Avita Community Partners, formerly know as Georgia Mountains Community Services (GMCS) was formed by the 1993 Georgia State Legislature to serve persons experiencing the disabling effects of mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases. Avita Community Partners offers a broad range of services to meet the needs of individuals seeking help within the 13-county area.
We are CARF Certified:
We are an independent, nonprofit organization. That means our focus is on ensuring the services you use meet your needs for quality and the best possible outcomes.
CARF reviews and grants accreditation services nationally and internationally on request of a facility or program. Our standards are rigorous, so those services that meet them are among the best available.
Our vision is to see people achieve their dreams.
Avita Community Partners envisions all individuals served:
- participating in a variety of relationships
- having a home
- having a job
- and having natural support systems.
Avita Community Partners envisions communities which:
- are knowledgeable and accepting of individuals with disabilities
- act responsibly toward all citizens
- are resourceful in providing support and comprehensive services
- and have a plan to assist individuals in crisis.
Ronny
Northeast Georgia
At Avita, we understand that a person is more than a diagnosis. Our employees treat the entire person. We are well equipped to work with individuals with more than one diagnosis and individuals facing various life challenges. Helping people live their best lives is our passion.
Ronny, a 50-year-old man who is dually diagnosed, receives community and employment services from Avita. Several years ago Ronny was working several hourly jobs in the community, but he maintained that his dream job was to work at the local college. Ronny visited several classrooms at the college and was asked to speak about his job experiences. Ronny felt comfortable there because he made friends with a couple of students and a teacher he remembered from high school also taught there.
Ronny told everyone he wanted to work at the college. Although he applied several times, he never got the job. When the college's new sports complex was built, however, Ronny was hired to help keep the complex clean. He now works three days a week and takes pride in his job duties.
Additionally, he became the president of Dream Weavers, a consumer advocacy group, last spring.
For Ronny, life is good!
Paul
Northeast Georgia
At Avita Community Partners, we believe employment is a meaningful part of life. We support consumers pursue their dreams, including their dream of a job or volunteer opportunities. Paul, who has been receiving services from Avita since 1979, participates in the every day life of the community through successful employment.
Paul has been employed as a general maintenance employee at a local Chevron Station for eight years.
The owner describes Paul as a "perfect employee and a hard worker, who never complains and will undertake any task asked."
Additionally, the owner has been known to spend extra time and money on Paul, bringing him donuts, birthday gifts and an occasional trip to Paul's favorite restaurant - Red Lobster.
A group of men who frequent the Chevron on a regular basis have become attached to Paul. Their wives bake cakes and pies for Paul and send candy to him... in general, spoiling Paul in a big way!
Asked what he gets out of his job Paul stated: "I like to earn money, it keeps me busy with something to do, and I enjoy it when folks here take me places with them".
Behavioral Health Services
Our Behavioral Health Services assist adults, children, adolescents, and families affected by a mental illness, emotional problem, substance abuse or an addictive disease. Services include treatment and rehabilitation, counseling and self-help psycho-educational classes, and community supports. A service coordinator will be assigned to assist as your source of contact through the duration of your services. Your service coordinator will work with you to develop an individualized service plan.
Psychoeducational Classes and Counseling Services
Short-term individual, family, and group educational and counseling services help you and your family acquire knowledge and self-help skills for coping, problem solving, and recovery.
Rehabilitation and Community Supports Services
If you have a serious mental illness, you may receive rehabilitation and community support services. These services are designed to help you manage your illness, improve your quality of life, and be as independent as possible. These services also support vocational or employment goals you may have. up5
Employment & Community Services
Our Employment & Community Services help you participate in your community and be as independent as possible. Our staff members work with you and your family to develop a plan that will be supportive to your personal goals. You will have a case manager to assist you in assessing your needs related to mental retardation or developmental disability, and in planning services to meet those needs. An external Support Coordinator will identify, and work to remove, barriers to your receiving the services you need.
Employment Services
An important service provided for persons with mental retardation or a developmental disability involves work. The employment program assists you with finding a paid job or volunteer opportunity, and supports you with the training and skills needed to get and keep the job. Employment may be only a few hours per week up to full-time employment, depending on individual needs and preference.
Personal and Social Services
You may be provided personal, social, and community supports if you need help related to personal self care and household maintenance. This service assists your participation in community activities such as shopping and recreation.
Residential Services
Residential supports assist you if you live in your own house or apartment, with a host family, or in a group home. For people living in their own residences, GMCS employees may assist with activities such as shopping, paying bills and cooking. For people living with a host family or at a group home, 24-hour support is provided.
Respite Services
These services provide time-limited care for you when you, your family or caregivers need a break from
full time care. Respite may be used for short (hours) or long (days) periods of time. up5
Medical Services
Based on your treatment needs, you may also be eligible for medical services. These services include physician and nursing care, medication management and pharmacy services. If you have Medicaid or other health insurance coverage, you will be responsible for any required co-pay for the cost of medications you may need. If you have no health insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost.
Forsyth Receives Funding for Senior Services
Monday December 03, 2007 - Forsyth County Behavioral Health collaborated with the Senior Center to obtain funding through United Way to offer individual and group counseling services to the seniors of Forsyth County. The grant was funded at 100% and provides funding for 10 hours per month of individual brief counseling to seniors identified through the Senior Center as needing services.
This counseling will be free to the seniors and will occur at the Senior Center in Cumming. Those needing long-term services will be referred to Forsyth's main office or the appropriate provider in the community.
Funding was also received for the development and implementation of a Caregivers Support Group which will be facilitated by a licensed clinician from the Forsyth County Office. This group will be held twice a month at one of the two Senior Center locations.
Amanda Lamberti, a Forsyth clinician, has volunteered to take on these two projects and will be spending a day every other week at the Forsyth County Senior Center. We are excited about this collaboration and the increased services we will be providing to the seniors of our community.
Avita Staff Donated Toys to the Iglesia Pentecostal Church
Monday October 01, 2007 - Last fall, the Northeast Hall Hub donated many toys, stuffed animals and other items to the Iglesia Pentecostal "Triunfantes de Jesucristo" in Gainesville. The pastor of the church and children were very thankful.
Pastor Ruth Rodriquez wrote a thank you letter, which stated, "On the behalf of the Sunday School Department we like to thank you for the gracious donations you have given us. The kids have really enjoyed the toys and dolls given to them. We ask God to bless your organization greatly".
Administrative Offices
4331 Thurmond Tanner Rd
Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542
678-513-5700 or 800-525-8751
AVITA Community Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its service practices or employment
practices with regard to race color, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.
Vacation Leave:
Accrual for full-time employees is based on years of continuous service:
10 hours per month for up to 5 years of service
12 hours per month from 5-10 years of service
14 hours per month for 10 years of service or longer
Sick Leave:
Accrual for full-time employees is at the rate of 10 hours per month regardless of years of service. After 120 hours have been accrued, up to 24 sick leave hours per year may be transferred to personal leave.
Holidays:
Avita Community Partners full-time employees are provided with 12 paid holidays per year.
Insurance:
Group health, dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance are available to full-time Georgia Mountains Community Services employees.
Retirement Plan:
Avita Community Partners full-time employees are enrolled in Peach State Reserves 401(k) program. Georgia Mountains Community Services contributes 7.5% of employee's gross salary each month. Employees may elect to invest their own money up to maximum amount allowed by law.
Credit Union:
Employees are eligible to become members of the Health Services Employees Credit Union.
Promotional Opportunity:
As ability and experience are gained, career development/growth and promotional opportunities are available. (If applicable)
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