By Kelly Roberson
It was a fun night of dinner and dancing for the residents, staff, and friends of Wesley Glen Ministries at Wesley Glen’s annual Abundant Life Gala on March 9, 2024 at Macon's Marriott’s Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center.
For Wesley Glen residents and staff, you will hear them refer to this night as “the best night of the year.”
“The Abundant Life Gala was an incredible celebration, not just of the funds raised, but of the remarkable individuals we have the honor of serving at Wesley Glen,” said Mr. Cameron Bishop, President and CEO of Wesley Glen. “We are immensely grateful for the community's overwhelming support, which will greatly enhance our efforts to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was truly a night of abundant joy, reflecting our mission to celebrate and uplift the lives of those we serve.”
Over 680 guests – the largest in history since its beginning in 2020 – gathered for the Gala. They were introduced to the residents of Wesley Glen, were given a glimpse into the purpose of Wesley Glen, and were able to celebrate abundantly by dancing and sharing laughter with those whom Wesley Glen serves. On this night, Wesley Glen helps to meet their financial goal by raising over $462,000.
“We are so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support we have received through our Abundant Life event from all who love Wesley Glen,” said Mrs. Julie Rogers, Wesley Glen’s Chief Development Officer. “It's not too late to participate. Please consider a gift today.”
Wesley Glen, a ministry of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Macon and St. Marys, Georgia. In a Christian environment, Wesley Glen empowers the people they support to reach goals and have experiences that enrich their lives, encouraging them to become as independent as possible.
“We feel so comfortable with everyone that’s here and with the program, and we’re very thankful,” said Beth, a parent to a daughter living at Wesley Glen. “Having a special needs daughter is just a wonderful experience, but it’s just so different in so many ways because you have to really prepare for their life after you’re gone.
“And we are so thankful and feel so blessed that we are here at Wesley Glen. We know she’s going to have a happy life, and that she loves everyone that’s here, and they’re very supportive. She feels safe, we feel safe, and she’s just happy!” said Beth.
Helping residents feel safe and happy is a priority for Wesley Glen’s staff.
“Seeing the people we serve and just knowing we’re making a big difference in their lives, making them feel comfortable, and safe and protected, and knowing they can trust the staff that works with them - that means a lot to me,” said Tina, who has worked at Wesley Glen for 17 years.
Along with the great staff of Wesley Glen, volunteers are instrumental to the work of this ministry.
“Wesley Glen is a better place because of our volunteers,” said Mrs. Vanda Asbell, director of donor relations. “They work on projects all year round, and we have those on stand-by in case they are needed from week to week. During events, they are indispensable. We would not have the successes that we do without their willingness to help.”
Wesley Glen is thankful for the support of their generous donors and the help of their volunteers, including those in the South Georgia Conference, all year long and especially during its Gala.
If you’d like a glimpse into the fun, visit
secure.qgiv.com/event/abundantlife/. You can also donate to Abundant Life by clicking the Abundant Life button at the top of the website at wesleyglenministries.com.
MORE ABOUT WESLEY GLEN MINISTRIES
Wesley Glen Ministries (WGM) serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through residential and day programs.
WGM supports 40 people in their residential program. Many of the residents have lived at Wesley Glen for over 15 years, and some for over 22 years.
WGM has 10 homes in Macon - 7 on campus and 3 in neighborhoods around town. They also have one home in St. Marys, which serves 4 ladies. There are 4 residents per home with 24-hour rotating staff. The staff work in shifts and are awake in the home all night. Every person has their own room. At home, they eat their breakfast and evening meals together. The direct support staff cooks with them, and sometimes they choose to go out to eat.
WGM also has a day program, now in its twelfth year, which serves participants from the local community Monday through Friday. Activities range from choir and piano lessons to nutrition classes, exercise with walking clubs and team sports, and art classes and gardening.
WGM residents are very active in advocating for themselves and others with programs at Wesley Glen and across the state with Uniting for Change, including trips to the Georgia State Capitol to have their voices heard in support of the needs of the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.
WHAT RESIDENTS OF WESLEY GLEN HAVE TO SAY
“I enjoy being independent and living in my own apartment at Wesley Glen. I love being an advocate for others." - Nandi
“I like the nice people at Wesley Glen. I have a lot of friends here. I like arts and crafts." - Amber
“I like my house at Wesley Glen. I enjoy walking club, arts and crafts, and writing with my pen pal." - Jim
“Wesley Glen is nice.” - Gary, who enjoys walking in the gym and going on outings.
“I think living at Wesley Glen is good. I like playing basketball and softball." - Brian
“I’m growing mentally, physically, and spiritually…and that’s a blessing to me” - Stuart
