At HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM), community engagement is about more than attending events; it’s about creating opportunities for residents to build confidence, form meaningful relationships, and experience a true sense of belonging in the communities they call home.
That mission came to life when six individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities attended a Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs hockey game, thanks to the generosity of longtime supporter and Exclusive Allstate Agent, Bill Gillespie. A longtime member of the Roanoke community, Gillespie has built his business locally and believes strongly in giving back to the people who have supported him along the way.
“As a business owner in this community, it’s important to give back and support the people around us,” Gillespie shared. “We’re successful because of the community.”
When the night finally arrived, it exceeded every expectation. As guests of Gillespie, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were welcomed into premium box seats right on the ice. It was an experience that made them feel not just included, but truly celebrated.
“It’s a privilege for me to do things like this,” Gillespie said. “To share it with people who don’t always have that opportunity, and who truly appreciate it, means everything. You’re not solving all their problems, but you’re giving them excitement and showing them that someone cares.”
Throughout the evening, the participants’ excitement was unmistakable. Cheers, laughter, and celebration filled the space as they reacted to the fast-paced action happening just feet away.
“This experience was incredibly meaningful,” said Martin Jeffrey, DDM Regional Manager. “Watching our residents experience real joy, have fun, and feel truly special is something we won’t forget. They’re still talking about it.”
One unforgettable moment captured the spirit of the night when Rob had both thumbs raised high in the air for several minutes, radiating pure joy. Moments like this don’t happen every day. Opportunities to attend large community events can be limited for adults with IDD, and what made this evening exceptionally special was how they were welcomed and treated.
“They weren’t just attending; they were the guests of honor,” Jeffrey explained. “That kind of experience builds confidence and helps residents feel like they belong in these spaces.”
For Gillespie, the impact of the evening was just as meaningful to witness as it was to create. “The smiles and the interactions stood out the most,” he said. “There was one gentleman who didn’t communicate much at first, and by the end of the game, he had completely opened up. It was like, for that moment, they didn’t have a care in the world.”
Experiences like these not only create lasting memories, but also strengthen an individual’s confidence and connection to their community.
“These opportunities reinforce everything we strive for in DDM,” Jeffrey added. “They help residents feel more confident in themselves, their community, and their ability to engage and enjoy it.”
For Gillespie, supporting experiences like this is not a one-time effort; it’s a commitment. “It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do,” he said. “When you spend time with them and connect, you realize how much it matters. Sometimes people just need to know they’re not alone – that there are people who care.”
Through partnerships with community members and business leaders like Bill Gillespie, HopeTree continues to create opportunities that empower residents to grow, connect, and thrive for years to come.
Interested in creating lasting memories for your HopeTree Family?
Learn more about HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry Program
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