For 67 years, Houston County Association for Exceptional Citizens, Inc., (HCAEC) has helpedadults with special needs in Houston and surrounding counties.

Reflective of the job it’s done, the facility is known as Happy Hour Service Center. Unlike other establishments touting an hour or two replete with merriment, the happy vibes are prevalent throughout the day.

Located in Warner Robins, the 501 C3 nonprofit agency serves 142 adults who have an IQ of70 or less and are 18 years old and up. They range in age from 23 to 74. Thirty-three of the individuals live in Happy Hours’ residential program.

HCAEC, Inc., was organized in 1956 to help special needs youngsters. The first class,featuring seven youngsters, was held the following year at Second Baptist Church. Supported by the Warner Robins Jaycees and the city of Warner Robins, the agency grew and now boasts a number of vocational training centers, six group homes and one semi independent apartment complex.

It provides services based on individual preferences and needs and training in life, social and work skills for developmentally disabled individuals in a safe and caring environment that will allow them to function in the community. The jobs are varied and have included sorting and de-numbering tools, cleaning and packing respirators, assembling hospital kits Houston Medical Center and running an extensive recycling program.

Along with offering various programs designed to enhance the lives of its Participants, the nonprofit agency strives to provide current information and ideas on state behavioral health and developmental disability programs and policies.

Bruce Hullett, community relations coordinator, for the center, said they receive frequent referrals for prospective clients. Many receive waivers through Medicare and Medicaid that cover most of their expenses. Others are funded through private payments. Hullett said they receive some reimbursement from the state and rely on grants and a lot of donations, the largest coming from the annual May golf tournament at Southern Landings Golf Club, in Warner Robins.

The main goal of the center, according to Hullett, is to provide training for specific goal sets and find employment for the Participants. The jobs include packaging, sorting and pick and pack. Hullett noted there are in-house jobs for individuals not suited for work in the community. In the nearly four years Hullett has served in his position, some 20 to 25 people have been placed in jobs through Happy Hour Service Center. One of these is Crystal, amember of the baking team at Nothing Bundt Cakes, in Warner Robins.

Manager/operator Aynslee Montgomery said Crystal is a wonderful, one-of-kind employee who jumped on board strong when she started working at the cake shop in February 2023.

“Crystal loves to engage with other team members while she is at work and always tries to make genuine connections with her team,” Montgomery said. “Crystal has one of the toughest and time-consuming jobs here at Nothing Bundt Cakes. She gets to work with our baking team and makes sure they have everything they need to bake our delicious cakes each day.”

Montgomery added that Crystal always has the spirit of a champion keeps them laughing,and truly has a servant’s heart. She remains a valuable member. “We enjoy having Crystalon our team and appreciate everything she does for us here at Nothing Bundt Cakes,” shesaid.

Another Participant from Happy Hour Service Center is Martha, who has worked at The Base Restaurant at Robins Air Force Base for more than 14 years. The restaurant serves breakfast,lunch and snacks to some 2,000 civilian workers on a daily basis. As a food service worker, Martha, whose day starts at 4 a.m., preps and packages food in the upstairs production kitchen for the first part of her shift. She then goes to the deli and makes sandwiches.

“Martha is extremely dependable and very helpful,” said manager Jenneymae Hawkins.“Whenever we ask her to do something new, she’ll jump in with two feet. Some people will need to know why they have to do something. Even if Martha doesn’t know, she’ll try it.

Hawkins noted that Martha never misses work or uses her sick leave. She also gets along withstaff and customers. “Marsha does a wonderful job,” Hawkins. “She’s great.”

According to Hullett, Happy Hour Service Center is the best kept secret in Houston County. He said a lot of people either don’t know anything about it or exactly what they do. As a promotional and marketing tool, Hullett wears a jacket featuring the name of the center and its phone number.

“I’m here to tell its story,” Hullett said. “We want to show there’s hope, another option. It’s all about providing resources so the people who come here feel as independent as possible.”

Hullett worked in staffing and recruiting in Virginia and Georgia for 23 years before moving with his family to Warner Robins in 1996. He worked in staffing before taking his current job in2020 and employing his previous work experience in a new and satisfying way.

“I like interacting with our folks on campus,” Hullett said. “They’re a special group of people.I’m trying to get away from the term developmentally disabled. They have abilities.”

Hullett is also a certified Special Olympics coach who takes members of the center to the annual event to compete in bowling, volleyball, basketball skills and bocce ball and prove they can achieve positive results in play as well as work.

“I’m trying to make a difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate,” Hullett said.“Given the opportunity and resources, they can produce and be very productive individuals andbe involved in the community.”

Just as the Participants benefit from the center, so too does the community. Tiffany J. Bowen,manager of the city’s Keep Warner Robins Beautiful department, said Happy Hour’smission andactivities have a significant and positive impact on the local community, particularly fordevelopmentally disabled individuals and their families. One of the main ways it gives back isthrough its recycling program.

“This community does not have a streamlined recycling business in place,” Bowen said.“Happy Hour fills that void in a big way by providing a collection center for cardboard, papers, glass, aluminum and electronics. This service provides a lasting impact by keeping tens of thousands of pounds of recyclables out of the landfill each year.” Bowen said the organization’s impact on the community doesn’t stop there. It trains individuals in life, social and work skills, she noted, helping them become more self-sufficient, confident,and capable of functioning in the community.

“These individuals lead fulfilling lives where they contribute to the community in the best ofways,” Bowen said. “They become more active participants in community activities, volunteer opportunities and social events, contributing to a stronger and more connected local community.”

Being more involved in the community, Happy Hour Participants are able to show they can be productive members of society who should be recognized for their many positive contributions rather than their limitations. “By promoting the inclusion of developmentally disabled individuals,” Bowen said, “Happy Hour fosters a more inclusive and accepting community. They work hard to reduce stigma and discrimination, creating a more welcoming environment for all residents.”

Befitting its name, Happy Hour Service Center puts a smile on the face of April Bragg,president of the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce. Its contributions to the community are immeasurable.“The Happy Hour ServiceCenter transforms the lives of exceptional citizens with disabilities in Houston County,” Bragg said. “Through their extensive programs, individuals are able to learn key competencies that enable them to become more self-sufficient and confident in their own abilities. The center has become a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of services including vocational training, education, occupational therapy, and much more.Their positive impact is undeniable, as they help individuals reach their full potential and contribute to society in meaningful ways.”

Bragg added that the center, in addition to its on-site offerings, partners with local businesses to place their individuals in paid positions. She said this invaluable experience provides meaningful employment and a sense of purpose for the individual as an incredible value-add for the business and other employees. Bragg pointed out the partnerships don’t stop there.

“Happy Hour’s leadership embraces collaboration opportunities hosting fundraisers with local businesses and supporting chamber initiates and other area non-profits,” Bragg said. “Happy Hour is truly exceptional!”

The catchy name originated many years ago. Zoe Ann attended a workshop and told her mother how much she enjoyed going to work there, stating it was the happiest hour of her day. The center had a new name. One thing that hasn’t changed is the presence of Zoe Ann, who is still working and smiling at Happy Hour, her legacy secure.

Hullett said donations are welcome and encourages people to contact him to tour the 32–acre campus at bhullett@hcaec.com. For further information on HCAEC, go to Happy Hour ServiceCenter.com