Commissioner Kevin Tanner Honors Eric Witcher with Inaugural Commissioner’s Champion Award for Exceptional Support to the Never Alone Clubhouse

ATLANTA— Commissioner Kevin Tanner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) will present the inaugural Commissioner’s Champion Award to Eric Witcher of Grand Quartz in recognition of Mr. Witcher’s outstanding leadership and dedication in raising almost $125,000 to replace and enhance the floor at the Never Alone Clubhouse in Douglasville, Georgia.

“When I became aware of the story regarding the devastating flooding here at the Never Alone Clubhouse and the leadership and love displayed by Eric Witcher, I was inspired to establish the Commissioner’s Champion Award. In addition, I am inspired by the generosity and selflessness of Eric Witcher and all those who responded to his call for support,” said Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

“The extraordinary kindness of Mr. Witcher, and his colleagues, goes beyond the actual work. Mr. Witcher, and all involved, have declined any payments. This donation of time, materials, travel costs, and talent is extraordinary. It is my great privilege to present Mr. Eric Witcher with the inaugural Commissioner’s Champion Award for support and service to both The Never Alone Clubhouse and the entire Georgia Recovery Community,” said Tanner.

Jocelyn Wallace, Executive Director of the Never Alone Clubhouse, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the organization and the entire recovery community, stating, “On behalf of The Never Alone Clubhouse, and all those in recovery, I want to thank Commissioner Kevin Tanner for presenting the inaugural Commissioner’s Champion Award to Mr. Eric Witcher. Mr. Witcher and his team of volunteers saved The Never Alone Clubhouse. It means a lot to those of us on the front lines that our leaders at DBHDD are supportive of those who support recovery community organizations.”

The presentation of the Commissioner’s Champion Award to Eric Witcher is a testament to the power of community support and the dedication of individuals like Mr. Witcher and their team of volunteers. In addition, Commissioner Tanner’s vision for this award highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring those who make a significant impact in advancing Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities services in Georgia’s communities.

The Background

The Never Alone Clubhouse experienced a catastrophic flood in December 2022, with initial repair estimates exceeding $100,000. Local fundraising efforts began. After receiving a call from Wallace’s mother, Eric Witcher was determined to lend his support.

Mr. Witcher, an employee of Grand Quartz, reached out to a craftsmen Facebook group, appealing for help with the project.

The response was overwhelming, as individuals from across the country, including Georgia-based contractor Alan Reed and Pennsylvania-based designer Isaiah Pride, offered help.

Driven by their personal connection to Jocelyn Wallace’s work, they not only repaired the floor but also designed artwork incorporating dragonflies, symbolic of transformation and change, conveying the message that “Recovery is Real.”