Stacey Givens and the Heart Behind the Make A Way Foundation

Mark White | The Mark White Show

Athens, Alabama - There are people who see a need and walk past it, and there are people who stop, care, and decide to do something about it.

Stacey Givens is one of those people.

From the heart of Athens, Alabama, Stacey co-founded the Make A Way Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has become a source of hope and compassion for families with special needs across Limestone County. What started as one mother’s journey to help her son has become a community movement that continues to grow stronger every day.

A Mother’s Mission Turns Into a Movement

When Stacey’s son Brooks was diagnosed with autism, her world changed in an instant. She was suddenly introduced to a community of parents and children facing unique challenges, each one navigating a world that was not always built with them in mind.

Rather than retreat from that challenge, Stacey leaned in. She wanted to understand, to connect, and to help. Through those early experiences, she discovered just how many needs existed for families of children with disabilities. Out of that realization came Make A Way Foundation, built on one simple truth: every child deserves the chance to be included, accepted, and celebrated.

Creating Spaces Where Every Child Belongs

One of the foundation’s greatest successes has been the creation of sensory rooms in every local school across Athens and Limestone County. These spaces are designed to help students manage anxiety, focus their energy, and find calm in a busy environment.

Whether a child needs to release energy or simply take a quiet break, these rooms provide a safe place to reset and return to learning. Teachers, parents, and students alike have expressed how transformative these rooms have been, giving children a chance to thrive in their own unique ways.

From Haircuts to Home Runs

The work of the Make A Way Foundation goes far beyond the classroom. Stacey and her team have worked to make every day experiences accessible, including sensory-friendly haircuts, where children can relax in an understanding environment.

Now, they are taking the next step with a new program that will launch this February — indoor adaptive baseball in partnership with Athens Parks and Recreation and a national organization called League of Dreams.

This program will bring sports opportunities home to Limestone County so children who often travel to Huntsville or Florence for similar experiences can participate right here in their own community. Using safe, soft equipment and trained volunteers, every player will be able to enjoy the game, learn new skills, and most importantly, have fun.

A Night of Stars and Stripes

To help fund these growing initiatives, Make A Way Foundation will host a special fundraiser on November 15 called “Night of Stars and Stripes.” The event will feature Elvis impersonator Michael Dean performing a patriotic-themed show with a special appearance by the Athens High School Choir.

The concert will take place at Athens Middle School Auditorium from 6 to 8 p.m., and every ticket sold will help provide programs, resources, and opportunities for local families.

How You Can Help

Make A Way Foundation is built on the power of community. Every program, every event, and every piece of equipment is funded through donations, grants, and volunteers.

If you would like to be part of their mission, visit the Make A Way Foundation Facebook page or go to FoundationMakeAWay.org. There, you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, or learn more about upcoming events.

As Stacey shared, even a small gift can make a big difference. Ten dollars can provide sensory tools for a classroom, and a few hours of volunteering can create memories that last a lifetime.

Making a Way for Others

Stacey Givens and the Make A Way Foundation remind us what it truly means to serve. It means seeing others the way you want to be seen. It means believing that inclusion is not a privilege, but a promise we can all help keep.

Through her compassion and leadership, Stacey is proving that when a community comes together, barriers fall and love finds a way.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one person with a heart big enough to make a way for everyone.