EmployAbility

10/26/2026

Congratulations, Tamika, on 9 years at Bon Appétit, the Café at SCAD! 🎉

Tamika’s nine years of dedication, hard work, and teamwork are worth celebrating. She’s a valued part of the Bon Appétit team, and we’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone with her!

When Chef Hector says, “I need 10 Tamikas, she’s the best!” you know you’re doing something right! 💙

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and celebrate employers who create inclusive workplaces. Tamika’s story is a reminder that when people have the opportunity to contribute their talents, everyone benefits. Inclusive employment strengthens teams, builds confidence, and helps businesses thrive.

A huge thank-you to Bon Appétit and SCAD for being part of Tamika’s journey. Here’s to nine years and many more! 🥳👏

10/25/2026

Go see *Rise and Shine* in theaters this weekend!!

Some stories have the power to change the way we see the world, and Rise and Shine is one of them!

This heartwarming film follows a teenager with cerebral palsy who dreams of going to high school, making friends, and experiencing the milestones of growing up. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, pursue their dreams, and define success on their own terms.

At EmployAbility, we believe representation matters. Stories like this challenge assumptions, build empathy, and remind us why creating a more inclusive world is so important.

🍿 **Tickets are on sale now in Statesboro!** Grab your family and friends and support this important film! Purchase here: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/rise-and-shine-85132

From the director Laura Somers. Inspired by a true story, the film follows Terri, a teenager with cerebral palsy who wants what so many teens want: to attend high school, make friends, and belong. Through life’s challenges, she and her mother, Janice, share an unwavering optimism.

We’d love your community to join us opening weekend, October 23–25, to celebrate a heartfelt, family-friendly film that brings the talents and stories of people with disabilities to the screen.

The theatrical run may be limited, so opening weekend is the best time to come out and support the film.

10/23/2026

🍂 NEW DATE! Fall on the Farm is Moving to November 14! 🐴

Good things are worth the wait! 💛 EmployAbility's Fall on the Farm at Triple J Stables has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 14, from 10 AM to 12 PM!

Join us for a morning of farm adventures, animal encounters, horse rides, games, and time spent together with friends, families, caregivers, and community partners.

🐴 Hand-led horse rides
🐐 Petting zoo with all kinds of farm friends
🏰 Bounce house
🌽 Corn pit
🎯 Yard games and more!

📅 Saturday, November 14
⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Triple J Stables | Richmond Hill, GA

Space is limited, and registration is required! Sign up at - https://forms.gle/e2ejvjqt9sig3p357

10/18/2026

Visit any of The 5 Spot locations and support EmployAbility this fall!! Round up for a cause and help us provide Employment and Enrichment services to hundreds of people with disabilities in our community.

Thank you to The 5 Spot for being such an amazing community partner!!

We’re rounding up for a cause that’s all about creating opportunities. 🧡🩵

This quarter, we’re proud to support EmployAbility as they celebrate 75 years of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through employment programs, community access, and inclusive services, EmployAbility helps create pathways to greater independence and meaningful connection.

Chances are, you’ve crossed paths with an EmployAbility participant in our community. Now, we’re excited to give back to an organization that has been making a difference in our community.

Come grab a bite and help us support the work they’re doing!

10/16/2026

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a great team member, especially one as special as Mike “Big Mike” Calonita! ❤️

Since joining EmployAbility in 2016, Mike has been an important part of our team, bringing leadership, heart, and a genuine passion for supporting the individuals we serve.

While we’re sad to see him go, we’re excited for him as he begins his next chapter! We’re grateful for all he’s contributed to EmployAbility and the lives he’s touched along the way.

Please join us in wishing Big Mike all the best in this exciting new adventure! You’ll always be part of the EmployAbility family. 💙

10/12/2026

Congratulations to our board member, Cynthia Cradduck!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Cynthia’s well-deserved recognition as a 2026 Trailblazing Women Who Lead honoree!

Thank you, Cynthia, for the leadership, dedication, and expertise you bring to our community and to EmployAbility. We’re proud to have you on our board and excited to see you recognized among such an inspiring group of women leaders.

Join us in congratulating Cynthia on this wonderful achievement!

- Women Who Lead Power Con Luncheon
- Saturday, November 7 at 11 AM
- JW Marriott Plant Riverside

Interested in attending? Tickets are available at https://lnkd.in/gc6NpmHS.

10/09/2026

Due to weather, our Community Event Series: Fall on the Farm in Richmond Hill will be postponed. We will send out a new registration form when it is rescheduled!

10/07/2026

Congratulations, Ashleigh! 🎉

All of us at EmployAbility are so excited for you and this incredible opportunity to serve Georgia in your new role!

We’ve had the privilege of working with Ashleigh for many years, and we know firsthand just how dedicated, thoughtful, and passionate she is about supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. She is truly incredible to work with, and we know she'll bring that same heart, expertise, and commitment to this next chapter.

We’re excited to see the impact Ashleigh will make across Georgia. We’re cheering her on every step of the way!! 💙

🌟We are pleased to announce that Ashleigh Caseman will serve as Executive Director of Division of Developmental Disabilities and Medicaid Coordination at DBHDD, succeeding Ron Wakefield following his retirement later this year.

Ashleigh will step into this expanded role next month, where she’ll work with Ron to ensure a smooth transition ahead of his retirement.

Ashleigh is no stranger to DBHDD or to the work of our IDD Division. Throughout her career, she has taken on increasingly complex leadership roles spanning waiver services, Medicaid, compliance, and grants. Most recently, she has served as Director of the Office of Medicaid Coordination and Health System Innovation.

We are excited to have Ashleigh in this role as we continue to strengthen Georgia’s IDD system. Congratulations, Ashleigh!

09/30/2026

Today we're celebrating EmployAbility board member Jared Downs on his appointment by Governor Brian Kemp to the Georgia Joint Defense Commission. Jared will represent the Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield community and help strengthen connections between Georgia’s military installations and the communities that support them.

We’re grateful for the leadership Jared brings to EmployAbility and proud to see him serve our region in this new role.

Congratulations, Jared!

Governor Brian P. Kemp has appointed Jared W. Downs, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce's vice president of governmental affairs, to serve as the Fort

09/27/2026

Welcoming to the team, Laini!

We’re so excited Laini is joining us at EmployAbility as we continue to expand our work with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

With a minor in American Sign Language from the University of Georgia, Laini brings a passion for people, communication, and growth to our team.

“I value inclusive communication and strive to make people feel understood, supported, and empowered.”

We’re especially honored to welcome Laini during National Deaf Awareness Month - as we continue building stronger connections and creating more inclusive opportunities throughout our community.

We’re so glad you’re here! 💙