Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation Named Founding Partner in $10.7 Million Effort to Serve More Families Across Northwest Georgia
ROME, Ga. (April 15, 2026) — Extra Special People (ESP) in Rome, a nonprofit with a 40 year history of serving individuals with disabilities and their families, today announced the public launch of its “Home Sweet Rome” campaign. A $10.7 million effort —which includes building a permanent, year-round campus serving Northwest Georgia — the campaign has already raised $7.6 million from lead donors, and is gaining momentum with the support of a naming gift from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation.
One in six people in Northwest Georgia lives with a disability. While ESP Rome has become a vital source of support, connection and opportunity, the need continues to outpace current capacity.
“For the families we serve, ESP is more than a program — it’s a place where their loved ones are known, supported and celebrated,” said Sarah Bradfield, ESP Rome executive director. “While ESP is here for them all, we can’t yet serve them all. This campaign is about making sure every family who needs that kind of belonging can find it, right here in our community.”
Across Northwest Georgia, many individuals with disabilities and their families face limited access to inclusive programs, consistent care and meaningful community connection. For caregivers, the challenge is constant — often leading to exhaustion, isolation and difficult trade-offs.
ESP in Rome is working to change that.
How ESP supports families
Through year-round programs, camps and employment opportunities, ESP provides not only experiences for members, but also relief, respite and renewed hope for families. The impact extends beyond individuals — strengthening relationships, expanding belonging and enriching the broader community.
“ESP doesn’t just serve members — it strengthens families and helps build a more connected, compassionate Rome,” said Jimmy Smith, Rome Resident and ESP national board member. “This campaign is an opportunity for our community to come together and invest in something that will benefit generations.”
Looking ahead
The Home Sweet Rome campaign will fund the development of a permanent, purpose-built campus at 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, GA 30161 designed to meet the growing needs of the region. The space will allow ESP to expand access, deepen programming and serve more families year-round.
This new campus represents more than a building. It is a commitment to creating a place where people of all abilities truly belong — a place that will anchor ESP’s work in Rome for decades to come. When complete, the campaign will transform a 12-acre campus and 35,500-square-foot facility into a fully accessible hub featuring adaptive program space, inclusive recreation areas, workforce training environments, family support resources, and a universally designed outdoor campus that welcomes people of all abilities. This expansion will enable ESP to serve approximately more than 350 families and participants each year—significantly increasing access to life-changing experiences, support, and a true sense of belonging across Northwest Georgia.
Community partnership
The campaign is strengthened by the leadership support of Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation, whose $2.45 million investment reflects a shared vision to improve lives and strengthen the community. In recognition of the investment, this new campus will be called the Atrium Health Floyd ESP Rome Campus.
“Our Foundation prioritizes partnerships that address real needs and create lasting change. ESP in Rome is doing exactly that through compassionate service and strong community leadership. This collaboration represents our shared commitment to improving lives today while building a healthier, more connected future,” said Dan Bevels, president of the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation.
As ESP Rome enters the public phase of this transformational campaign, we are inviting our community, local businesses, and organizations to play an active role in bringing it to life. This is a pivotal moment to invest in a vision that will expand access, deepen impact, and create lasting opportunities for individuals of all abilities. We welcome your support as we work toward our goal of completing the campaign by August 2027 and building a future that reflects the very best of our community.
To learn more about ESP in Rome or make a donation, visit: https://espyouandme.org/locations/rome/.
About Extra Special People
Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP) is a nonprofit organization that creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. Through summer camps, year-round after-school programs, employment opportunities and wrap-around family support ESP creates communities of belonging that ripple much further than its walls. Today, ESP serves more than 1,300 members annually across four Georgia communities in Athens, Rome, Atlanta, Savannah, in addition to a newly launched community in High Point, North Carolina. Learn more at https://espyouandme.org/
