esp Athens
esp was founded in the Athens area in 1986 and continues to serve families in over 30 counties. We provide year-round 360 afternoon programs, employment through Java Joy, and adventure through Hooray Summer Camps.
esp Athens started because people wanted to help others who needed support. In Athens, they saw a chance to create a place where those with disabilities could do great things. At esp Athens, kindness and creativity can be found around every corner. People learn and have fun in different activity rooms across the campus, with tailored programming for each participant. They play sports at the fully accessible Miracle League Baseball Field and learn job skills in the Java Joy Snack Stand café.
Behind the scenes, there’s a team working hard to make it all happen. They lead quietly but strongly, helping volunteers and programs so everyone can grow and succeed. Together, they make esp Athens a place where everyone’s story matters.
How to Get Involved in esp Athens Programs
Imagine arriving at a crossroads in Athens, Georgia, where paths of growth, joy, and community meet.
esp Athens, a haven for individuals with developmental disability, invites you to join a journey of possibilities and celebrate unique abilities.
At esp, you can enroll a loved one in engaging programs that are designed to provide unconditional support and growth.
Enroll Your Participant in esp Programs
Imagine your loved one thriving at esp Athens, a nurturing space for individuals with developmental disabilities to develop their unique strengths. Enrolling them in esp programs unlocks tailored, innovative experiences that promote skill-building and independence.
Your decision to join the esp family fosters growth and self-discovery for your participant. esp Athens carefully cultivates programs that support your loved one’s personal journey, helping them reach their full potential in a supportive community.
esp 360 is a Year-Round Program and Offers Family Support
Join esp 360 and help create a brighter future for individuals with developmental disabilities every day. Your commitment supports a comprehensive approach that combines education, recreation, and culture to empower our community.
As part of esp 360, you become a catalyst for change, guiding individuals towards new opportunities and achievements. This initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement that promotes dignity, joy, and discovery for those facing developmental challenges.
Java Joy Is Employment for Adults with Disabilities
Spread joy as a volunteer with Java Joy. Your smile brightens someone’s day as you share laughter and companionship with individuals with developmental disabilities. Join our team of baristas to turn a simple coffee cart into a hub of happiness.
Volunteering with Java Joy goes beyond serving coffee; it’s about creating meaningful connections. Experience the fulfillment of shared laughter and the knowledge that you’re part of a welcoming community where everyone can engage and belong.
Hooray Is esp's Summer Camp Experience
Join us at esp Athens for our Hooray Events—a joyful celebration of diversity and achievement. Experience the excitement as our participants showcase their talents and passions. Come be part of the fun and support our community members as they shine!
Recreation
Miracle League
The esp Miracle League expands esp’s recreation programs while creating an inclusive community for all.
Playground of Possibilities
Our universally accessible playground is open to the public from dusk till dawn each day. No reservations are required!
- 70% Raised
- $10,000 (Goal)
Location
Volunteer at esp Athens
Volunteering with esp is an opportunity for community members to get involved with our programs and members. Students can begin volunteering at 14 years old! Volunteering with esp Athens adds vibrancy to someone else’s life while enriching your own. Offer mentorship and companionship to individuals with developmental disabilities, guiding them on their journey of progress and enlightenment.
Each interaction and shared smile contributes to your own growth as a teacher and learner. As part of the esp Athens family, you’ll gain understanding, compassion, and perspective through meaningful connections.
Now that you’ve discovered the heart of volunteering with esp Athens, explore the many ways you can contribute to this remarkable community. Take the next step and be a catalyst for positive change alongside us.
Join esp Athens on a fulfilling journey where your volunteer service brings joy and growth to individuals with developmental disabilities. By sharing your time and talents, you help shape a brighter future, empowering participants and fostering inclusion within our supportive community.
For more information about volunteering, check out our volunteer hub or see Athens’ opportunities by clicking “Volunteer Now” below.
Mission
esp exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families.
Vision
esp envisions a world where every person, of every ability, in every community has universal access to transformative experiences.
A Deep Dive into esp Athens' Rich History and Mission
esp Athens: 38 Years of Empowerment
Join the legacy of esp Athens, a beacon for individuals with developmental disabilities, shining bright for 38 years in Georgia. Dive into the remarkable journey of esp, from grassroots beginnings to a community-shaping movement.
Discover the stories of transformation and community impact as esp Athens fosters inclusivity and nurtures potential in every life it touches.
esp's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to 38 Years of Service
Experience the inspiring tale of esp Athens, evolving from determination into empowerment over 38 years. Your involvement honors the visionaries who created an inclusive space for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Witness the vibrancy of a dream realized, where participants and volunteers carry on the legacy of unity and triumph.
How esp Athens Is Changing Communities for the Better
esp Athens transforms communities by embracing individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering compassion and opportunity. Your engagement drives positive change, reshaping societal views on capability and contribution.
Together, we celebrate diversity and set new standards for unity and prosperity. Join us in shaping lives and building a more inclusive future at esp Athens.
Discover How You Can Support esp Athens
Join the mission of hope at esp Athens, a haven for Extra Special People showcasing the breadth of human capability.
Corporate Engagement
Forge a partnership between your business and esp Athens, aligning corporate vision with community impact. By integrating with our mission, you contribute to a marketplace reshaped by conscience and care, amplifying your brand’s dedication to societal betterment.
Individual Contributions
Make a difference with personal donations and event participation. Your generosity fuels our programs, enriching the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Join our spirited events like Hooray Events, where your presence fosters unity and empowerment, advancing our collective narrative of inclusion.
Discover the heartbeat of esp Athens’ mission and ignite transformative experiences, right here in the vibrant community of esp Athens.
Building a Career With esp Athens: Opportunities for You
Explore Career Opportunities at esp Athens
Embark on a fulfilling career journey at esp Athens, where purpose and service intersect to uplift lives.
Internships
Join our internship programs to blend your expertise with a cause that matters. Experience professional growth while making a real impact on our community. Each day brings opportunities to innovate and advocate for inclusion.
Full-Time Staff
Become a cornerstone of empowerment as a full-time staff member at esp Athens. Your commitment drives transformative change, shaping narratives of courage and achievement. Align your career aspirations with impactful work that fosters joy and inclusion.
Summer Staff
Make a difference during your break by joining us as summer staff. Infuse our programs with energy and enthusiasm, creating memorable experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities. Your dedication shapes a vibrant and supportive community.
Transition seamlessly from employment to ongoing engagement with esp Athens. Explore our calendar of events and updates, and join us in shaping a brighter future for all.
Staying Connected: esp Athens' Events and Updates
Upcoming Events at esp Athens
Get ready to mark your calendar with red, as esp Athens announces a lineup of events designed to unite, celebrate, and inspire our community. Your participation at these festive gatherings shines a beacon of support on the faces of Extra Special People, creating unforgettable moments in Athens.
Explore esp Athens’ calendar and find events that blend camaraderie with contribution. Each gathering is more than just an assembly—each one is a vibrant chorus celebrating the triumphs and boundless capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences!
Learn more about esp Athens
Our Athens Corporate Partners
