A Beautiful Story of Collaboration, Community, and Lasting Impact
IMPACT’s supported apartment program dreamed of having an outdoor space
IMPACT of the Piedmont (IMPACT) provides essential support and services for a neurodiverse population. Neurodiverse is an umbrella term that includes individuals with learning differences, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, and other developmental variations. IMPACT serves individuals primarily in Davie County, with additional services in Yadkin and Forsyth Counties. IMPACT also operates IMPACT Forward, a structured day program offering psychosocial rehabilitation services for individuals living with mental health challenges.
This story reflects the power of shared vision, collaboration, and community spirit.
In May, Executive Director Julie Wood attended the Women’s Luncheon hosted by the Davie Chamber of Commerce. There, she was seated beside Amanda Lagle of Mocksville Concrete, a member of Leadership Davie’s Class of 2025. The two connected immediately. During their conversation, Amanda shared that Leadership Davie was seeking a meaningful community project and asked whether IMPACT had any needs.
Julie explained that residents in IMPACT’s supported apartment program dreamed of having an outdoor space where they could host family visits, spend time with friends, and enjoy recreational activities. She also shared that she had applied for a small T‑Mobile “Volun‑T” grant to begin the project, but additional resources would be required. Amanda asked how Leadership Davie could help — and from that moment, momentum took off.
“There is nothing — absolutely nothing — more rewarding than being part of a caring community coming together around a shared vision of making life better for their neighbors. It is love and kindness in action,” said Executive Director Julie Wood.
Leadership Davie embraced the project wholeheartedly and began raising funds. The community responded with enthusiasm. Leadership Davie then partnered with Matt Cartner, Carpentry Instructor at Davie High School, who challenged his students to build accessible picnic tables for the space. Julie also connected with Jessie Elmore of Habitat for Humanity of Davie County, who began coordinating the construction efforts. Brian and the Habitat team members jumped in immediately, bringing expertise, energy, and a spirit of service that helped propel the project forward.
On November 5, Leadership Davie, along with Caroline Moser and Christine from the Davie County Chamber of Commerce, hosted an outdoor picnic and invited not only the apartment residents but also the three group homes for an afternoon of games and a shared outdoor meal to celebrate the launch of the project. During the event, Matt Cartner arrived with the accessible picnic tables built by his students, and the Leadership Davie team set up outdoor heaters, cornhole, horseshoes, Connect Four, and delivered lighting and speakers to enhance the gathering.
The ground has now been leveled, the frame has been set, and Mocksville Concrete has poured the foundation. On January 29 and 30, Habitat for Humanity will lead the construction of the shelter, joined by volunteers from T‑Mobile, IMPACT, and Leadership Davie.
The IMPACT family is deeply grateful for the generosity, dedication, and partnership of everyone involved. This project stands as a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.
Leadership Davie has already delivered gas heaters, speakers, lighting, cornhole boards, horseshoes, outdoor Connect Four, and many other games to ensure the space is vibrant, welcoming, and fun for the individuals served by IMPACT.
This new gathering space will allow residents to visit with loved ones, enjoy cookouts, play games, and build meaningful connections. It is more than a shelter — it is a place for relationships, belonging, and community.
Leadership Davie Class of 2025 Members
Tamela Tatum — The Heritage Alliance Project
Alex Bell — Belmont Insurance Group
Mike Cadiente — TRU Taekwondo
Rana Gaither — Town of Mocksville
Meka Ingram — Cone Health, Winston-Salem
Alyson Morse — Davie County Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Lagle — Mocksville Concrete Company
Sandra Porter — Davidson‑Davie Community College
Aiden Stefanelli — REEB
Derrick Wold — Davie County Public Library
Community Partners and Contributions
Leadership Davie — spearheaded fundraising, coordinated volunteers, and supplied outdoor games and equipment Leadership Davie - Davie County Chamber and Tourism
Mocksville Concrete — donated labor and materials to pour the concrete foundation Home | Mocksville Concrete
Davie High School Carpentry Program — built accessible picnic tables under the guidance of instructor Matt Cartner Home | Davie County High
Habitat for Humanity of Davie County — organized and will lead the construction of the shelter
T‑Mobile Volunteers — provided hands‑on support during the build and contributed a $5,000 grant T-Mobile Cooper Creek Dr & US 601: Neighborhood Store in Mocksville, NC
IMPACT Volunteers — assisted with preparation, coordination, and ongoing support for the project IMPACT of the Piedmont
Thank you for the great work by Myers Construction and Gregory Masonry
Executive Director Julie Wood
About Julie Wood
As IMPACT's Executive Director, Julie Wood loves leading a team that embraces the discovery of how to help another find and embrace their most meaningful life. Julie is a North Carolina Native who has been committed to the human services field for more than thirty years. She is passionate about leading in a field that honors the diversity and unique gifts that each person brings to all of humanity.
Julie's education in Psychology and Social Work was completed at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
About IMPACT of the Piedmont
Since 1978, IMPACT of the Piedmont has provided 24/7 caring homes and comprehensive support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Davie and Yadkin Counties. Our mission is simple: create dignity and belonging for every person we serve. Learn more at impactpiedmont.org.