The PIER Center for Life Enrichment

History: When Joshua Matteson, son of Cindy and Hutch Matteson, graduated from high school, there were scarce job opportunities or activities to keep adults with intellectual disabilities active during the day. The Mattesons' concern for their son and others gave rise in 2011 to The PIER (Providing Independence Education and Respect for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities) Center for Life Enrichment in Cumming.

Did you know: Initially, the PIER Center opened a thrift store as a job training resource for adults with disabilities. Now it is called The PIER Center for Life Enrichment and provides daily job training skills, regular exercise activities, day field trips, educational classes and a safe community for special-needs adults of all ages.

How you can help: Provide financial support to a deserving family through the nonprofit's scholarship fund. Businesses and nonprofits within 20 miles of Cumming can provide volunteer opportunities to assist with job training skills. Individual volunteers can assist during field trips.