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Annandale Village: A Community of Exceptional People

All families want their loved ones to lead active, productive and healthy lives.

Transitioning from adolescence into adulthood, and from one life setting to another are complicated events for most people. But when an individual has an intellectual or developmental disability, these events are much more difficult.

  • What will happen to my child or sibling when they age into adulthood?
  • Will he or she discover interests and talents, take pride in accomplishments, and gain purpose and direction?
  • Who will take care of their health and social needs when I am no longer able to care for them myself?

AV-fishermanFor families in search of options concerning their loved ones futureÂ… Annandale Village may be the dynamic environment they are looking for.

Tucked away on a beautiful 55-acre campus in the city of Suwanee is Annandale Village. It is a special place where men and women with developmental disabilities and those that have experienced an acquired brain injury lead lives that reflect quality, independence, self-worth and achievement.

Founded in 1969, it began as one family’s quest to create a better life for their developmentally disabled daughter.  Dr. and Mrs. Maxwell Berry traveled the world searching for care options and discovered the village concept at Canfield Village in Europe, which served as the model for Annandale.

Today, Annandale Village is an award-winning, nationally recognized nonprofit organization, and is the only organization of its kind in the Southeast.

Characteristically, individuals served at Annandale Village are 18 years of age or older with a primary diagnosis of an intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, other developmental disability, and those that have  experienced an acquired brain injury.  The organization’s ability to provide exceptional care and meet the unique needs throughout an individual’s lifetime is a primary reason why families from across the United States choose Annandale to care for their loved one.

AV-friendsAnnandale offers a comprehensive variety of programs and services designed to improve the quality of life of each individual served, according to his or her own unique needs and abilities.  As a community where people can age in place, Annandale offers families the security of knowing their loved one will be provided a well-rounded life experience – with opportunities for success and growth in all areas – daily living, life skills, work, socialization, leisure activities, health and wellness, and the creative and performing arts.

AnnandaleÂ’s focus on individual development and personal care includes residential services, community access day programs, on-campus health services, physical and occupational therapy, educational programming, vocational training, and a comprehensive array of recreation and leisure activities aimed to provide life-long learning and skills development for its clients. Residential options range from community-based independent living to on-campus independent apartments, cottage homes, as well as two assisted living centers and the D. Scott Hudgens Center for Skilled Nursing.

AV-buildingThroughout the Southeast, the number of individuals diagnosed with a developmental disability continues to grow at an alarming rate. However, accessing appropriate services is an ongoing challenge due to an array of disparities seen in the health, rehabilitation, and social service arenas.

To narrow the significant gap of available services in Georgia, Annandale Village has experienced an exciting period of strategic expansion to evolve the organization into something even better and stronger – adding depth and possibilities to its comprehensive evidence-based program offerings.

Most recently, Annandale successfully completed a $4.8 million capital campaign to expand and construct new campus facilities, allowing the organization to serve more people than ever before in its 47 year history.   Annandale Village’s CEO, Adam Pomeranz said, “we anticipated we would face many challenges trying to raise such a substantial amount of money during the slow recovery period of the economic downturn.  Yet, when we weighed our options – trying to raise money in a less than favorable economic period against turning people away who needed our services because we hadn’t grown enough to accommodate them – it was an easy decision.”

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