OUR HISTORY
Rutledge Center as it is known today began in 1968 when concerned parents and citizens of Coweta County saw a need to help children with “special needs.” Originally Open Door School, things began in a small house owned by First Baptist Newnan with seven students, one teacher, and an assistant. After students were integrated into the public school system Open Door School became Open Door Training Center and an emphasis was placed on outreach services and work activities for adults.
In 1984 Open Door Training Center was renamed Rutledge Center in memory of one of its founders, A. Burt Rutledge. Rutledge Center has grown and today serves over 60 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years the name may have changed but one thing has remained, Rutledge Center has always been a leading organization in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
The Rutledge Center, Inc. is fortunate to employee some of the best Direct Support Staff workers around. Many DSS’s that work at Rutledge have worked here for a long time. It is their career. Serving others is their mission. Others are new to the journey, and maybe it will become their career as well. With extensive competency training and a servants heart, our DSS strive to empower our participants to live life to their fullest potential and be the best version of themselves. A few of our core DSS concepts are: Advocate, empower, support, care and kindness.
Ann Newton is our Executive Director with over 30 years of experience working in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Georgia. As a formal Special Education Teacher, Ann knows the challenges families and individuals with disabilities face when they graduate from high school and are often left with few meaningful choices for thier future. It’s not uncommon for their life and their family life to unravel quickly as they search for the next steps. That is why she is so passionate about the quality support services offered by Rutledge Center, Inc. One of her great passions is bringing purpose, inclusion and hope for clients and their families to live their best life. She is very proud of the organizations relationship with so many community partners in Coweta County. Our community has helped Rutledge to offer the clients many new and exciting experiences, real friendships and true community acceptance. Ann is very proud to lead such a dedicated and creative staff who are committed to serve others. Ann’s experience as Program Surveyor with CARF, Commission of Accreditation and Rehabilitation, has taken her across the country to visit many organizations and helped to broaden her understanding of best practices in disability services and bring innovative ideas home to the Rutledge Center.
Fun Facts: Ann has been married to her husband Mike for 26 years, with 2 adult children, 3 labs and 1 golden retriever. Ann’s favorite words to live by and a great source of her peace, ‘Be Not Afraid’.
Pam Sibley is an Executive Assistant and the Human Resource Professional of Rutledge Center. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Pam truly enjoy enjoys helping others and watching them succeed. She is a great asset to Rutledge Center as she has served in many capacities from secretary to now human resource professional. Pam holds a BBA in administrative systems from West Georgia College (University of West Georgia). Pam enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and dreaming about retirement, when she can do more of the above.
Meghan is our Developmental Disability Professional (DDP). Meghan earned her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University and a master’s degree in psychology from Capella University. Meghan started her career serving individuals with developmental disabilities by working directly with clients and their families in various settings including home, clinic, and community settings. Meghan has a passion for serving individuals with developmental disabilities and is excited to serve the Newnan community through the Rutledge Center.
Outside of work, Meghan serves children with developmental disabilities through her church to promote inclusion in church services. Meghan enjoys traveling and being at the beach and lake. Most importantly she enjoys spending time with her husband, Alex, and their daughter, Ruthie.
Sha Fleming is our Medicaid Billing Specialist for the past 21 years. Sha came to Rutledge with previous medical billing, insurance filing, and medical coding experience. Sha also serves as our internal records auditor. Sha loves what she does at Rutledge and works very hard to ensure that our billing and records are correct. In her time away from Rutledge, Sha loves being with her family, her pets, and doing work with her church.