Clayton News Daily

By Johnny Jackson

jjackson@henryherald.com

McDonough resident, Jeanette Lorch, was recently honored for her involvement and work within Georgia's deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Lorch was named the state's 2008 Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Community Leader of the Year by Georgia Relay, the free public service telephone interpreting service for deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind and speech-impaired people.

She was selected for the honor for her widespread dedication to, and involvement in, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Georgia Relay presented Lorch with her award, along with a cake and gift card, at the Deaf Seniors of Georgia Fall Bazaar in Atlanta on Nov. 1.

Lorch is an intake specialist with the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP). She has worked more than a decade as an intake trainer for GATEDP, which offers free specialized, assistive equipment to financially and medically qualified applicants who have difficulty using a standard telephone.

"Jeanette is a tireless advocate for the people she serves," said Karin Sack, Georgia Relay Outreach Coordinator. "She works hard to help anyone she can, in any way possible."

Lorch, a member of the non-profit Deaf Seniors of America, is also a past recipient of the Georgia Association of the Deaf Service Award.

On the net:

Georgia Relay: www.georgiarelay.org