Village Venture Boosts Benevolence

   It sometimes takes a village. Yes, the current trend is to mainstream people with developmental disabilities into society. For some, that’s possible with minimal assistance. For some, their disability is so severe that an institution is the only answer. But for many, a village, like Annandale Village in Suwanee, is the answer.

   In 1969, Dr. Maxwell Berry was looking for a place for his developmentally disabled daughter. He found a village concept in Europe that he liked. He bought land in Suwanee where his daughter and people like her could lead lives that reflect self worth and achievement. 

   The private care facility occupies 124 acres of wooded land, nestled behind brick office parks on Satellite Boulevard. Ambulatory adults with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation, developmental disabilities, or head injuries call this village home.

   Some Villagers, like Lenny, work on the premises. Amy, who’s been a Villager for 17 years, works in the cafeteria at Lanier Middle School. Bill, known as the “Voice of Annandale” gives speeches to local civic groups.

   President Judge James W. Oxendine notes that there are an estimated 40,000 adults with developmental disabilities in metro-Atlanta alone and that Annandale Village has made great progress in improving the lives of some of them with individual, corporate and community donations, as well as grants and in-kind contributions.

   “But it costs a lot of money to care for this population and we have a commitment to their families to keep the costs as low as possible, so we meet our operating costs through fundraising,” said Executive Director Adam Pomeranz. “And this is the time of year we go to the community and ask for their help.”

   In the spirit of Annandale’s mission, “Their community with our help,” more than 1,000 supporters will gather at Annandale’s 13th Annual Jazzy Cajun Thing on April 29. In a warehouse decked out in Cajun decor, Cajun cooks will prepare authentic cuisine like crawfish and alligator piquant. Guests can enjoy a live band while trying their luck in the casino or admiring the Villagers’ artwork, which will be for sale. In the Cajun Bazaar, sponsored by Van Adams Jewelry, Village friends can sample free hors d’oeuvres and vote for their favorite “Spicy Bite.” A silent auction, door prizes ands lots of surprises are also in store. 

   Pomeranz looks forward to the event, optimistic that Annandale Village will meet its goal of $160,000, as it has in the past.

   “Due to the generosity of the community, we can provide services for people with developmental disabilities that they would normally not have access to and who would otherwise be in line for MediCAID benefits, which most people never access.” he said. 

   Like I said, sometimes it takes a village.

   To be part of the Village scene, call 770-945-8381 or visit www.annandale.org

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