angels needing a place to call home. I searched many places and was blessed with an opportunity to use the N.H Scott Rec Center in Decatur GA, where we now host all of our events.
I went from clocking in daily to being the sole caretaker to my parents who are both stroke survivors. Shortly before the pandemic they had become dependent on me to take care of them, even if I wanted to go back to a corporate job I couldn’t. I followed God’s path and I trusted where he was leading me. I am still overcoming challenges today because a movement like C.O.S.A is steadily growing and I am maturing with it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The greatest thing that I do is remain loyal and support these children no matter what! I put my heart into creating a family with my C.O.S.A children and I love them like they are my own. We have accomplished so many things together in the last year of our movement. We just Celebrated our 1 year anniversary together and we made it a major event. It was a weekend of awards, acknowledging volunteers, honoring our children beloved parents, praising the children for progress they have made, and being so extremely strong during a time most kids would be broken. We have had food vendors donate for our cause and some of the major Atlanta Car and Bike clubs show up to our events. The children love it all! They speak to each other bi-weekly in our “Kids 101” video group chat meetings. On 1 Saturday out of the month we gather together for 6 hours to talk about our weekly struggles, whether it’s school or home. Our Strength Saturday’s also include homework sessions and tutoring, we have a awesome team of leaders to assist the children with whatever is needed. C.O.S.A host many fundraiser such as fish fry’s and family events to raise money for summer outings and gatherings where we can get together and put smiles on all of our children’s faces. With money raised we were able to take our first C.O.S.A mini vacation to the Rigsby Waterpark in Warner Robins, GA. My goal is to be able to do for them what their missing parent would have done if they were here, we have provided mentorship, team-building activities, and resources for school supplies to rental and grocery assistance to our families our goal is to have more fundraisers. We brought many kids together for a huge Trunk or Treat for Halloween, and hosted a community “Feed Da Hood” event where we give back by passing out sack lunches and hot meals to the homeless throughout East Atlanta. We’ve attended awards ceremonies, graduations, birthday parties, their parents memorial’s, dance battles whereas we will support any activities our C.O.S.A families are involved in. I love everything about what the Children of Sudden Angels Co. has become!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I am a firecracker lol, only because my personality has always been straight to the point. Most would describe me as a giving individual with a big heart and never one to hold my tongue. I am very big on respect and just being “Who You Are” because that is how I was raised. My family has always looked at me as the responsible one, but I definitely made some mistakes that made me who I am today. I was never big on playing sports, cheerleading or being the center of attention but I knew whatever I involved myself in, I would put my all into it. I always wanted the best for myself so if I accept the task, My plans will Always be over the Top! My giveback is way Stronger than anything else you may see in me.
I chose to surround myself around phenomenal women who are confident and secure enough to know that there is enough room for all of us to make it to the finish line. Kya Spurlock, Arlette-Ruby Kelly, and Keshia Heard Thank you God for The C.O.S.A Leaders. I am thankful for their strength to face obstacles that are unique to the C.O.S.A brand. I am thankful for their guidance and leadership in my life and in others.
Pricing:
- All donations are welcome
Contact Info:
- Website: www.queenccosa.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/childrenofsuddenangelsco
- Facebook: Children of Sudden Angels Co.
- Other: https://gofund.me/bd1a55a4
