featu re
success story Developmental Disabilities Awareness month
organization was founded in 1959 by parents like Gwen—caregivers, guardians, protectors, advocates, and most of all loving supporters of their children who were frustrated by the lack of services available to them. They wanted their children to not only be able to work, but to have all kinds of opportunities to grow and have a fulfilled life.
Building Confidence
& changing lives
G w en R o g ers w asn ’ t s u re
what to do or where to turn for guidance. Her daughter, Courtney, had turned 18 and had achieved all the requirements she needed to graduate high school. However, Gwen wasn’t sure what was next for Courtney, who has Down syndrome. She had researched the Internet, visited transition fairs, and called mental health services, to no avail. So she decided Courtney needed one more year of high school to give them time to figure out her future.
According to the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities, an estimated 1,336,000 people living with a disability live in North Carolina, which is 16 percent of the state’s population. And though research has shown that employment is a key part of living a meaningful and inclusive life in the community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the majority of people with I/DD remain either unemployed or underemployed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work.
Begrudgingly, Courtney obliged. And then they learned about Nevins, Inc.
Nevins is working to change that in the Greater Charlotte region. The
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Nevins began as a sheltered work shop back then, where the participants worked on contract jobs such as assembling Christmas packages for Belk, sterilizing headsets for US Air, and dissembling handsets for Southern Bell. Ann McCorkle, the longest-serving Nevins employee, joined the staff in 1975 as part of the cafeteria team. As care for those with I/DD moved toward servicing them in individual and small group settings, so did the programs at Nevins, and so did Ann. Today, she serves as the direct care supervisor, helping participants achieve their life goals by working with small groups daily. “It took brave, determined families to combat the societal norm of hiding these special individuals from the community,” says Ann of Nevins’ beginnings. “People were not comfortable with being around or associating with persons who were presumed different. But those with I/DD have dreams, desires, and interests just like you and me. They want to work, get married, learn and experience life.” According to Pamela Glass, director of development and strategic partnerships, helping these individuals live their best lives through work and community involvement is still the main goal of Nevins 60 years later. Through supported employment, vocational support, volunteer opportunities, adult education classes and more, they help 125 participants a year. Courtney has been one of those participants now since 2008. Gwen proudly notes that Nevins has improved Courtney’s confidence and self-esteem, allowing her to be more independent. Reluctant no more, perhaps Courtney sums up her experience best: “I love coming to Nevins!” w
writer dana JORDAN
photographer chelsea bren
