The state agency tasked with helping Georgians with disabilities secure gainful employment has named Habersham County as its Small Employer of the Year.
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Division awarded the honor to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners Thursday in recognition of the county’s partnership with AVITA.
Formed in 1993 by the Georgia state legislature, AVITA serves people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases. Originally founded as Georgia Mountains Community Services, AVITA seeks to promote “safe, stable, and meaningful lives” for citizens within a 13-county area of northeast Georgia.
Habersham County currently employs around 20 AVITA clients.
“We’re very proud that we were named the number one small business employer in the state because we have been very active in hiring those citizens in our community who face physical and mental challenges,” says Habersham County Commissioner Bruce Harkness. “They make such great employees for the county. They are kind and loving and caring people.”
Harkness accepted the award on behalf of the county during a brief ceremony on October 27.
“We are blessed to have an opportunity to provide support to our community partner, AVITA,” a county press release states. “AVITA sets a very high standard of providing community support services and employment opportunities to those who face disabilities in our region.”
Habersham County has been working closely with AVITA for over 25 years. Many individuals have filled positions and provided valuable service to the county across multiple departments including courthouse services, the Senior Center, parks and recreation, and other facilities.
“I am very proud that we can participate with AVITA and help our community,” says Harkness. “It used to be that if you were deaf or had learning disabilities you were locked away or kept at home, but all of these individuals can contribute.”
In accepting the award, county officials thanked AVITA for its contributions to Habersham and said they look forward to partnering with AVITA for many years to come.
