Sarah’s Club  $100 - $249

Sarah became a student at the Irene Wortham Early Learning Center in 2006. She was a happy girl, but her true potential had not been reached. Sarah was labeled with “developmental delays.” When she started at the school she wouldn’t eat in the classroom. It was a constant struggle for her to eat even a few bites. She subsisted entirely on milk.

But Sarah loved music. She slowed when she heard her favorite song, Itsy-Bitsy Spider. We had found the key! Sarah started to communicate through the hand motions of songs. The classroom staff and therapists started to sing to her at meal time – endless choruses and repetitions of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Their hard work paid off. Sarah started eating! It was a major breakthrough for everyone: Sarah, her parents, the classroom staff, and therapists.

Sarah started shedding her fears, confident that she could overcome other obstacles as well. She emerged from her shell and showed everyone what she truly is: a princess!

Gloria's Club  $250 - $499

When she was four months old, Gloria was diagnosed with encephalitis.  Health professionals said that she was nearly blind and so severely brain-damaged that she would probably never feed herself or be potty trained.  Her parents were told to find an institution for Gloria to live.  Instead, they found local program to enroll her in.  At seven years old, Gloria was potty trained, feeding herself, and picking up items from the floor. 

Years later, her family relocated to this area and were faced with finding another good program for Gloria.  They found the Irene Wortham Center.  Gloria usually has trouble adjusting to new situations, but she adjusted quickly at the Center where the caring, skilled staff has helped bring out her best potential.  For example, a staff member once took Gloria to the State Fair where she saw the ponies and said, “I want to ride”. The staff member listened to her and she enrolled in a therapeutic horseback-riding program. 

Now age fifty-one, Gloria continues to thrive at the Dogwood Home.  She serves on the Human Rights Committee as the resident representative, and has represented IWC at several community events.

Ross' Club  $500 - $999

Ross moved into the Rose St. home on December 8, 1994 when he was 11 years old. His parents had relocated to Asheville and thought that it would be a perfect home for him since they lived nearby and could visit often.  Ross has lived at the Rose St. home ever since, and has grown into a handsome young man. He graduated from TC Roberson High School’s Progressive Education Program in 2004, and now attends the Adult Day Activity Program at the Irene Wortham Center. Ross’s family has continued to be a constant in his life, and he has continued to live as independently as his capabilities have allowed.

Stacie's Club  $1000 – $2,499

Stacie has lived in Azalea House since February of 1994.  Since she’s been here, Stacie has learned social skills, self care routines, and many other tasks. She enjoys working on her tasks at the Adult Day Activity program. Her goals and tasks at ADA include participating in group activities, identifying and sorting shapes and objects, and safely maneuvering her electric wheelchair.

Stacie is an artist and a true TV junkie. She enjoys all things craft oriented and several cult classic movies such as Bride of Chucky and Scary Movie. She is able to work her TV and communicates by object retrieval and gestures.

Stacie’s bubbly personality makes her a gem to work with. She enjoys talking on the phone and meeting new people.  She truly enjoys being at the center of attention

Andrew's Club  $2,500 - $4,999

Andrew has been attending the Adult Day Program for the past several years. He participates each day at the Center in the compensatory education classes provided through A-B Tech. When asked about the Adult Day Program, Andrew said that his favorite things are music class, math lessons, and painting. He works toward goals to improve his independence, social skills, and vocational skills.

Andrew’s teacher stated that he has made tremendous strides towards his knowledge of mathematics and social skills. When asked about Andrew, staff said, “Andrew is a great dancer and singer! He is a kind and considerate person who will always be sure to put a smile on your face.”

Martha's Club  $5000 and over

Martha, a client of our Supported Employment Program, has worked in the cafeteria of a local school for the past two years.  “Before, I didn’t really know how to do things for myself. I needed someone to show me how to be independent. I like my work. I help in the kitchen, I make all the salads and do the fruit, and I set up the lunch. It makes me feel good because I know the kids and teachers are going to enjoy it. A few of the teachers like to eat salads, and they come into the kitchen and compliment me on them. That makes me happy. My work is important. I love the people I work with because we’ve become a family.”