Desiree Carver | The Valdosta Daily TimesConsumers were honored by LARC staff Tuesday evening at LARC's New Beginnings and Stakeholder Meeting. 

VALDOSTA – Lowndes Advocacy Resource Center, better known as LARC, honored its hard-working consumers at its New Beginnings and Stakeholders Meeting Tuesday evening.

LARC is a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities live and work in the community. Services provided by LARC include community access group, community access individual, pre-vocational, family support and supported employment, according to the organization.

Consumers were recognized and were each presented a certificate of recognition. Ray Deloach and Raymond Cumbus were presented awards for best attitude. Diane Guest was recognized for best job skills and Parker Taylor was recognized as most improved. Reginald Rutledge and Billy Smith were recognized as best all-around.

Brandon Gaskin of LARC also presented the Paul Craig Jr. Award to a special consumer. Evett Conway, who is both deaf and blind, was given a custom-made plaque with Braille lettering in recognition of her work with LARC.

Dr. Harry Hamm, LARC executive director, recognized Chance Caffey as Staff Member of the Year.

Hamm reviewed LARC’s annual report.

He discussed ongoing contracts with organizations that allow LARC consumers to work in the community under the supervision of LARC employees, including work done with recycling. Hamm said the recycling center’s production saw a 400 percent increase during the last year.

The recent addition of new interpreters trained in American Sign Language was addressed along with future plans for LARC.

The organization hopes to maintain contracts, obtain new contracts and is studying a possible expansion for its wood shop, according to LARC.

“We have to dream in order to thrive,” Hamm said.

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.