SHINE Support Services

02/24/2026

💙✨ Adding the final moments of Night to Shine magic to this album. ✨💙

After combing through hundreds of beautifully captured candid photos, our hearts are completely full. Every smile, every dance move, every hug tells the story of a night where our SHINE family was celebrated exactly as they are … royalty.

A heartfelt thank you (again) to Grace Community Church for capturing these memories so intentionally and beautifully. Because of you, this night lives on far beyond one evening.

And to the Tim Tebow Foundation thank you for continuing to create spaces where belonging, dignity, and joy shine so brightly.

This album may be complete… but the impact of this night will last forever.

If you see someone you love, tag them below so they don’t miss their moment 💙

02/23/2026

Pt 2 of 3:

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

Part 1:

More Night to Shine magic coming your way 💙✨
We are still reliving these incredible moments and couldn’t wait to share more of the joy captured so beautifully by Grace Community Church.

Keep scrolling… the smiles just keep coming.

If you spot someone you love, tag them below!

02/23/2026

✨ More beautiful moments from Night to Shine ✨

Jasmin and Chad enjoyed a sweet Valentine’s date before attending Gaston’s Night to Shine and they absolutely shined all evening long. 💛 From dinner and dessert to dancing the night away, these two reminded us that love, joy, and celebration are for everyone.

We’re so grateful to see our SHINE family members celebrated in every county we serve. 💙

02/19/2026

💙 A Step Toward Greater Understanding 💙

There is still a gap in our communities when it comes to awareness, protection, and understanding for individuals with special needs. Too often, families carry the weight of wondering, “Will my loved one be understood in an emergency?”

That’s why initiatives like the Occupant with Special Needs decal program matter.

Donita Effler Plemmons and several of our SHINE family members recently stopped by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina to say thank you, not just for creating a decal, but for taking a meaningful step toward greater awareness, sensitivity, and safety for our community.

This program represents progress. It represents collaboration. It represents leaders who are willing to listen and evolve.

Is there still work to do? Absolutely.
But this is how change begins. Through partnership, advocacy, and a shared commitment to inclusion.

We are grateful to everyone involved in helping make McDowell County more connected, compassionate, and supportive for all.

💙 Together, we keep building.

02/19/2026

💙 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP THAT SHINES 💙

We love seeing our community come together to make McDowell County safer and more supportive for individuals with special needs.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Emergency Services, is now offering FREE Occupant with Special Needs decals to help first responders better assist individuals during traffic stops, medical emergencies, and other situations.

A special shoutout to Donita Effler Plemmons for helping collaborate and advocate for this program. When community members step up, meaningful change happens. 👏

This is a simple but powerful tool that can create understanding, patience, and better communication when it matters most.

If you’re a McDowell County resident, be sure to check out the Sheriff’s Office page for details on how to receive a decal.

Together, we build a safer, more inclusive community. 💙

02/18/2026

✨ Employee of the Month: January ✨

Please help us celebrate our incredible DSP, Taby Rice!

Taby brings heart into everything she does. She is hardworking, passionate, kind, and always willing to go above and beyond for our SHINE family and crew. Whether she’s lending a helping hand or offering a listening ear, she shows up with love and dedication every single day.

We truly couldn’t be SHINE without her. 💛

Drop some love and congratulations for Taby below! 👇✨

02/18/2026

🎉✨ Happy Birthday, Rebecca! ✨🎉

Today we’re celebrating one of our beautiful SHINE family members! Rebecca is such a radiant soul, and we are beyond grateful to have her as part of the SHINE family.

We hope her day is filled with all her favorite people, places, and things and so much joy! 💛

Help us wish Rebecca the happiest of birthdays in the comments below! 🎂🎈

02/18/2026

Today some of our Shine Family and DSPs explored the Trolls: A Field Study exhibit at the 🌿 The North Carolina Arboretum and what a magical way to spend the final day of the exhibit!

Experiences like this do more than create smiles they encourage movement, spark imagination, promote social connection, and give our SHINE family members the opportunity to explore nature in a fun, engaging way. Community outings like this help build confidence, independence, and meaningful memories.

We’re so grateful for days filled with adventure, fresh air, and a little bit of magic 💚

02/17/2026

XOXO from SHINE 💋💚🧩💙

02/17/2026

❤️ LOVE WAS DEFINITELY IN THE AIR ❤️

Our Shine Family & Shine Crew had an absolute BLAST striking a pose with this Valentine’s backdrop! From thumbs up to superhero capes to cozy hoodie smiles — every photo captured personality, joy, and pure Shine spirit.

A HUGE thank you to Kisha Sawyerfor going above and beyond to create such a fun and memorable experience for everyone. It’s moments like these that remind us how special our Shine family truly is. 💛

More photos to come stay tuned…

Which pose would YOU pick? Drop it below! 👇