esp

esp exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better.

esp was founded in 1986 when Martha Wyllie, esp’s founder, noticed an unequal number of opportunities for children with disabilities and began the first one-week summer camp for 21 participants. Programs began taking place in community gathering spaces until they could open their own gym five years later in Watkinsville, Georgia. For two decades, esp conducted their programs there with the number of participants growing every year. When Wyllie passed away in 2004, she left behind a growing legacy; and Laura Hope Whitaker, now CEO, stepped into the role of executive director at age 19. esp identified the need for family support and year-round programming and created the esp 360 program. Through Java Joy, esp expanded into Atlanta and Rome, Georgia in 2020. Now, esp provides all three of its programs in Rome: Java Joy, 360 Programming, and Hooray Camp. esp’s board and leadership team have developed a 10-year strategic plan that envisions esp being a nationally recognized leader in transforming communities in multiple states through programs for people with all abilities.