AMessagefrom
Todd Thorpe, CEO
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible impact we have made together. At Ralph Scott Lifeservices, we uphold our commitment to fostering sound health, dignity, growth, stability and community involvement for each individual in our care. Our goal is to empower them to live the life they choose and reach their full potential.
We remain dedicated to expanding our reach to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community and ensuring that we continue to meet the growing needs of those we serve. Our success is driven by the unwavering compassion and dedication of our direct support staff and leadership team, who guide and support our individuals toward meeting their goals and fulfilling their dreams and desires. People like Adam and Michael, whose stories we will share, have made remarkable progress in gaining independence, enhancing their daily living skills, and serving as role models for others.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. We invite you to read through this annual report and celebrate the progress you have helped make possible. Your commitment is invaluable, and we look forward to another year of meaningful change together.
With deep appreciation,
Serve. Support. Empower.
OurVision OurMission
It is the mission of Ralph Scott Lifeservices, Inc. to provide individualized community living services and supports for people with intellectual disabilities that promote: sound health, dignity, growth, stability, community involvement and that recognize and value each individual's heritage and preferences.
In order to achieve our mission statement, our organization commits to taking action in the following areas to support our vision:
Quality Services
Building Today for Tomorrow
Community Partnerships
OurValues
Excellence
Quality Individualized Services
Sustainability
Collaboration
Leadership at all Levels
61 People served in Community Group Homes
34 People served in Intermediate Care Homes
16 People served in Supported Living Apartments
65 People served in Day Services
17 Locations with 24 hour care
22 Locations in our Community
Community Group homes, intermediate care facilities and supported living apartments are all placed in neighborhoods within our community, providing a home-like environment shared with housemates who have similar needs. Each individual independently manages their own bedroom with support from staff who assist with daily living skills such as physical and personal care when needed, transportation and coordinate opportunities for community involvement.
Michael’s Journey
Michael joined the Ralph Scott family two years ago and has been a great role model and example to others.
Before joining Ralph Scott, he lived independently in his own apartment and thrived for a time. However, as he experienced more frequent falls and required additional support, his family sought a setting where he could receive the daily care he needed. Michael is still very independent and requires little assistance with daily living skills in the home.
Although Michael is deaf, he excels at reading lips and writing, allowing him to communicate effectively with those around him. While he does use American Sign Language, only a few of his peers had that skill when he arrived. Rather than seeing this as an obstacle, Michael embraced it as an opportunity to teach others the language, leading to the creation of his weekly ASL class, “The Shack Attack”. This class has become one of the most popular offerings at the StarPoint Day Program. Each week, Michael reviews previously learned terms and introduces new words. With the support of an interpreter, he guides the class in learning and practicing ASL, making it an engaging and enriching experience for all.
Beyond his ASL class, Michael is also actively involved in many opportunities offered within Ralph Scott Lifeservices and the community. He is a dedicated member of the Peer Council and the Cultural Competency Committee and eagerly participates in outings, dances, movies and other social events.
One of Michael’s favorite pastimes is reading his Atlas and having conversations with his family in the evenings. We are incredibly proud of Michael and grateful to have him as part of our community.
Financial Summary 2023 2024
How we
Support
andEmpower
Empowering the individuals we serve means equipping them with the tools, encouragement, and support they need to make their own decisions for the life they choose, shape their future, recognize their abilities, and achieve their goals.
Peer Council is a member led advocacy group of about 30 individuals who meet monthly. With guidance from staff, they elect officers and choose
Cooking Class the outings and activities they would like to participate in throughout the year. This is a self-sufficient group that promotes leadership skills and independence.
At StarPoint Day Program, participants are encouraged to share their personal growth goals, allowing staff to provide meaningful support in achieving their aspirations. This has led to the introduction of sign language and Spanish classes, cooking workshops, weekly devotions, a singing group, lemonade stands, creative projects, educational activities, and many other unique initiatives.
Community involvement is central to our mission. Individuals actively participate in the community by engaging in a variety of events and activities. These experiences have included dining at local restaurants, attending musical performances, exploring museum exhibits, bowling, going to the movies, attending sporting events, and even beach getaways.
Many individuals take part in educational programs, employment opportunities, vocational training and other pursuits both within and beyond Ralph Scott Lifeservices. Our staff are always ready to provide transportation, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
Beach getaway
Thank you to our
DedicatedStaff
The 2024 Employee Awards honored Employees of the Year and team members celebrating 10 to 35 years of service! We are deeply grateful for the dedication, compassion, and commitment each staff member brings to the individuals we serve.
As one of the largest nonprofit employers in Alamance County, Ralph Scott Lifeservices proudly employs over 160 staff members who provide 24-hour care to nearly 100 adults across our programs. Our staff are the heart and soul of our organization, and their dedication makes our mission possible.
Alcora James 35 years of service
L to R: James Gatlin, Glenda Evans, Lawanna Rogers, Deloris Daye, Karen Enoch, Willa Jones, Gloria Ross, Joanie Viars, Manyvanh Saychien, Ken Theodore, Ashley Braxton, Geneva Miles, Alcora James (not pictured Vivian Williams-Hall)
Adam’s Journey
Adam became a part of the Ralph Scott Lifeservices family eight years ago after aging out of the school system. His family sought opportunities for him to stay engaged and interact with peers daily. When they were referred to Ralph Scott, they felt it provided a safe and supportive environment where he could continue to grow and thrive.
Adam has a passion for fixing things and is rarely without his trusty tape measure and safety glasses, ready to lend a hand or tackle any project that comes his way.
At home with his family, Adam can often be found ensuring that every nail on the deck is secure, repairing the fence around the yard, riding the Gator, or cuddling with the family dogs. He enjoys watching sports and has quite the talent for making three-point shots.
During the week, Adam attends the StarPoint Day Program, where he enthusiastically participates in a variety of programs and activities. He enjoys participating in the American Sign Language (ASL) class, pet therapy, shooting hoops, and community outings. Always eager to help, Adam can often be found assisting his friends and staff at StarPoint. His giving nature and engagement in the opportunities offered at the Day Program makes him a valued participant and an inspiration and role model to others.
We are all so proud of Adam and the progress he has made in gaining independence and improving his communication with his peers and staff. While verbal communication can be challenging for him, he enjoys learning ASL, which has provided an alternative way to express himself and connect with others.
StarPointEnhancementProject Your Support Matters
The first phase of the StarPoint Enhancement Project is underway as we finalize plans to address a key priority: the parking lot. This phase involves a complete redesign, with a focus on safety, accessibility, and ease of use. Every day, 18 large vans several equipped with wheelchair lifts—arrive to drop-off and pick-up over 60 day program participants. The new design includes a covered drop-off area, widened sidewalks and entrances, additional parking spaces and ADA ramps and accessibility, all providing essential protection and ensuring the comfort, care, and safety of those we serve.
We are grateful to the community members, foundations, businesses, the City of Burlington and New Leaf Society for believing in our vision. Their generous support has launched this campaign with over $100,000 in donations and grants.
May 16, 2025
1:00 PM
Mill Creek Golf Club
AnnualGolfTournament
The 2024 Golf Tournament was a record-breaking year, with 100 golfers on the course and generous support from numerous sponsors, raising over $27,000. These funds directly support the programs and services that enhance the quality of life for those we serve through Day Support, community involvement, educational and work opportunities, enrichment activities, skills training and more.
Thank you to our BoardofDirectors
Amy Chandler, Chair
Chris Gaddis, Vice Chair
Paula Reardon. Secretary
Liz Hill, Assistant Secretary
Jerry Sparrow, Treasurer
Patrick Mills, Assistant Treasurer
Kevin Dull, Immediate Past Chair
Caitlin Brooks
Oddete Cambrani-Dove
Amy Chinnici
Jamila Freeman
Mike Gee
John Nicholson
George Robinson
Dan Shannon
Phil Thompson
Nick Wright
