Macon County Commission for Developmentally Disabled Citizens

06/16/2026

Six months of hard work, determination, and perseverance have paid off for Lera!

We are so proud to celebrate her achievement of earning her Yellow Belt in Taekwondo. From learning the basics to building confidence, strength, and discipline, Lera has shown incredible dedication every step of the way.

Taekwondo is about more than just kicks and punches—it's about setting goals, working hard, and believing in yourself. Lera has embraced those lessons and continues to grow both on and off the mat.

Congratulations, Lera, on reaching this exciting milestone! We can't wait to see what you accomplish next. 🥋💛

06/12/2026

☀️🐢 Summer is all about making memories—soaking up the sunshine, spending time with friends, and enjoying the little adventures that come our way. Recently, our friends put their teamwork and kindness to good use when they spotted a turtle that needed a helping hand. After making sure it was safe, they helped it continue on its journey.

Moments like these remind us that some of the best summer days aren't about big plans—they're about being together, exploring the world around us, and showing compassion for all living things.

Here's to friendship, sunshine, and a summer full of adventures! 🌿💚

06/11/2026

☀️ Summer schedules can get a little chaotic once school is out, but a simple hygiene chart (or three) can make a big difference!

Brushing teeth, washing hands, showering, putting on deodorant, brushing hair, and changing clothes are all important daily habits that can be easy to forget when routines change. A hygiene chart gives kids a visual reminder of what needs to be done and helps build independence, responsibility, and confidence.

Bonus tip: Let your child help create or decorate their chart or use actual pictures of their products like our friend Natalie's mom has done! Adding stickers, check marks, or small rewards can make healthy habits feel more fun and motivating.

Remember, summer is a great time to practice life skills that will last long after the school year begins again. 🌞🦷🧼

06/09/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Korbin. We have had the privilege of being part of his journey over the past several years and are grateful for the time we spent getting to know him.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Korbin's family, friends, and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.

View Korbin Mikel Papadopoulos's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/29/2026

For some, mental wellness looks like a walk outside. For others, it starts in the kitchen.

Baking and cooking can be a creative outlet, a stress reliever, and a way to connect with the people we care about. Whether it's catering a special event, baking treats just for fun, or spending time in the kitchen with children, food has a unique way of bringing people together.

Measuring ingredients, trying new recipes, decorating desserts, and sharing a meal can create moments of joy, accomplishment, and connection. Even simple kitchen activities can help reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and build lasting memories.You'll find three of our SCs, Holly, Bella, Ashley, and their kiddos, in the kitchen on a regular basis. (We're always especially delighted when they share their homemade treats with the office!)

This Mental Health Awareness Month, don't underestimate the power of a homemade treat, a family recipe, or an afternoon spent baking with someone you love. Sometimes the best therapy comes with a little flour, a lot of laughter, and something delicious at the end.

05/27/2026

From preschool to kindergarten to high school graduation… this season is full of big milestones and even bigger memories. We are so proud of each step, each accomplishment, and all the exciting adventures ahead. 🎓✨

05/26/2026

For many people, mental health support doesn’t always come in the form of therapy offices or medications. Sometimes it has feathers, fur, muddy paws, or a loud meow at 5 a.m. 🐓🐈🐕

Caring for pets can bring comfort, routine, purpose, and connection during difficult seasons. Dogs encourage us to get outside and move. Cats remind us to slow down and rest. Chickens bring unexpected joy, peaceful routines, and a reason to step outside each morning and evening.

Whether it’s feeding the flock, hearing a purr at the end of a hard day, or getting greeted at the door by a wagging tail, animals have a special way of helping us feel grounded and needed.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, don’t underestimate the healing power of companionship, routine, fresh air, and unconditional love. Sometimes the smallest moments with our animals make the biggest difference. 💚

**Because it’s the day after a three-day weekend and getting back into the groove can be hard, let’s have some fun! Each picture shows the first and last letter of a pet’s name. Can you guess all their names?**

05/25/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we've been reminded that healing doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like quiet evenings, steady hands, familiar fabrics, and stitches sewn one piece at a time.

Quilting has a way of slowing the mind and grounding the heart. There’s comfort in creating something meaningful from scraps and pieces, much like how we rebuild ourselves through life’s hard seasons.

As we approach Memorial Day this red, white, and blue quilt made by one of our amazing Quality Assurance specialists, Brenda, feels especially meaningful. It’s a reminder of remembrance, resilience, sacrifice, and connection. We honor those we’ve lost while also caring for the hearts and minds of those still carrying invisible burdens today. Happy Memorial Day from all of us at County Connections. ❤💙

05/24/2026

For some, movie nights are more than entertainment. They’re comfort, connection, laughter, distraction, and a chance to simply rest for a while. 🍿

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that caring for our mental health can look different for everyone. Sometimes it’s therapy or support groups. Sometimes it’s spending time with people you love, wrapping up in a blanket, and watching a favorite movie that helps you feel safe, calm, or connected. Our Service Coordinator, Ashley, tends to be a little “extra” and turns movie nights into movie-themed dinners as well. The joy on the kids’ faces is enough to lighten everyone’s mood. 🍿

Never underestimate the power of slowing down, sharing moments together, and making space for joy whether you are a little "extra" or not. 💙

05/23/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month reminder: movement matters. 💚

Dancing isn’t just fun. It can be grounding, energizing, expressive, freeing, and healing. Sometimes it looks like a dance class. Sometimes it looks like dancing in your kitchen while making dinner, blasting music in the car, or swaying with your kids in the living room.

Movement can help release stress, improve mood, reconnect us to our bodies, and remind us that joy still exists even on hard days.

So this month, give yourself permission to move without worrying about being “good” at it (like our sevice coordiantor Morgan here). Dance messy. Dance happy. Dance tired. Dance emotional. Just move. ✨