HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Drug abuse is an epidemic in the United States and one would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t been affected, directly or indirectly, by addiction.

Barbara Honaker, coordinator of North Enotah Drug Court, will return to Mountain Movers and Shakers Jan. 22, this time accompanied by two program participants who will share their journey through the system.

North Enotah Drug Court Coordinator Barbara Honaker

Honaker, an ordained minister of counseling, has directed the drug court program since 2014. “She counsels the most troubled of our youth…,” a spokesman for Movers and Shakers explained.

In addition, Towns County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant John McCoy is scheduled to address the forum. McCoy is assigned to assist North Enotah Drug Court.

On a different note, also invited to speak is Georgia Occupational Leadership award winner Devin Deshazar. “This remarkable young man is using his technical education in Criminal Justice from the Blairsville campus to pursue his goal of becoming a Georgia State Trooper. He is already serving as a firefighter in Toccoa.”

Georgia Occupational Leadership award winner Devin Deshazar

Mountain Movers and Shakers meet at 8 a.m. each Friday at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee. There are no membership requirements or dues. The meetings are open to the public.