Athens, GA – September 23, 2025 – esp, Inc., a leading non-profit in transforming communities across Georgia through programs for people of all abilities, announces today the close of its fiscal year on August 31, 2025 marked by historic program growth, record participation, and the launch of a new social enterprise. These milestones were fueled by record fundraising, ensuring esp’s mission continues to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families — changing communities for the better.
This year, 1,228 participants of all abilities experienced the joy and belonging of esp programs—up from 1,119 in 2024. Donors fueled this growth by setting a new record of support to the Annual Fund across all four communities which sustains daily mission delivery, and designated projects which includes the new esp Rome campus at 1818 Kingston Highway, Phase 1 of Camp Hooray in Jackson County, expansion into new communities, and strengthened family support initiatives.
"This year proved that when people believe in belonging, anything is possible,” said Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of esp. “Because of the generosity of our donors, the passion of our volunteers, and the resilience of our families, we are entering our 40th year with more passion than ever before. Together, we’re not just transforming lives — we’re transforming entire communities.”
Experiences: More than 750 unique campers participated in 13 weeks of day camp and 3 weeks of overnight camp, while hundreds more engaged in after-school activities, clubs, and day programming. In January 2025, esp Savannah officially launched as the organization’s fourth community, expanding service to Georgia’s coast.
Support: Families received holistic care through respite events, sibling programs, and emergency resources. In addition to the 75% scholarship esp provides to every family every year, this year esp provided $120,000 in additional family scholarships through the Ulm Family Scholarship Fund, alleviating financial burdens and upholding its promise to never turn away a family because of inability to pay. Nearly 2,049 volunteers contributed 25,461 hours, ensuring every family felt supported.
Purpose: esp’s purpose programs expanded significantly in 2025. Java Joy spreads unmatched joy through moments of engagement with people of all abilities, using a mobile coffee cart and year-round community that provides meaningful employment for adults of all abilities. This year, 69 Joyristas earned 6,536 hours of paid employment, while pioneering “Journey of Joy” business trips with partners including Tom Holland’s The Brothers Trust, Aptio and IBM Company, and SailPoint. Most notably, esp launched SeeAbility, a brand-new social enterprise creating fresh opportunities for adults with disabilities to find meaningful purpose and employment. Together with Java Joy, these enterprises not only transform lives but also broaden esp’s ability to generate sustainable revenue that fuels mission delivery across all communities.
“This historic year sets the stage for a once-in-a-generation moment,” said Philip Bernardi, Chair of the esp National Board of Directors. “Our 40th anniversary will not only celebrate what has been accomplished but also inspire what’s next — ensuring more families, more communities, and more lives are changed for the better.”
In 2026, esp will celebrate “Chapter 40: Much Love” — a milestone anniversary year honoring four decades of impact. The celebration will feature statewide and national visibility through esp’s signature Big Hearts 2026 events, a historic exchange of Joy, and the continued fundraising momentum fueling esp’s bold vision for the future.
esp (Extra Special People) is a non-profit 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 more, esp empowers people of all abilities to thrive, connect, and belong. Today, esp serves more than 1,200 members annually across four Georgia communities in Athens, Rome, Atlanta, and Savannah
Learn more at espyouandme.org.
Media Contact
Chris Fralish
Director of Marketing, esp, Inc.
[email protected]
www.espyouandme.org
