May 22, 2023 Marks our 20th year!

Since 2003, we have made it possible for adults with disabilities to become more independent, using their abilities to serve our community. We know more families in Wake and Johnston County need a place like Able to Serve. As part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration, we are challenging new supporters to become a monthly donor of $20.

Join us with $20 for 20 as we commemorate the past and celebrate the future!

Upcoming Events

20th Anniversary Day

Celebrate by stopping by our location to take a photo & get a special gift!
9 AM-3 PM @ Able to Serve

Let Us Know You're Stopping By

Angie's Lunch Fundraiser

Join us to dine in or take out lunch where all proceeds will go to ATS!
11 AM-3 PM @ Angies

Learn More & Buy Tickets

Benefit & Silent Auction

Don’t miss the most important event of the year & Celebrate 20 Years!
6pm @ Garner UMC

Learn More

Celebrating 20 Years of Giving Abilities a Chance!

Over the last 20 years, we have seen the power of giving abilities a chance. What began as a dream to connect adults with developmental disabilities became a 5-day program, engaging local adults and their families with their community throughout the week. We have seen God’s plan of creating a place to learn, grow, lead and serve. I am so thankful for you. The faith community, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals who have financially supported and prayed for us over the past 20 years.

I am thrilled to be celebrating this year with you!

Carlton McDaniel Jr.
Founder and Executive Director

2003

Able to Serve launches with transportation ministry, connecting adults with disabilities to their local churches.

2007

Activity Day Program begins at our first location on Technology Drive in Garner to bring adults together for active, social engagement.

2010

Service Learning Program launched, expanding our program with opportunities for community service projects.

2012

Program expands to include outdoor recreation space for exercise and wellness.

2015

Day Program begins at our new and current location on Buffalo Road, offering 3 full days of specialized educational programming.

2016

Day Program grows to 5 full days for learning and service opportunities Monday through Friday.

2019

Day Program serves 34 participants led by 8 staff members.

2023

Able to Serve enters 20th year serving 56 participants, over 45 volunteers, and 12 staff members.

Giving Abilities a Chance

In 2003, we began serving the needs of our community through services like the Transportation Ministry with local churches.

Partnering with Community Spaces

From 2003-2007, we collaborated with community members, churches and civic organizations to host our programs.

Opening Programs at Technology Drive Campus

In 2007, we partnered with Smith’s Addressing Machine Services for this space to move into our first location on Technology drive and began the activity program for our community!

Expanding to Buffaloe Road Campus

In 2015, we moved into our Buffaloe Road location at Lord of Life Lutheran Church where we began our full day program 5 days a week.

Celebration Stories

Celebrating Our Story – Nick

For 6 years, Nick Bazzelle has been instrumental in building relationships with our Participants, Families,...

ATS 20th Anniversary Olympics

The best ways to celebrate all that we can do came together at the ATS...

Celebrating Our Story – Anne

Anne Safrit began her part of the Able to Serve story in 2016 following an...

ATS News: Spring 2023

The Able to Serve News was created, written, conducted, and produced by Participants at Able...

Celebrating Our Story – Sophia

Since 2019, Sophia Mercer has brought her joy to Able to Serve. As a Program...

Donor Conversations – Dale Smith

Our Founder and Executive Director Carlton McDaniel, Jr. recently sat down with his friend Dale...

Celebrate & Give to the Next 20 Years!

Our celebration continues through your gifts that fund our programs!
Donate to Able to Serve by clicking the button below. You can donate directly to our programs or donate with a customized E-card.
We promise to honor your generosity by using your donation in the most effective way possible. Donations are used to equip adults with disabilities for independence and connect them with opportunities to serve others in their community. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.