Chattanooga Gas employees deepen community roots with Orange Grove Center
Chattanooga Gas employees are making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through hands-on volunteerism with Orange Grove Center. Last month, volunteers from Chattanooga Gas and Atlanta Gas Light, subsidiaries of Southern Company Gas, collaborated with Orange Grove representatives to enhance the outdoor spaces at the organization’s Wilcox residential home for women.
United in purpose, volunteers revitalized community gardens, removed fallen trees, and cleared debris. They also worked with Orange Grove to implement sustainable landscape maintenance practices to prevent erosion and promote plant growth.
Chattanooga Gas has proudly partnered with Orange Grove for the past five years, supporting their mission to recognize, support, and celebrate the qualities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2024, Orange Grove assisted more than 1,000 individuals, including over 40 children, providing access to essential person-centered wraparound services and holistic programs.
In the U.S., one in four adults lives with a disability, yet many still face societal barriers. The CDC highlights that adults with disabilities often face fewer neighborhood environmental support structures, such as sidewalks and walkable businesses, and more barriers like traffic, which hinder walking. Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life. For people with disabilities, physical activity can help support daily living activities and independence.
To address these challenges, volunteers donated their time and talents to work with Orange Grove to restore a safe, accessible space for residents to engage in regular physical activity and enjoy a peaceful environment that enhances overall mental health.
"For all of its 72 years, Orange Grove's mission has been to provide programs and services that support people with IDD building the lives they want to live. We have never been able to do that alone. All along the way we have partnered with people and businesses in our community to make it all happen,” said Tera Roberts, Orange Grove Center chief executive officer. “Chattanooga Gas has been a terrific partner. Their generosity shows their company 'heart' — that they value people and community and recognize that together we accomplish far more than we can by ourselves."
Chattanooga Gas and our dedicated employees collaborate with community partners throughout the year to strengthen our neighborhoods by participating in various volunteer opportunities that enrich our hometowns for future generations.
“Chattanooga Gas is committed to helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers by supporting nonprofit organizations such as Orange Grove Center. We are proud to assist their efforts to create a community where all residents have the skills and resources they need to thrive,” said Paul Leath, director of regional operations at Chattanooga Gas and an Orange Grove Building and Maintenance Committee Member.