Imago Dei

Imago Dei A Ministry for the Modern Special Needs Family which fosters inclusion, respite and resources. We are a part of First Assembly Gastonia.

Our Outreach ministries include Buddy Break-Gastonia and MAKE 'm SMILE NC.

08/31/2026

✨ What a day! ✨

Make m Smile happened this past Saturday… and it was pure magic! 💛

Seeing the smiles light up every face made the whole day truly unforgettable. From the laughter to the connections, it was everything we hoped for and more.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to every volunteer and vendor who showed up and shared their love, acceptance, expertise, and resources with our VIP families. You made this day special — we couldn’t have done it without you! 🙌

📸 VIPs & Vendors who were there:
If you snapped any photos, we’d love to see them! Please upload your pictures to our PhotoCircle so we can relive the joy together:

https://join.photocircleapp.com/CPSS7AVY5V

Thank you for being part of something so beautiful. The smiles say it all. 😊

🎉 ATTENTION ALL VIPs & Families of Individuals with Special Needs! 🎉MAKE ‘m SMILE NC is TOMORROW!📍 CaroMont Health Park⏰...
08/28/2026

🎉 ATTENTION ALL VIPs & Families of Individuals with Special Needs! 🎉

MAKE ‘m SMILE NC is TOMORROW!
📍 CaroMont Health Park
⏰ 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Come join the fun! We’ve got bounce houses, games, temporary tattoos, characters & mascots, FREE food, tons of community resources, endless smiles… and so much more! 😄🎈

Plus, we’re giving away several toys/games AND gift cards from:
Texas Roadhouse • McDonald’s • Starbucks • Zaxbys • Krispy Kreme • Wendy’s • Domino’s • Sweet Frog • Waffle House • Captain’s Cap
…and a ticket pack from the Gastonia Ghost Peppers! 🎁⚾

Who’s coming?! Drop a comment below if you’ll be there and tag a VIP family that needs to attend — we can’t wait to see those smiles! 💙

08/28/2026

North Carolina Friends... Don't worry about registering, you can JUST COME! Friends, family, VIPs, everyone is invited to this party celebrating kids and adults with special needs (our VIPs). Don't miss it!

🗓 TOMORROW August 29, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
📍CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia, NC

🌟 A huge THANK YOU to our winning smile sponsor, AJ and the Cool Kids! 🌟We’re so grateful to this incredible nonprofit f...
08/25/2026

🌟 A huge THANK YOU to our winning smile sponsor, AJ and the Cool Kids! 🌟

We’re so grateful to this incredible nonprofit for supporting MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina and for the powerful work they do for autism families every day!
From their website: AJ and the Cool Kids was founded by Tonya and Antonio Tolson after their son AJ’s early autism diagnosis. Their mission is to support families and celebrate the unique strengths of children on the autism spectrum. Through education, awareness, and meaningful financial assistance, they work to lighten the load for families facing the high costs and emotional challenges of autism. They’re building a community of acceptance and opportunity so every child can thrive — because no family should have to face autism alone!
👉 Learn more & support their mission: ajandthecoolkids.org

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here: https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/make-m-smile-north-carolina-vip/

Thank you, AJ and the Cool Kids, for helping us celebrate every unique and amazing VIP! 💙

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

🌟 A warm and grateful THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Whole Brain Holistic Care! 🌟We’re so thankful to this comp...
08/24/2026

🌟 A warm and grateful THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Whole Brain Holistic Care! 🌟

We’re so thankful to this compassionate practice for supporting MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina and for the thoughtful, whole-person care they provide to individuals and families!

From their website: Whole Brain Holistic Care offers holistic neuropsychiatry and functional wellness for mental and neurological health. Led by Noel Treglia, NP (a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatry and neurology), they take a root-cause approach — looking beyond symptoms to explore how the brain, immune system, gut health, metabolism, and nervous system all work together. They support concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation, PANS/PANDAS, autism, and gut-brain dysfunction through personalized, integrative care. Secure telehealth consultations are available throughout North Carolina and Florida, making expert support accessible from home.
👉 Learn more: wholebrainholistic.com

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here: https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/make-m-smile-north-carolina-vip/

Thank you, Whole Brain Holistic Care, for helping our community care for the whole child and the whole family! 💙

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

🌟 A bright and grateful THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Golden Steps ABA! 🌟We’re so thankful to this amazing tea...
08/24/2026

🌟 A bright and grateful THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Golden Steps ABA! 🌟

We’re so thankful to this amazing team for supporting MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina and for helping so many children with autism take golden steps forward every day!

From their website: Golden Steps ABA is dedicated to helping kids with Autism develop everyday skills through compassionate, science-backed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. They combine play-based activities with open communication in a supportive and fun environment. Whether in-home, in-clinic, or in-school, their team partners with families to celebrate everyday wins — like saying first words, making new friends, and building confidence. Their BCBAs often feel like an extension of the family, guiding parents every step of the way so every child can shine!
👉 Learn more: goldenstepsaba.com

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here:
https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/make-m-smile-north-carolina-vip/

Thank you, Golden Steps ABA, for helping our VIPs shine brighter than ever! 💙

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

🌟 A heartfelt THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Dreamweavers Unlimited! 🌟We’re so grateful to this wonderful local...
08/24/2026

🌟 A heartfelt THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Dreamweavers Unlimited! 🌟

We’re so grateful to this wonderful local organization for supporting MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina and for the beautiful work they do helping individuals and families achieve their dreams!

From their website: Dreamweavers Unlimited was founded in 2003 by a mother whose son has autism. They offer exceptional services for people with intellectual and developmental delays/disabilities, including Speech therapy evaluations and training, Lil’ Dreamers Language and Learning preschool, Innovations and 1915i Waiver services, and Early Intervention. Dedicated to serving with respect and kindness, they believe in every child’s potential and are committed to helping people achieve their dreams right here in Gastonia!
👉 Learn more: dreamweaversnc.com

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here: https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/make-m-smile-north-carolina-vip/

Thank you, Dreamweavers Unlimited, for helping weave more joy and hope into our community! 💙

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

🌟 A deliciously big THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Culver’s! 🌟We’re so grateful to Culver’s for helping make MA...
08/23/2026

🌟 A deliciously big THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Culver’s! 🌟

We’re so grateful to Culver’s for helping make MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina even sweeter and for bringing their signature smiles to our community!

From their website: Culver’s is all about Welcome to Delicious! Famous for their iconic ButterBurgers® (made with fresh, never frozen beef and cooked to order), creamy Fresh Frozen Custard made in small batches right in the restaurant, and legendary Wisconsin Cheese Curds. With deep roots in small-town Wisconsin hospitality, Culver’s believes in genuinely caring so every guest leaves happy. They never compromise on quality, source from family farms, and serve up hometown kindness with every meal. It’s not just food — it’s moments that make your day better!
👉 Check them out: culvers.com

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here: https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/make-m-smile-north-carolina-vip/

Thank you, Culver’s, for helping us serve up extra joy! 💙🍔🍦

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

🌟 A big, grateful THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Connect n Care ABA! 🌟We’re so thankful to this wonderful team ...
08/23/2026

🌟 A big, grateful THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Connect n Care ABA! 🌟

We’re so thankful to this wonderful team for supporting MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina and for the life-changing work they do for VIP families every day!

From their website: Connect n Care ABA provides personalized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism in North Carolina and Virginia. Their compassionate therapists help kids unlock their potential by building social skills, communication, emotional intelligence, and daily living skills while reducing challenging behaviors. They offer in-home and center-based therapy, parent training, school collaboration, and telehealth options — all designed to help children thrive in a playful, supportive setting. With over a decade of experience, they’re committed to helping families enjoy a better home environment and seeing every child succeed!
👉 Learn more: connectncareaba.com

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here: https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/north-carolina/

Thank you, Connect n Care ABA, for helping our VIPs connect, grow, and shine! 💙

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

🌟 A heartfelt THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Compleat Kidz ABA! 🌟We’re so grateful to this incredible team for ...
08/23/2026

🌟 A heartfelt THANK YOU to our shining smile sponsor, Compleat Kidz ABA! 🌟

We’re so grateful to this incredible team for helping make MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina possible and for the amazing work they do every day for our VIP families!

From their website: compleatKiDZ is the largest pediatric therapy provider in the Southeast, helping children grow stronger through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Their highly-trained clinical team works together like a league of real-life superheroes, supporting children with autism and developmental needs. With convenient clinic locations (including Gastonia!) and in-home services, compassionate therapists celebrate every milestone in a joyful, progress-driven environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive. They’re all about building skills, confidence, and bright futures!
👉 Learn more: compleatkidz.com

🎉 MAKE ‘m SMILE North Carolina is almost here!
The biggest party celebrating kids and adults with special needs… our VIPs (Value + Incredible Purpose)!
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC

Expect family-friendly entertainment, games, beloved characters, food, community resources, and endless SMILES — all FREE for VIPs and their immediate family (parents & siblings)!

VIP families: Pre-register NOW so you can skip the lines and jump into the fun faster on event day!
🔗 Register here: https://nathanielshope.org/our-programs/make-m-smile/make-m-smile-north-carolina-vip/

Thank you, Compleat Kidz, for helping our VIPs shine even brighter! 💙

Let’s fill the park with laughter — see you there!

Address

777 S Myrtle School Road
Gastonia, NC
28056

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