“My name is Audrey Capers Simmons I’m just a hometown girl born and raised in Dalton. I have 3 God-loving kids, Ansley a senior in college, Amariah, a senior in high school, and my son Asa, a highly active and fun 6th grader. I am the Assistant Manager at the beloved Mack Gaston Community Center. I also get to attend to the mental health of our community as a Licensed Counselor for Benchmark Mobile Crisis.
Dalton has graciously kept me captive with its peaceful days and nights and the familiar charms of sweet childhood memories. I once had an opportunity to live briefly in Connecticut, but my heart for Dalton held me close. Growing up, I felt like everything I needed was right here and didn’t think more could be “out there”. My college days allowed me to experience the world through a colorful lens and make meaningful cultural connections. I had the bright idea to bring my “out there” experience back to my hometown and live a city life in a small town. As a young adult I was able to settle in this “hidden treasure” we call home and raise a family with love, security, and an accepting community.
My love for the Greater Dalton area is connected to its location and how it sits beautifully nestled with the mountains in the distance. I can choose serenity here daily or get in the hustle and bustle by driving north to Chattanooga or south to Atlanta. It feels like a forever vacation.
My daily blessings are being able to do the things I’m purposefully passionate about by serving youth right here in my hometown through my role at the Mack Gaston Community Center. In 2017, I was able to bring a God-given vision to fruition through Dalton Parks and Recreation Department by creating Level-UP, a 10-week youth leadership program. This program is designed to cultivate the leadership potential in our youth to impact their community creatively and effectively. I absolutely love seeing our youth discover treasures within themselves. This is my way of giving back to Dalton by empowering tomorrow’s adults to lead right where they are. If you are interested in the program as a donor or for a youth to participate, call the center directly for more information.
Dalton is strong. Dalton is resilient. However, in this era of COVID 19, it is important to maintain our strength by giving attention to our mental health. An individual’s decrease in social and human connection can play a role in increased anxiety and depression symptoms. As a licensed counselor, it is my hope that we all continue to be strategically safe in the ways we try to stay connected to each other. Through my other role as a licensed counselor for Benchmark Mobile Crisis in the North Georgia area, we are available to serve those in the Dalton community and surrounding areas that may be in an emotional or mental crisis. With the pandemic, we can all be a symptom away from being overwhelmed with unwanted lingering emotions. A mobile crisis team is readily available to see individuals through it. If you or someone you care about are in crisis, please call the Georgia Crisis Hotline at 1-800-715-4225. We are available 24/7.
To Dalton: May you forever hold our strength of unity close so future generations may experience the power of one moving towards a progressive purpose! #daltonstrong”