Laura's Village Monthly Newsletter

Our Mission Statement

Laura’s Village empowers adults with special needs by nurturing their unique abilities, fostering independence, ensuring dignity, and building community.

We value community, celebration, and faith.

To our dads and the men fulfilling the fatherly role in any way—thank you. For the quiet support, the steady presence, the problem-solving, the rides, the humor, and all the ways you show up behind the scenes, often without recognition—you make a difference every day.

On Father’s Day, we celebrate you and the many ways you support your families.

A Note from our Founder

Two weeks ago, our family "fell off the cliff". After 17 years of public school, 4 different school districts, and countless teachers, administrators, aides, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and bus drivers…it’s over. That protection, encouragement, and support was pulled out from under us as fast as that bright yellow school bus vanished around the corner, leaving Laura and me standing there in the driveway. I stood there, taking in the sounds of nature, the cool breeze, and cloudy skies, then took Laura's hand and turned to walk back into the house, not sure what to conquer first: my to-do list or my emotions. I chose my to-do list; at least I could check off items I completed and feel like I’d made an impact somehow. Emotions weren’t something I could check off the list.

The cliff is scary, and I feel the need more than ever to bring daily, diverse opportunities to our adults with I/DD and support to families. I want this for my family, and I want this for our community. We have some exciting plans, but we need the your involvement. Please share this with others, and consider volunteering a few hours each month in one of the following key areas:

Fundraising (enjoy golf, organize an outing. A 5K is another goal on our list, and we have already have a DJ donating his time)
Event Planning (a few social outings each year, eg. Christmas party) Volunteer HERE
Grant Writing (we have an experienced grant writer willing to walk alongside you) APPLY HERE
Bookkeeping (paid, contract position, up to 5 hours per week) APPLY HERE
Board Member (ideal focuses: business development, nonprofit compliance, Secretary, legal) APPLY HERE

Thank you for your consistent support of Laura's Village, so together we can support our friends.

Summer Outings

Looking for activities this summer? Here are a few ideas! We would love to include more activities, so be sure to share your favorites with us via email! laurasvillageinfo@gmail.com

Note: Laura's Village does not endorse any of these attractions. We strongly advise researching these attractions, and the available level of accessibility and safety based on your requirements and preferences.

Mooresville Public Library

Downtown Mooresville

Where's Normie? (visit Fred & June's to learn more)

Free Movies (AmStar Mooresville)

$1 Movies: Regal Summer Movie Express (Birkdale)

Rescue Ranch with accessible playground (Statesville)

Mountain Creek Park w/ paved ADA accessible trail (Sherrills Ford)

The BIlly Graham Library (Charlotte)

CLT Airport Overlook (Charlotte)

NASCAR Hall of Fame (Charlotte)

Miracle Park (Rock Hill)

Empowered Abilities Day Program with Ms. Tiena

EMPOWERED ABILITIES

As we wrap up an incredible year, we feel gratitude, pride, and excitement for all that has been accomplished. This year has been a true reflection of our mission to EMPOWER the unlimited ABILITIES of the individuals we serve by providing interactive opportunities for growth in functional life skills, social-emotional learning, community engagement, and self-advocacy.

From hands-on activities that built independence, to meaningful social-emotional learning moments that strengthened confidence and connection, our young adults have shown remarkable growth. Whether it was engaging in creative projects, participating in community outings, celebrating special events, or simply supporting one another day-to-day, each moment contributed to something bigger; progress, resilience, and self-discovery.

We loved celebrating together, honoring each individual’s uniqueness, and creating a space where everyone felt seen and valued. The smiles, breakthroughs, and accomplishments, both big and small, are what made this year so special. Growth looked different for everyone, but every step forward mattered, and we are so proud of each and every young adult and staff.

To our families, staff, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and especially Laura's Village, Thank You for being an essential part of this journey. Your encouragement and partnership help make everything we do possible.

As we head into summer, we encourage everyone to continue building on the skills, confidence, and independence gained this year. Keep exploring, practicing, and embracing new opportunities to enhance your abilities.

We can’t wait to see everyone back in August, ready for another year of growth, connection, and empowerment!

Provide supplies for Empowered Abilities: Amazon Wishlist

Welcome, Ms. Shruti with Abled Fitness!

Learn more about Abled Fitness by clicking on the link ABLED FITNESS or visiting "programs" on our website, laurasvillage.org.

Music Bingo Fundraiser!

Looking for a fun night out, while supporting a local business and Laura's Village? Come see us on Thursday, June 18th at 6:30 for Music Bingo at Hoptown Brewing Co. in Mooresville. We have tables reserved right next to the donation box. Join us!

If you can't make it for Music Bingo, drop in anytime and add a token (or more) to our wall. Thank you, Hoptown, for not only believing in our mission, but more importantly, believing in our adults!

Important Dates

Every Sunday: SOAR Special Needs Ministry, 11:00 - noon, Rocky Mount Church, Mooresville

June 18: Music Bingo Fundraiser at Hoptown Brewing Co. in Mooresville

Laura's Village Merchandise

Show your support for Laura’s Village with our logo wear! Hats, shirts, hoodies, mugs—you name it. Pick your favorite color and design, and have it delivered straight to your door. ORDER HERE