DEACON BALLIEW INTRO Deacon has always created an environment where children could learn the values of honesty, hard work, self-discipline, and more than anything else is, love for themselves and one another. Deacon in 1968 began a Boy Scout troop for young fellows with disabilities. Deacon and countless volunteers have served hundreds of children with physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional challenges and with children that are neglected and deprived in Gordon County Ga. Deacon has received an overwhelming number of awards, including “America’s Top Volunteer” by General Mills and Betty Crocker, Recognized in Washington D.C. by President Carter for his work with mentally challenged Boy Scouts. He was recognized by President George H. Bush for his devotion to community service. Deacon received the international “Father Baker’s Service to Youth” award. Deacon was named in a State of Georgia’s Senate resolution for bringing credit to his Community and State. He and his volunteers were awarded the “Presidential Point of Light” award by President George W. Bush. “He was recognized as the Georgia Volunteer of the Year” By Governor Joe Frank Harris, and with the “Exemplary Project Award” also from Governor Harris and the Juvenile Coordinating Council for his work in the area of juvenile delinquency, Atlanta Ga. TV. Channel 11’s Jefferson Award and Community Service Volunteer of the year. His work was featured in a United Way of America’s national public service training film. He was recently recognized by Glaxo Smith Kline International Pharmaceutical for his work in the area of Children’s Health, just to name a few. Deacon has been to several foreign countries carrying his message of hope for troubled children. Several prominent community leaders have been quoted, as saying Deacon Balliew's continuous devoted 37 years work with troubled children is the most recognized thing in our County’s recent history. He and a group of friends are now doing Missionary work with troubled children in Haiti. He has been quoted as saying, “I have retired from two jobs. But the Mission the Lord has me on now is so important The Lord will have to retire me this time.” |