GIVE NOW
Why Your Gift Matters
Because of proposed government cutbacks, we are facing as much as a $500,000 budget shortfall. Without community support to replace this funding, homes may have to shutter, and the number of indivuduals served will be significantly limited.
Belonging starts here. Please give now.
Your gift helps adults with developmental, intellectual, and mental health challenges live with independence, dignity, and joy — in a place they truly belong.
By giving now, you’ll help will keep homes open, programs running, and people connected to a caring community.
When you give, you’re not just supporting services — you’re helping create a home, a relationship, and a future for someone who deserves to be seen and valued.
Real Stories.
Real Impact.
In the heart of the Piedmont, where the bonds of community are strong, there is a group of individuals who believe in the power of connection and the dignity of every person.
IMPACT of the Piedmont is more than an organization; it’s a family of advocates, members, and community supporters who stand together to honor the humanity and rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). They work tirelessly to ensure that those they serve are not only included but fully participate in the community throughout their lifetimes.
One sunny afternoon, a story unfolded that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of IMPACT of the Piedmont. It was a story of a simple act of kindness, one that left a lasting imprint on the hearts of a family in Davie County.
A Story of Connection and Community
Alber Gale, a beloved father and community member, was 89 years old. Though he could no longer drive, he found joy in the small moments of his day, particularly the visits from the Meals on Wheels program through Davie County Senior Services. These visits were not just about the meals; they were about connection, warmth, and a sense of belonging.
Among the many people who visited Alber, there was one young man who stood out. He had a bit of difficulty walking, but that never stopped him from approaching with a warm smile and offering a big hug. Alber looked forward to these visits, often sitting on his porch, ready to meet the young man halfway so he wouldn’t have to walk all the way to the house. This simple gesture spoke volumes about the connection they shared.
Tragically, Alber passed away unexpectedly on a Sunday in June. Trina, Alber’s daughter, knew how much these visits had meant to her father. She reached out to IMPACT of the Piedmont, not just to thank them for the services they provided but to express her heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, hugs, and care that this young man had brought into her father’s life. She wanted him to know how much his efforts had meant, not just to Alber but to the entire family.
At IMPACT of the Piedmont, the members are not just participants in a program; they are cherished members of the community who give as much as they receive. They cast their net wide, engaging with the community in meaningful ways, always ready to offer a smile, a hug, or a helping hand. They are supported by a community that believes in their mission, but more importantly, they actively contribute to the very fabric of that community.
And so, the story of Alber Gale and the young man with the warm smile became a testament to the power of inclusion, connection, and the impact that one person can have on another’s life. It is a story that reminds us all that, in the end, it is the love and kindness we share that truly make a difference.
One Life. A Journey of Resilience and Belonging.
Some parts of life come naturally. Others, we fight to learn. But isn't that what makes each journey beautiful... that we are not all the same?
John’s story begins in the 1950s, a time when many children with intellectual and developmental disabilities were placed in large institutions. At just 8 years old, John entered Murdoch Developmental Center, one of the largest in the country. It was so big it needed its own power plant. Life inside was hard. Crowded. Lonely. But even in that place, a bright memory remains. Sheilia, a compassionate staff member, taught John the states, their capitals, and even world capitals. He can still recite them all with pride.
By the 1980s, a powerful grassroots movement began demanding change. People said, “They belong with us. In our neighborhoods. In our towns. In our lives.” In 1981, John got his chance. He moved to the Davie County Group Home, a small, local setting that eventually became IMPACT of the Piedmont.
For the first time, John had privacy. He learned how to cook, clean, do his laundry, and make his own decisions. And in 1995, at age 26, he turned a key in the door of his own apartment. A milestone many take for granted, but for John, it was freedom.
For over 26 years, John lived independently with daily support. Then, like many of us, age brought new challenges. He returned to a residential home through IMPACT, where he is once again safe, supported, and known.
At IMPACT of the Piedmont, we don’t just provide services. We walk alongside people, empowering them to live meaningful, independent lives. Every person deserves that chance.
Belonging starts here. Please give now.
When you give to IMPACT, you help:
Keep homes open and fully staffed
Provide daily essentials, meals, and transportation
Offer professional caregiver training and emotional support
Ensure that every person we serve can live a life filled with purpose, stability, and belonging
Together, we can ensure that every person continues to live with independence, dignity, and joy — surrounded by care, opportunity, and community.
IMPACT of the Piedmont is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Visit our Financials page to learn more about our credentials.