Thank you to Laura & Mark Grams for their generous donation in honor of Mary Grace (Sexton) Davenport in recognition of her tireless and loving support of Camp Twitch & Shout as camp director, volunteer counselor, and board member.
In 1986, the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) of Georgia was incorporated as its own non-profit that was affiliated with National TSA. The TSA of Georgia was created to provide a family support organization through occasional conferences and phone support for those who experience Tourette Syndrome. TSA of Georgia also attended IEP meetings when needed, and provided educational talks to schools.
The larger the support network grew, the more obvious a need for a sense of community became. In 2008 the first Family Weekend was organized. Attended by approximately 20 families, the first Camp Twitch and Shout Family Weekend was held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia.
The TSA of Georgia separated from the national TSA in 2009 and changed its name to “Tourettes Information Center and Support of Georgia (TICS of GA)”. That same year TICS of GA organized and held the inaugural Camp Twitch & Shout, attended by approximately 40 campers and 20 volunteers mostly from Georgia and surrounding states.
Since its inception, Camp Twitch & Shout has hosted campers and volunteers from over 30 U.S. states and 4 foreign countries. In order to represent this growth and broaden its presence nationally, TICS of GA dropped Georgia from its name and became the Tourette Information Center and Support (TICS).
TICS is proud to have expanded their network of support and facilitated a sense of community among those who experience Tourette Syndrome. Through year-round family support services and running Camp Twitch & Shout, TICS strives to provide a more inclusive environment and better understanding of this disorder.
Questions or Comments? Please contact TICS Board of Directors at info@ticsofga.org
For more information visit the official TICS website at www.ticsinc.org
Every year during Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month (May 15-June 15) we host Clicks4Tics (formerly Swear2Change), our virtual fundraiser and awareness event. Join us as we educate others on Tourette syndrome, in addition to fundraising for our Financial Assistance program and tuition supplement options. See you there!