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Ten years ago when Alder Springs was a developing idea, we expressed the need for it in black and white terms. We formed knowledge through years of relationships, friendships, and work experiences and took our first steps developing the dream of Alder Springs with a clear understanding of why a residential community for Deaf was needed. We had no experience, no model to guide us, and no existing community where we could go and see it in action.
Alder Springs became the nation’s first successful non profit residential community for the Deaf and the Blind and quickly demonstrated that it was needed. What wonderful things we have learned. Nothing confirms this more than a 100% occupied resident building…since 2021…and the steady stream of inquiries and applications.
Now we are ready for our Phase 2 Expansion….a second apartment building and a free-standing Activity Center.
Deaf and Blind residents living in a community of peers whose daily challenges are similar releases an inspiring passion and joy for living. It is a basic need shared by all humans. Much of it is founded on meeting unique resident needs led by our commitment to make Alder Springs a community where sign language is the “mother tongue” and Deaf culture is the norm. Our residents no longer live in isolation and fear for their basic safety and security as they go about their daily lives. Their families who love them from afar are so thankful for the safe, secure, affordable, and accessible community where their loved ones live. We are committed to making it even more affordable and accessible to the Deaf and Blind including staff level workers at NCSD who struggle to find affordable housing in Burke County.
The DeafBlind have discovered Alder Springs. By all accounts there is not another place for them like Alder Springs in this entire nation. Maybe someday we will construct an entire building especially for the DeafBlind. It is clearly needed.
In living color, we have learned further needs that can be met as we grow. For example, our limited gathering places in the first apartment building have cried out for appropriate and adequately sized spaces for people who are at their best when they gather with folks who are like them.
That’s where the long-awaited Activity Center comes in. It will address resident needs for a variety of spaces to accommodate guests and visiting family members to celebrate life together. Our residents long for larger equipped spaces for classes of every sort. Exercise. Arts/Crafts. Presentations. Education. Social and leisure interaction. The Activity Center needs to be a fertile place for residents and visitors to grow, flourish and experience abundant joy and satisfaction. It needs to be an instructional place for more student opportunities to learn real world working skills and benefit from meeting successful residents who model and mentor healthy and engaged lifestyles. And why can’t it be a place where services for their unique needs like healthcare could be offered by providers who speak their language and understand their culture. It also needs to be welcoming place to benefit Deaf and Blind from across NC who gather in Morganton for cultural events and a bridge to the hearing world.
How can you help? Learn more and stay in touch on our updated website (aldersprings.org) where the latest news is found, applications for residence can be made, and donations to our Phase 2 Expansion and mission can be sent.
The current projected total cost to build and equip the Phase 2 Expansion is $8.4 million to be funded as follows: $3.75 million capital campaign, $2 million commercial loan, and a $2.6 million USDA low interest loan to construct the Activity Center.
Please donate to the $3.75 Evolving Community Capital Campaign. Of that amount, along with $2 million in grants, we need to raise $1.75 million from donors like you. Happily, $1.7 million (43%) of that total is already secured.
One-time and recurring gifts in any amount can be made (including by credit card). Multi-year pledges can be made.
Gifts In Honor or In Memory are welcomed.
Our plan is to complete the funding plan by Summer 2025 and begin construction right away. Occupancy of both building is planned for Summer 2027.
Please partner with us or continue the support many of you are already making. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!
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