Griffin Area Resource Center Inc.

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day!

06/29/2025

For more information on our programs, visit griffinarc.org

05/31/2025

Thank you so much to everyone that supported our first Gala! We are celebrating 70 years this year and with your support we hope to serve this community for many more! Special thanks to our sponsors, Nina Dempsey for catering, and the Historic Griffin Hotel for hosting! It was a beautiful evening!

05/26/2025

05/22/2025

9 Days to our Annual Event! Visit the link below to sponsor or purchase tickets. Let us know your name and info in the notes!

https://bit.ly/GARCDonations

05/11/2025

Today as we celebrate Mother's Day, we want to thank all of the mother's here at GARC for the love and compassion you show to everyone. You all have the heart, love, and motherly touch that everyone should experience, Much like the mother of GARC, Mary Fitzhugh.
Mary Cu***ng Fitzhugh, the daughter of Laura Bailey Cu***ng and David Robert Cu***ng, was a native and long-time resident of Griffin. She graduated from Griffin High School in 1941 and from Agnes Scott College with a BA in 1945. She was accepted into Tulane Medical School, but marriage took her to Arkansas where she opted to get a Medical Technology degree from the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1947. She served as the chief medical technologist at the Griffin-Spalding County Hospital from 1967 - 1968. Mary spent a lifetime working on behalf of the disabled. She and former husband, Dr. Stuart Fitzhugh, worked to establish the original chapter of the Griffin Association for Re****ed Citizens, later renamed the Griffin Area Resource Center. She served on the state and national boards of the GARC. In 1963, because of her knowledge and experience, she was one of twenty-five national association members invited to participate in the first White House Conference on Mental Retardation. President Kennedys sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sought Marys expertise when establishing the Special Olympics. Mary served on the Developmental Disabilities Council of Georgia at the request of Governor Jimmy Carter. She served as the Executive Director of the GARC. After retiring from the GARC, she assisted local special education teachers, Bonnie Brown and Saralynn Fountain, with fund-raising and publicity as they established Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center in Griffin, later serving on the board and as president. In 1960 Mary was named Woman of the Year for community service in Griffin. During the decade that followed, she was on the steering committee of the bi-racial group which was instrumental in the successful integration of the schools and community. Mary was also the first woman to serve on the Spalding County Grand Jury. Another organization important to Mary was Habitat for Humanity. She helped with the very first house built in Griffin by Habitat and continued her support over the years by hosting volunteers in her home, often five or six at a time. In 1994 she served on the Community Service Board which was conceived to provide services for persons dealing with mental health, physical & intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse issues. Mary was an avid tennis player and fan. She enjoyed playing the piano and working and performing with the Footlight Players for many years. Reading with elementary students also brought her great joy. She had an infectious sense of humor and was fortunate to travel the world. She even danced in the White House! Mary always claimed that she had an amazing life! You are all a true blessing, Happy Mothers Day.

03/17/2025

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

03/13/2025

We're hiring, click the Indeed link below to join our team!

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=584c324e294a54d2&from=shareddesktop_copy

02/16/2025

At GARC we are always working to make everyone, from our employees and supporters to the individuals we serve, feel included. For more information on how you can get involved visit griffinarc.org/getinvolved

02/14/2025

GARC taking over Captain D’s. We go every Thursday for lunch - come join us!

02/14/2025

Happy Valentines Day from GARC!

02/14/2025

We had the best time visiting - Nothing beats a day of donuts!
For more information on all the fun we have at follow us and visit griffinarc.org