For several years, Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO Stuart Perry carried his message of hope and recovery to individuals across the nation. His 1000-mile Journey for Life was followed by speaking engagements around the country.

In recent years, Stuart’s focus has turned to building a stable and effective peer recovery program in southwest Georgia. It has now become a model for peer programs around the state and elsewhere. One of the most vital components of the program is Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, which provides a positive vehicle for community interaction, training for peers, and an additional revenue stream for the non-profit program.

So when Stuart began to think of ways to broaden the center’s outreach, he naturally turned to the market for inspiration. He determined that one of the best ways to visit neighboring counties and share the mission of Perry Wellness Center would be through sharing the market outside of its permanent location.

We’re pleased to announce that “mobile markets” will be coming soon to Marion and Schley Counties, beginning this week! The first markets will be held in Buena Vista on Friday, March 31 and April 6. In Ellaville, the market will be held on Saturday, March 31 and April 7. The Buena Vista market will be located in the courthouse square, across from The Dime Store, and the Ellaville location is at the site of the old Dollar General, adjacent to the town cemetery. Hours of operation for both markets are 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Mulkey McMichael, Director of Public Relations for the center, will team with other staff members for this first spring run. To meet the expected success of the initial markets and to provide increasingly varied inventory, delivery trucks are arriving from throughout south Georgia and Florida, loaded with spring goods. In addition to their choice of fresh produce, plants, and other market goods, mobile market customers will receive a handout on Perry Wellness Center, describing its mission and activities.

In the photo above, a newly arrived assortment of red, white, and coral geranium baskets fills greenhouse #4 at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market. South Georgia readers, some may be heading your way soon!