Community Partner: Blake's House of Independence Helping adults with special needs succeed is the mission statement for Blake’s House of Independence (BHI), which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that was recently accredited by Council on Quality Leadership. The organization serves individuals in north Georgia, including Cherokee and North Fulton counties. Jamita Martin established BHI in 2013 to help adults with disabilities maintain employment and live independently. The mother of a child who suffered from severe developmental delay under the autism spectrum, Martin developed a passion to advocate for her son and other adults with disabilities. She created a culture in which her son and others could gain special training to obtain employment, acquire skills to utilize during leisure and social time, and live independently.BHI uses comprehensive strategies that steer adults with disabilities toward having lifelong independence, purpose, and a sense of inclusion in their communities. The organization focuses on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are in the process of transitioning to independent, productive lives. An employment program, a day program, community access, and a Dreams @ Work initiative are all provided through this organization. Depending on which waiver an individual has, the employment program is through Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The program includes job readiness training, job coaching, and job placement. BHI’s day program is called Anchors for Individuals, which provides fellowship with peers and complete community activities, all while learning and mastering new skills. If an individual does not want to come to a day program, he/she has the option of working one-on-one with a direct support professional (DSP). The DSP will take the individual to a place he/she chooses in the community to complete tasks that are specific to what he/she wants to do. The Dreams @ Work initiative offers the opportunity for people with disabilities to create and manage micro businesses that generate income for their own independent living expenses. This program has a thrift store and an E-commerce store, which provide community access and work experience. BHI is made up of about 40 employees from a variety of backgrounds. All have been trained and have the necessary skills to assist individuals through different programs, whether in the home, community, or workplace. All employees maintain ongoing training for their positions including COVID-19 training to ensure Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are being followed. Teamwork, a well-trained and highly educated staff, and a connection to the community are BHI’s strengths. For more information, please call or visit the website.7450 Highway 92, Suite 120Woodstock, GA 30189 678-767-2865BlakesHouseOfIndependence.com
to your business!