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Wow ... what a month! 🍂✨

Before we turn the page to November, we're taking a moment to look back at an incredible October at the CLC which was filled with smiles, activities, celebrations, conferences and plenty of unforgettable moments. 🎃🍂
As we get ready to welcome November, we're looking back at some of the fun that made October so special.
Check out some of our favorite moments from October before we jump into all the excitement November has in store! 🍁📸

#wearecharleslea #busymonth #octoberwasoneforthebooks!
about 14 hours ago, Charles Lea Center
spiderman coloring
3 men
Tennessee team build
2 women at halloween
TN Conference
Mario
Conference 2
4 men at a gala
overall view of luncheon
lake view
🎃👻 Happy Halloween! 👻🎃

Have a boo-tiful day filled with sweet treats, spooky surprises, and lots of fun! 🍬🍫
Stay safe and be sure to watch out for all the little ghosts and goblins out and about.  Have a fang-tastic day. 💚🕸️

#happyhalloween #bootifulday #staysafe #halloweenfun 🎃👻🍬
3 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Happy Halloween
👻 BOO! What a spook-tacular day at Charles Lea! 🎃

Halloween fun was in full swing as our amazing staff transformed the CLC halls into a trick-or-treat adventure, setting up candy stations throughout campus and many getting into the spirit with creative costumes of their own! 🍫🦇🍬

The celebration continued at our Fall Festival, where we had a talented balloon artist, festive activities, delicious treats, and plenty of laughter and fun. From superheroes to storybook characters and everything in between, the smiles made the day truly unforgettable. 🎈🍁✨

A special thank you to our incredible staff, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this event such a success. Your enthusiasm and dedication created the best day! 💚

📸 Take a look at some of our favorite moments from this BOO-tiful celebration! 👏🎉

#wearecharleslea #happyhalloween #halloweenatCLC #trickortreat #halloweenfun #fallfestival 
4 days ago, Charles Lea Center
spiderman
staff at a candy table
Piglet
Fall festival
IT Candy station
costume parade
Spongebob
baloon artist
king tut
super heroes
What an incredible experience! 🌟

The Charles Lea Center's Tennessee office was proud to exhibit at the recent Symphony of Solutions: Enabling Technology & Innovation Summer Conference, hosted by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging.
We loved sharing the exciting work we're doing in enabling technology and connecting with individuals, families, providers, and community partners who are passionate about creating more opportunities for independence and inclusion. Thank you to everyone who visited our table and joined the conversation!

#wearecharleslea #enablingtechnology #assistivetechnology #TNdepartmentofdisabilityandaging
5 days ago, Charles Lea Center
three men at conference
2 men at a conference
🎉 As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, we're celebrating the many individuals supported by the Charles Lea Center's Career Prep program who are making a difference in workplaces throughout our community

We're also grateful for the employers who recognize talent, embrace inclusion, and provide opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, grow, work, and succeed. Through our Career Prep program and community partnerships, we're helping build skills and create opportunities every day.

📧 Interested in becoming an employer partner or learning more about our employment services? Contact us at info@charleslea.org.

#wearecharleslea #communityemployment #NDEAM #careerprep #employmentforall
7 days ago, Charles Lea Center
two ,men working at Mcdonalds
group of workers at chuck e cheese
career prep grapguc
women working in fast food
man working at chuck e cheese
🎉 Celebrating Years of Service at the Charles Lea Center! 🎉

We're proud to recognize team members who reached incredible service milestones during Q3. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment help make a difference every day, and we're grateful for all they do!

10 Years of Service
⭐ Deion Gary
⭐ Keonna Johnson
⭐ Shannon McAbee
⭐ Shoshama McKinny
⭐ Kimberly Norris

15 Years
⭐ Licita Brown
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding employees on their well-deserved milestones!

*Note: Not all honorees are pictured.

#wearecharleslea #10awesomeyearsofservice #15awesomeyearsofservice!! #workfamily #workanniversary #wehavethebeststaff!
8 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Longevity honoree 1
honoree 2
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honoree 4
honoree 5
🎉 Celebrating Years of Service at the Charles Lea Center! 🎉

We’re proud to recognize these employees who celebrated five years of service with the Charles Lea Center in Q3. We are so appreciative of their years of service and dedication.
Thank you for all you do!

⭐Celia Craft
⭐Lillian Carree
⭐Kayla Crosby
⭐Evette Joyner
⭐Jennifer Pitts
⭐Jaylyn Pearson
Please help us congratulate them!

*Note: Not all honorees are pictured.

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #5awesomeyearsofservice! #workfamily #workanniversary #wehavethebeststaff!
12 days ago, Charles Lea Center
kayla crosby
evette
🎉 Celebrating decades of impact! 🎉

Help us as we honor Lisa Murphy, Tameka Sims and Jonique Wannamaker for their incredible years of service to the Charles Lea Center.

Tameka has been with the CLC for 20 years while Lisa and Jonique have been with the CLC for 25 years.
Over the years, all three have touched countless lives through their compassion and dedication. They have greatly improved the lives of so many at the CLC and we so appreciate their service.
Lisa, Tameka and Jonique were recognized during our Third Quarter Longevity Awards Luncheon, celebrating team members who make a lasting difference every day.

Thank you, Tameka, for 20 amazing years!
Thank you, Lisa and Jonique, for 25 amazing years!

*Note: Not all honorees are pictured.

#wearecharleslea #workanniversary #teamCLC #20yearsofservice! #25yearsofservice! #wehavethebeststaff
15 days ago, Charles Lea Center
honoree
honoree 2
One of our favorite traditions is celebrating the team members who make the Charles Lea Center so special! 🎉

We recently honored 15 incredible employees reaching service milestones from 5 to 25 years during Q3. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Congratulations to our honorees and thank you for being such an important part of the CLC family!
Stay tuned as we spotlight these amazing team members in the coming weeks!

#wearecharleslea #celebrateservice #workversity #longevityserviceawards #weloveourstaff
18 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Group shot
buffet line
two people hugging
award winner
2 people at the podium
overall shot
🌟 CHUCK E. CHEESE - Champion for Individuals with Disabilities 🌟

We're proud to recognize Chuck E. Cheese for its commitment to inclusive employment through the CLC Career Prep Program.

Fred and Ben are valued members of the Chuck E. Cheese team, helping create a fun and welcoming experience for guests while showcasing the talents, dedication, and contributions of individuals.

"Fred and Ben fit right in from day one. They're always willing to help, bring positive energy to every shift, and take pride in their work. They truly are an important part of our Chuck E. Cheese family," said Manager Maria Mariano.

In addition to individual job placements, the Career Prep Program also offers onsite work enclaves, where groups of individuals work together at local businesses with support and supervision.

Thank you, Chuck E. Cheese, for helping build a stronger, more inclusive community!

📣 Interested in partnering with the Career Prep Program? Whether through individual placements or work enclaves, we can help your business build a more inclusive workforce while connecting with dependable employees ready to make a difference.
📧 info@charleslea.org

#wearecharleslea #careerprep #disabilityemployment #workforceinclusion #CLC #chuckecheese #NDEAM #celebratingvalueandtalent #nationaldisabilityemployment awareness month
20 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Two men at ChuckECheese
People receiving an award
Man in front of gift wall at ChuckECheese
Man dusting at ChuckECheese
Group shot at Chuck E Cheese
certificate
Man wiping table
Group shot at Chuck E Cheese
💙💚🧡 October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

This year's theme, Celebrating Value & Talent, reminds us that people with disabilities make our workplaces stronger through their skills, perspectives, and dedication.

At the Charles Lea Center, our Career Prep program helps individuals develop job skills and connect with meaningful employment opportunities in the community.

Throughout October, we'll be spotlighting success stories and employers who are helping build a more inclusive workforce.

#WeareCharlesLea #NDEAM #CareerPrep #CelebratingValueAndTalent #InclusiveEmployment
27 days ago, Charles Lea Center
graph of four people working
The Charles Lea Center was proud to be part of the recent 2026 SCAAIDD Annual Conference, Mission Possible: Supporting Every Ability!

Our team joined professionals from across South Carolina to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and advance opportunities for people with disabilities.

We are especially proud of our leaders who helped make this conference a success:

⭐ Lakeila Jeter, CLC Vice President of Community Supports, served on the SCAAIDD Conference Committee and presented during the conference.

⭐ Omar Chirinos, CLC Vice President of Enterprise Technology & Innovative Services, also shared his expertise as a conference presenter.

⭐ Brittany Ezell, Assistant Director for Supportive Living, assisted with conference operations and helped ensure a successful event experience for attendees.

Their leadership, knowledge, and commitment reflect the Charles Lea Center's mission of supporting every ability and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
Thank you to SCAAIDD, conference organizers, presenters, and attendees for an inspiring week!

#WeareCharlesLea #MissionPossible2026 #DisabilityServices #CommunitySupports #SCAAIDD #EmpoweringPeople
29 days ago, Charles Lea Center
LJEter presenting at a conference
LJeter and Omar Chiniros presenting at a conference
MIssion Possible Logo
People presenting at a conference
Conference organizers
🥧🎉 Pie Time at FOCUS! 🎉🥧

Things got a little messy and a whole lot of fun at our FOCUS Day Program! 😄
Individuals had the chance to turn the tables and put a pie in the face of some very brave staff members. And let's just say ... some staff were a lot more confident before the whipped cream started flying! 😆

We'd call it all a sweet, messy success! 💚

#WeareCharlesLea #FOCUSDayProgram #PieInTheFace #FunAtFOCUS
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
women with pie in face
woman getting a pie in the face
Woman getting pie in the face
pies and whipped cream
🎓 Congratulations, John! 🎓

Today, we're celebrating a major milestone as John graduates from the MAPS (Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence) program in Tennessee.
John's accomplishment reflects hard work, determination, personal growth, and a commitment to building a more independent future. While we'll miss seeing him in the program, we couldn't be prouder of all he has achieved.

Through the MAPS program, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain valuable skills, build confidence, explore employment opportunities, strengthen community connections, and work toward greater independence. John's success is a wonderful example of the impact this program can have.
At the Charles Lea Center, we are honored to partner with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to help create opportunities that empower people to reach their goals and achieve their fullest potential.

Please join us in congratulating John on this incredible achievement and wishing him success in all that comes next! Best wishes, John! 💙💚🧡

If you live in Tennessee and would like to learn more about the MAPS program, contact us at info@charleslea.org.

#WeareCharlesLea #MAPSProgram #DisabilityServices #SuccessStory #Tennessee #MAPS #Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
Graduate with Parents
Graduate with Teachers
💙🏡 A New Chapter in Inclusive Living!

The Charles Lea Center is proud to be part of the innovative My Forever Home project, which is helping create new opportunities for people with disabilities to live more independently while remaining connected to a supportive community.

My Forever Home is opening its first homes in Smithfield, NC, creating an inclusive neighborhood where individuals with disabilities can thrive with dignity, independence, and a true sense of belonging. The Charles Lea Center is excited to be providing services to some of the people living in these homes.

The recent groundbreaking brought together community partners, families, advocates, as well as the individuals who will soon be calling My Forever Home, 'home.'
We were honored to be part of this vision that expands housing options, promotes inclusion, and helps people build a place they can proudly call home. 

#WeareCharlesLea #MyForeverHome #InclusiveCommunities #IndependentLiving #BuildingBelonging #SmithfieldNC #EnablingTechnology
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
Group of people
Ribbon Cutting
9 homes
Street view of homes
Cake
Beam with Bible verse
Crowd at ribbon cutting
💚 Wrapping Up DSP Week with Smiles, Snacks & Music!

💚🎉What an amazing week of celebrating our incredible DSPs! We wrapped up DSP Week with delicious treats and music. We rolled up to classrooms and had stations at the pick-up line so staff could chose their favorites. It all made for the perfect ending to a week dedicated to recognizing our hardworking DSPs who make such a difference every day.

Throughout the week, we have truly loved spoiling our DSPs and reminding them just how valued they are.

While DSP Week comes to a close, our gratitude continues all year long. We are so thankful for everything our DSPs do and proud to celebrate the incredible impact made in the lives of those we serve. You are appreciated more than words can express! 💚

#WeareCharlesLea #DSPWeek #DirectSupportProfessionals #WeLoveOurDSPs!💚 #MakingADifferenceEveryDay #BestTeamEver💚🎶✨
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
ladies getting snacks
2 ladies outside with snackes
cart of snacks
SSP Week Banner
2 ladie getting snack
Jenny
cart
🌮💚 Taco 'bout a great DSP Week lunch! 💚🌮

Today, we celebrated our incredible DSPs with a delicious taco bar, plenty of cupcakes, and refreshing Milo's Tea! 🧁🥤🌮

There was no shortage of great food, sweet treats, laughs, and fun as we took time to recognize the amazing Direct Support Professionals who make a difference every single day. From building the perfect taco to enjoying cupcakes and ice-cold Milo's Tea, everyone had a great time celebrating together.

DSP Week is all about honoring the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our DSPs, and we love every opportunity to show our appreciation for everything they do. 💚

Thank you to our outstanding DSPs for the care, support, and commitment you bring to others every day. This week is for YOU, and we are so grateful to have such an incredible team!

#WeareCharlesLea #DSPWeek #ThankYouDSPs #TacoBarFun #WeAppreciateYou #DSPWeekCelebration 💚🌮🥤🧁🎉
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
3 women serving tacos
Taco Bar
Women at taco bar
Taco bar decor
Taco Bar dining room
cupcakes
Tabletop
Room seti[
Wal decor
🚚💚 WOW! What an incredible DSP Week donation from Milo’s Tea Co.! 💚

We want to extend our sincere thanks to the entire Milo’s team for their generosity and support. Our Moving Crew made the pickup happen and we so appreciate their help!.

And if you're thinking, "That's a lot!" based on the photo, just know there's even more that isn't pictured! 😊

Thank you, Milo’s Tea, for helping us celebrate the amazing Direct Support Professionals who make a difference every day. We are truly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and partnership. Your support means so much, and we appreciate everything you do to help make DSP Week extra special. 💚

##WeareCharlesLea #DSPWeek #MilosTea #Thankful #Grateful #CommunityPartners 💚🚚✨
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
Group with Milos Tea
Wellness Wednesday ✨

As part of our DSP Week activities, we created a Wellness Wednesday to celebrate and pamper our amazing Direct Support Professionals!

We transformed a conference room into a relaxing, spa-inspired retreat where our DSPs could take a well-deserved break and focus on self-care. The experience included a yogurt bar, hand massages, and other special treats designed to promote relaxation and wellness.
Our DSPs make a lasting difference in the lives of those we support every day, and DSP Week is the perfect time to show our appreciation for their dedication, compassion, and hard work.

Thank you to our incredible DSPs for everything you do. We hope this Wellness Wednesday provided a moment to relax, recharge, and feel celebrated! ✨

#WeareCharlesLea #DSPWeek #WellnessWednesday #DSPAppreciation #ThankYouDSPs
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
women getting hand massage
wellness room overview
yogurt bar
yogurt bar rules
Table in wellness room
wellness wedmesday rules
wellness wednesdy corner
wellness wednesday entrance
wellness wedmesday tab;e
📸 If a picture is worth a thousand words, these photos speak volumes.

This DSP Week, the individuals served and staff at the CLC came together to share one important message: Thank You.

Each photo in this gallery represents the gratitude, respect, and appreciation we have for our Direct Support Professionals. Your compassion, dedication, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of the people we support every single day.

DSPs are at the heart of our mission, and this week we celebrate the incredible impact you make through your care, advocacy, and support.

As you scroll through these photos, know that every smile, sign, and message comes with sincere appreciation from your CLC family.

Thank you for all you do. Thank you for the lives you touch. Thank you for being awesome!.

🎉 Happy DSP Week!

#WeareCharlesLea #DSPWeek #ThankYouDSPs #CLCProud #DirectSupportProfessionals #WeLoveOurDSPs
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
Thank you from two men
Mna holdin g sifn that reads thabk you
Man wwith a sign
Woman with sign
Woman with sign
Staff with sign
Staff with sig
2 women with sign
Man with sign
4 men with signs