Jessamine History

Jessamine Place History

  • Throughout our history, the Ben Hill Mental Retardation Services Center operating now as The Jessamine Place continued its evolution. Beginning in 1972, as The Ben Hill Foundation for Special Children with full support of the professional community, isolated, congregated and segregated its consumers (labeled “retardates” at the time) to provide better alternatives and standards of living.  1972 began integration of consumers into age appropriate activities and routines in environments common citizens characterized as typical.
  • In 1997, we completed our drive to become one of the few non-facility based programs in Georgia providing services to take advantage of opportunities for our consumers within our community.
  • Our service of 45 years speaks volumes for our dedication to provide the utmost in care and attention to the needs of our consumers