It Started with Connection

Creative Abilities began with a group of moms who shared something in common: they were raising children with disabilities in Dyer County and realized there simply weren't enough opportunities or resources available for their families. They began coming together for support, but their conversations soon revealed a much larger need.

What happens after school? What happens when a young person with disabilities graduates from high school? Where can they go during the day? For many families in Dyer County, the answer was that there wasn't anywhere nearby. Parents who needed to work, run errands, or simply have a few hours of respite often had few options, and some families were driving an hour or more to find services.

Eventually, the group decided they had to start somewhere. Creative Abilities began small in the summer of 2024 and gained momentum in January 2025 with a weekly after-school gathering. Tuesday afternoons became a starting point, a place where individuals with disabilities could spend time together, participate in activities, build friendships, and belong.

But Tuesday afternoons are only the beginning. Our hope is to grow Creative Abilities into a full-day program right here in Dyer County, where individuals with disabilities can develop life skills, build greater independence, participate in meaningful activities, and experience genuine community. We also want to give parents and caregivers something they need: the confidence that their loved one has a safe, supportive place to go while they work, shop, rest, or take care of everyday life.

Creative Abilities started because a group of parents saw a community that had too often been overlooked and decided something needed to change. We started with what we had, but we're building toward what Dyer County needs.

Abilities Matter

We believe people should be known for more than a diagnosis or disability. Every person brings personality, gifts, interests, abilities, and something meaningful to contribute.

That's why Creative Abilities isn't simply about providing activities. It's about creating opportunities for people to participate, build friendships, develop skills, and become an active part of their community. Our goal is to help our participants express, strengthen, and use their creative abilities.

Our Vision

We envision a West Tennessee community where caregivers of individuals with disabilities have access to respite care and meaningful connection, and where individuals with disabilities thrive through day programs, build genuine friendships, engage in their community, and develop essential life and job skills.

Our Mission

Creative Abilities exists to empower individuals with disabilities, build meaningful relationships, support families and caregivers, and create opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.

Wendy Smith

Executive Director

Wendy Smith is the founder and Executive Director of Creative Abilities. As the mother of an adult child with a disability, Wendy understands firsthand the importance of meaningful connection, opportunity, and community. Her personal experience helped inspire Creative Abilities and continues to shape her passion for creating spaces where individuals with disabilities can build friendships, develop their abilities, and know that they belong.

Help Us Build What's Next

The Tuesday program is only the beginning. Our vision is to expand Creative Abilities into a full-day program serving individuals with disabilities and their families right here in Dyer County.

Getting there will require more than vision. We need a permanent space, support staff, volunteers, community partners, and sustainable funding. Whether you give, volunteer, partner with us, or help spread the word, you can help build something Dyer County families have needed for years.

731-501-6118

info@creativeabilities.org

Creative Abilities

Dyersburg, Tennessee

Creative Abilities is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. | ©2026 All rights reserved