It has been a year since Avita Community Partners opened its doors to the Dawsonville community, and the public agency has spent that time strengthening partnerships and building relationships with those it serves. In the past year, Avita has served 518 individuals by providing assistance for those living with mental illness, addictive diseases and developmental disabilities. “My passion is to see people improve their lives, and really our organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities,” said Chief Executive Officer Cindy Levi. “Personally, I get sheer joy out of seeing someone else succeed and improve their life. That’s what it’s all about.” Through its many programs, Avita has been able to help people of all walks of life get the help they need. Whether through sessions with their full-time psychiatrist, a partnership with the Hall and Dawson accountability courts, the women’s treatment residential program to help mothers fighting substance abuse get back on their feet or community outreach for those with developmental disabilities, Avita is dedicated to its goal of helping others.