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Bethesda Gives Award to John Harmon

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Athens, Ga. (July 1, 2008) - Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. has awarded a scholarship to John Harmon, a junior at Georgia College and State University. Harmon received this scholarship due, in part, to the volunteer work he has done with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be active members of a Lutheran church, achieve at least a sophomore level status in college, obtain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and be interested in pursuing a career in the field of developmental disabilities.

Currently, Harmon is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. In the future, he hopes to focus on autism and help to prepare students for the transition from high school to greater independence after graduation.

Harmon credits his volunteer work at Project Reach, a summer camp for children with disabilities, with inspiring him in the work he does.

“The children and young adults I have worked with,” he says, “have inspired me to obtain the education and knowledge to be able to teach them so they can feel more comfortable in the outside world.”

In addition to his work at Project Reach, Harmon was also a member of the Darius Goes West team, a project where several young adults accompanied Darius Weems, a young man with muscular dystrophy, across the country. Their journey was made into an award winning documentary, which helped increase awareness and raise money for research.

More information on Bethesda’s scholarship program can be found here or by calling 800.369.4636, ext. 4449. Information for next year’s scholarship opportunities will be available August 1, 2008.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and around the world. Bethesda offers many different types of services for individuals and their families, including a variety of residential settings, supported-living programs and outreach services.

For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or e-mail: pr@blhs.org.