Educating and improving quality of life for those less fortunate.
The ABLE Foundation provides support and resources for children and adults living within Beaufort County that have been medically diagnosed with severe intellectual and developmental-delayed disabilities and special needs.
Educating and improving quality of life for those less fortunate.
The ABLE Foundation provides support and resources for children and adults living within Beaufort County that have been medically diagnosed with severe intellectual and developmental-delayed disabilities and special needs.
2026 Heritage Classic Foundation — Champions for Charity
On behalf of the Heritage Classic Foundation, we would like to invite you to donate through the Heritage Champions Fore Charity matching program, a philanthropic initiative created to support the nonprofit organizations in our communities.
This program operates from January 1 to December 1, 2026.
For each individual contribution of $1,000 or more, you’ll be able to designate ABLE Foundation to receive your tax-deductible donation. The Heritage Classic Foundation will provide a 20% match to your donation up to $10,000, further enhancing your charitable contribution.
The 20% match is made possible due to the success of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, Hilton Head Island’s biggest social event and the Signature PGA TOUR event in South Carolina.
These funds provide educational tools for our Bright Beginnings early intervention program, where we work weekly with parents and their children — from birth to age 5, diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Autism Spectrum, and related conditions — to help them thrive by kindergarten. We currently have 300+ children enrolled.
The following is from a young mother and her daughter:
“When I look back at Isabella and myself before Bright Beginnings and Jenny (interventionist) came into our lives, I see a heartbroken lost momma and a miserable baby. Now I look at us and have to smile with pride. In 5 short months I have learned so much about her and what she needs. As I’m writing this, I’m watching my daughter playing with a toy. This is a huge thing for her to do all on her own. I can say without a doubt, if we didn’t have Bright Beginnings and Jenny, I wouldn’t be crying such happy tears right now.”
What We Do.
ABLE takes on the tough cases that are not being addressed by any other organization in Beaufort County to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs.
Helping preschool age children develop critical communication skills needed to enter kindergarten.
Providing education and advocacy about the challenges faced by our neighbors with special needs.
Partnering with local businesses to provide learning-focused activities that promote health, safety, community involvement, and living skills.
Using speech, music and art therapy to help people develop the skills needed to obtain work in the local community.
Hundreds of children and adults in Beaufort County experience life with a wide range of severe intellectual disabilities – such as autism spectrum, Down’s syndrome, Fragile X, related disabilities, head and spinal cord injuries, and other associated disorders – that seriously limit their quality of life and day-to-day life opportunities.
Children with developmental delays aren’t prepared to enter Kindergarten.
Lack of communication and interpersonal skills hinders child development.
Lack of self esteem and practical job skills make it difficult to find employment.
Featured Charity
Making a Real Difference
Our programs are meeting a critical need for children and adults struggling with special needs throughout Beaufort County.
%
of children in our Bright Beginnings program are ready to enter kindergarten
of the individuals are afforded the opportunity to be employed in some capacity throughout Beaufort County.
There are 11 Residential Homes with trained staff members providing support based on the level of care needed by the individual.
The individuals who work in places such as Goodwill, MCAS Beaufort, St. Helena Library, Internal Janitorial services are contracted with all Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Centers North and South of the Broad.
Residential Services provide the opportunity for individuals to live in a home life environment in the community with support. Individuals learn skills that are needed in their everyday lives, such as personal grooming, cooking, cleaning, and independent living skills. Community involvement is encouraged.
“I want to first start by saying ‘Thank God for Camp Treasure Chest.’ My son loved it!! He enjoyed all the activities and the trips they took. He talked about what he had learned every day.” – D. Clarke
Our Programs
Through our various in-house and outreach programs, The ABLE Foundation helps improve the lives of children and adults throughout Beaufort County.
Bright Beginnings
Our in-home early intervention program designed to help special needs children ages birth through five be prepared to enter kindergarten.
Camp Treasure Chest
A summer day camp experience that uses speech, music, and art therapy to help children and youth with developmental disabilities learn important life skills.
Heritage Outreach
An educational and training program that helps individuals understand and celebrate the rich Gullah history of the Lowcountry through hands-on training.
Join our Team of Volunteers!
There are so many ways you can use your gifts and passions to make a difference. Here are just a few:
- Be a camp assistant for camp outings for field trips
- Be a music therapist assistant
- Be an arts and crafts assistant
- Become a member of our board
- Be an events coordinator
- …and so much more!
Our Partners and Sponsors
Thank you for your support!
