A Legacy in Bloom: Celebrating 50 Years of Opportunity

For 50 years, Athelas has been a place where opportunity grows, talents are discovered, and community thrives.

Founded in 1976, Athelas began with a simple but powerful belief: that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve meaningful opportunities to learn, work, build relationships, and live fulfilling lives within their communities.

Over the past five decades, that belief has grown into a vibrant community of support, empowerment, and connection.

Every day, the individuals served by Athelas continue to show us what is possible when people are given the opportunity to flourish. Through educational programs, employment services, creative expression, and community engagement, participants build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.

At Athelas, growth doesn’t just happen in programs—it happens in people.

It happens when someone lands their first job and proudly shares the news with their family.
It happens when a new skill is mastered, a new friendship is formed, or a creative talent is discovered.
It happens when individuals are seen, valued, and included as vital members of the community.

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we reflect on a legacy built by compassionate staff, dedicated families, supportive community partners, and generous donors who believed in our mission.

But anniversaries are not only about looking back—they are also about looking forward.

The need for meaningful programs and inclusive opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to grow. With your support, Athelas can continue cultivating environments where individuals are empowered to pursue personal goals, contribute their talents, and live lives filled with purpose and dignity.

Our 50th Anniversary celebration, “A Legacy in Bloom,” honors the seeds planted over the past five decades and the many lives that have blossomed because of this community of support.

When you give to this campaign, you are helping ensure that the next generation of individuals served by Athelas has the same opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive.

Together, we can continue nurturing a community where every person is valued, every achievement is celebrated, and every life has the chance to bloom.

Thank you for being part of the story.

A Legacy in Bloom: Celebrating 50 Years of Athelas

Celebrating 50 Years of Opportunity, Growth, and Community