Share the Love: Honoring the Hearts Behind the Mission

February’s Share the Love campaign celebrates the donors and partners who walk alongside InCommunity and make our work possible. Their stories are personal. Their generosity is intentional. And their impact is lasting.

We are honored to spotlight three remarkable supporters whose love for this community continues to shape lives in meaningful ways.

Barbara Wilks: A Sister’s Love That Lives On

For Barbara Wilks, supporting InCommunity is not simply philanthropy. It is love in action.

Her sister Kathleen was a vibrant presence in the Art & Food Day Program in Marietta for many years. An artist at heart, a devoted Braves fan, and someone who could light up a room with a Bon Jovi song, Kathleen left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She and her roommate and dear friend, Hope H., shared a bond that brought laughter and comfort to those around them.

When Kathleen passed away in June 2025, Barbara chose to honor her life through a tribute gift. It was a natural decision. InCommunity had been part of their family’s story for decades, even dating back to the early days of group home development in the 1980s. But beyond history and longevity, it was the daily care Kathleen received that meant the most.

Barbara, more than ten years older than her sister, proudly carried the nickname Kathleen gave her: “sister-mommy.” She knows firsthand the weight and responsibility of caring for a loved one. That is why the compassion and attentiveness of InCommunity’s staff left such a deep impact. From catching health concerns early to celebrating milestones and creating joyful experiences, the staff provided not only support but peace of mind.

Barbara gives today to honor that care. She hopes her generosity helps strengthen the resources staff need to continue doing their work well, whether that means reliable transportation, adequate staffing, or simply the ability to go the extra mile for someone who needs it.

Her story is a reminder that when families feel supported, gratitude often turns into lasting partnership.

Josh Bailey & USI: A Partnership with Purpose

Some partnerships begin with a contract. The strongest ones grow into something more.

As InCommunity’s insurance broker, USI plays a critical role in protecting the organization’s people and properties. But what makes this partnership meaningful is not just professional expertise. It is presence.

Since becoming involved in late 2021, Josh Bailey, Senior Vice President at USI, has helped lead his team beyond a traditional business relationship. USI contributes financially, volunteers regularly, and uses its network to amplify InCommunity’s mission. Whether painting fences at residential homes, attending events, or supporting community initiatives, their involvement is hands-on and personal.

For Josh, the work carries deeper meaning. As a cancer survivor, he understands the importance of community support during life’s most vulnerable moments. That experience shaped his servant leadership mindset and strengthened his desire to advocate for underserved populations. Supporting individuals with I/DD is not an obligation. It is something he feels called to do.

USI’s approach reflects that heart. Their goal is not simply to provide a service, but to help strengthen the foundation that allows individuals and families to live healthy, safe, and joyful lives.

This is what partnership looks like when it is built on shared values.

The Scruggs: Advocacy, Gratitude, and Hope

For Julia and Wayne Scruggs, their connection to InCommunity began more than 30 years ago with a long wait and an uncertain future.

Their son, L’Henry, needed services. What followed was a journey many families know too well: waiting lists, paperwork, advocacy, and persistence. It required patience and resilience. When they were finally able to move forward, it marked the beginning of a relationship that would shape their family’s life for decades.

Today, L’Henry is both a resident and an active participant in the Beyond Horizon Center Day Program. For his parents, seeing him engaged in the community, forming relationships, and living with dignity affirms every step of that early fight.

Wayne’s background in social work shaped their perspective. They understand the complexity of providing high-quality care. They know it requires funding, staffing, programming, and consistent support. “Everything costs,” Wayne shared candidly. “It takes resources to provide this level of care.”

Their giving flows from both gratitude and responsibility. They want InCommunity not only to continue, but to grow. One area especially close to their hearts is expanding sign language instruction for nonverbal individuals, ensuring more people have the tools to communicate and connect.

When Julia speaks about InCommunity, she talks about the people. The staff who care from the heart. The homes that feel warm and lived in. The simple comfort of walking in and smelling dinner cooking. Those everyday details matter. They signal safety, dignity, and belonging.

The Scruggs support InCommunity because they have seen its impact up close. And they hope their generosity encourages others to step forward as well.

Stan Dixon & D. Stanley Dixon Architect: Encouragement and Generosity

For Stan Dixon, supporting InCommunity begins with relationships and grows from a belief in community.

Stan first learned about InCommunity through a personal connection between his family and Meg, CEO of InCommunity, and her family. When Meg stepped into her role at InCommunity, he saw how deeply she believed in the mission and wanted to be a supportive part of the community she cares so strongly about.

As the leader of D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc., Stan understands the importance of strong foundations, not just in buildings, but in people. He believes the work InCommunity’s staff provides each day is essential to the lives of the individuals we support. The consistency, care, and compassion shown by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) truly make a difference.

Stan hopes his generosity helps staff feel supported and appreciated, especially when it comes to opportunities for self-care. He recognizes that this work requires sacrifice, patience, and heart.

His message to the team is simple and sincere: “Hang in there. The gifts you give every day matter more than you know. One day, you’ll look back and feel proud of the lives you helped shape.”

At D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc., the office culture is built around a sense of family and mutual support, the same values Stan sees reflected in InCommunity. According to Stan, giving back is not optional. He states, “Community is what it’s all about. Investing time, resources, and encouragement into the people around us is essential.”

We are grateful to Stan Dixon and D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. for choosing to stand with InCommunity and for being part of our Share the Love story. 

Sharing the Love, Together

Each of these stories reminds us that InCommunity is more than programs and services. It is family. It is partnership. It is people choosing to show up for one another in big and small ways.

Barbara’s tribute honors a sister’s life. USI’s partnership reflects a commitment that goes beyond business. The Scruggs’ generosity grows from decades of advocacy and love for their son. Different journeys, one shared belief: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to live full, joyful, and supported lives.

As we continue our Share the Love campaign, we invite you to be part of the story. Whether through giving, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission with others, every act of support helps strengthen this community.

Because when we share the love, we build a community where everyone belongs.