https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/65-how-to-help-your-adult-child-find-joy-through-real/id1508215641?i=1000749702345 Today I’m joined by Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of Extra Special People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families. Laura is a speaker, advocate, and the author of her brand new book, The Joy Exchange , Finding Life's Greatest Lessons in Those You Least Expect. This book is so beau

Laura Hope Whitaker took over Extra Special People (ESP) as a college sophomore. The organization had a $125,000 budget, a $50,000 deficit, and a founder who had just passed away from pancreatic cancer. Twenty-one years later, ESP runs a $8 million budget across five communities in Georgia and North Carolina, employs 50 full-time and 200 part-time staff, and operates a social enterprise that employs 85 adults with developmental disabilities. In this episode of the Charity Cha

In this episode of Love Where You Live, we introduce ESP, Inc. (Extra Special People), an incredible nonprofit expanding into High Point, North Carolina—its first location outside of Georgia. We’re joined by Laura Whitaker, CEO of ESP, and Jennifer Sims to share the story behind ESP and its mission to support individuals with special needs and their families through inclusive programs and meaningful community experiences. Jennifer’s personal journey—from being part of ESP in

Laura has an amazing story of stepping into the director position at only 19 and quickly learned that sometimes you choose your job, but in her case, this job chose her. She shares about: - Not sidelining yourself out of an opportunity just because you feel like you’re not ready - Finding the beauty in the fact that there is power in our weakness - The Tom Holland event in London raising awareness for ESP - What a Joy Exchange is, and - How actions breed clarity

Laura Hope Whitaker is an enthusiastic, thoughtful and energetic leader and CEO of ESP. As CEO, Laura uses her faith along with her...