History
One Love Developmental Services Inc. was founded in February 1999 and formally incorporated with the North Carolina Secretary of State on July 14, 1999. The founders were Jimmy Rorie, Troy Veale and Steve Wideman. The experiences and skills possessed by these three young men were essential in building One Love Developmental Services Inc.
Mr. Rorie graduated from Coppin State with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was soon a detective with the Police Department in Salisbury, NC. Mr. Rorie headed up the D.A.R.E. program working closely with the Rowan County Sheriff's Department prior to his retirement.
Mr. Veale graduated from Livingstone College with a degree in Business Administration. Mr. Veale worked in several different businesses in Salisbury and Charlotte, before becoming a Bail Bondsman in Rowan County. He worked in this capacity for four years before becoming interested in Human Services. Mr. Veale was recruited to work with people with disabilities and accepted a Habilitation Technician position with RHA of Rowan County. He also worked as a CBS professional with CNC for 2 years.
Mr. Wideman graduated from Livingstone College with a teaching degree in Health and Physical Education. He accepted a position with North Rowan High School as a teacher until the ARC of Stanley County recruited him to work with people with disabilities. Mr. Wideman worked with DDA, Thomas S., and ICF MR Group homes and independent living facilities.
These three individuals with different but similar backgrounds were united in having a desire to provide services for individuals with various disabilities, this includes but not limited to individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities Thus One Love Developmental Services was formed. The company was built on hard work, new ideas and LOVE meaning Life Offers Valuable Experiences.
The first facility was the Liberty Home which is a Level 3 group home for boys in Salisbury, NC and licensed by the Division of Facility Services as a 14V.1300 residential treatment facility. The only staff employed was the founders which each founder worked various shifts, 7 days per week. The goal was to become financially secure as well as to establish a solid and steadfast foundation.
Almost six years later, the company has 8 licensed facilities for boys and girls, professional and paraprofessional periodic services for children and adults and group homes serving adults.
In December 2002 One Love Community Programs was established as a 501-C3 non-profit organization through One Love Developmental Services.This organization was to connect One Love Developmental Services with the community. Individuals with disabilities need additional opportunities to achieve life long goals. Programs offered through One Love Community Programs include; Boy Scouts of America, GED classes, ESL classes, Adolescent Sexual Awareness and Parenting Skills, and Tutoring and Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program in partnership with Livingstone College and Big Brothers and Big Sisters Southern Piedmont Region. The counties served are Rowan, Davidson, Gaston, Lincoln, Burke, McDowell, Caldwell, and Forsythe. It is with determination and much hard work that we have accomplished so much in a very little time. We look forward to growing and providing many different services in the near future. Through One Love Community Programs, we can assume some of the responsibilities for providing certain services needed by the individual and the community.
