Three Degree Guarantee: Annandale Village

SUWANEE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - There is a special place for Georgians with disabilities to thrive and grow. Annandale Village is this month’s Three Degree Guarantee. Each month, Atlanta News First donates to an organization doing good in our community. The donation is matched by our partners over at Coolray.

“I am drawing one of my favorite guitarists,” said Diane Melin.

Art is one of those things that Melin didn’t know she needed until she fell into it. Now, you can find her in her apartment at Annandale Village in Suwanee drawing portraits and landscapes, doing something she loves. Something the staff there introduced her to, and something that has become so second nature to her, it is hard to imagine a time she wasn’t here at her easel.

“Happiness, freedom. Just a sense of accomplishing something I thought I could never do,” said Melin.

Melin is one of hundreds of people the village served in 2024 — helping people to find independence and resources to build a life they are proud of.

Melin has been at Annandale Village for 12 years.

“They make this place what it is. The staff as well. People are happier when happy people care for the individuals we serve,” said Kayce Pearce with Annandale Village.

The village serves people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries — at all levels of care throughout a person’s life.

“We often say at Annandale Village, ‘Happiness lives here.’ which sounds very cliche but it is so true,” said Pearce.

Annandale Village is a residential home, a day program and they also provide respite services.

“We have an arch that is at the entrance of our campus every day. When I drive under it, I just feel this sense of peace honestly and truly knowing that the work that we do is making the people who live here and the people who access our services, it is making their lives fulfilling, joyful,” said Pearce.

Pearce said she spent part of her life believing what people told her about her ability to accomplish great things — she is writing her own story now.

“I think they are wrong and I prove them wrong,” said Melin.