Garner organization helping adults with special needs highlighted as June 3-Degree Guarantee charity

GARNER, N.C. (WNCN) — For young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, aging out of the public school system often brings an abrupt end to structured support.

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Thousands face severe social isolation, high unemployment, and limited community access. However, a nonprofit in Garner is helping ensure that local adults with special needs are not isolated but are instead treated as valued contributors.

Founded in 2003, Able to Serve is a faith-based, community-funded organization dedicated to equipping adults with disabilities for a more independent life. Serving nearly 100 participants weekly across Wake and Johnston counties, the nonprofit provides a structured, year-round Day Program operating Monday through Friday.

Able To Serve was the CBS 17 3-Degree Guarantee charity for June 2026. Every day that the CBS 17 Storm Team got the forecast high temperature correct within three degrees, CBS 17 and Michael & Son Home Services donated $100 to the organization. At the end of the month, after 30 days of being spot-on, $3,000 was handed over as the total donation in the form of a giant check.

More about programs at Able to Serve

The organization meticulously shapes its weekday curriculum to help participants learn, grow, lead and serve. Through these essential target areas, participants build practical life and social skills, continue their education, and gain confidence via new experiences. Additionally, they develop personal responsibility and leadership abilities, allowing them to actively give back to the local region through ongoing community service projects.

The day-to-day programming reaches far beyond traditional classrooms.

Participants regularly engage in adaptive recreation, educational outings across the Triangle, community service projects, and volunteer partnerships with local businesses and churches. Spiritual and character growth are also nurtured through weekly devotions led by local pastors and an annual summer Bible Camp. Seasonal dances, family gatherings, and outreach initiatives ensure participants remain deeply connected to a vibrant social network.

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How to support their work

To keep these vital services affordable, Able to Serve relies heavily on local collaboration. While families pay approximately 40% of the program costs, community donors, corporate sponsors, and civic partnerships cover the remaining 60%.

The program’s daily operations are further strengthened by a dedicated network of over 70 regular volunteers who work directly alongside the participants during outings, events, and skill-building exercises.

As the program continues to expand its local footprint, community members have numerous ways to support the mission. Locals can volunteer their time during the week, make financial donations to keep tuition affordable, or advocate for disability awareness. Families with special needs are invited to visit the organization’s website to explore the weekday programs, request a tour of the Garner campus, and meet the team.

CBS 17 is proud to support all the great work they do for our community. To learn more about how you can help this great organization or possibly benefit from Able To Serve, visit their website.

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