“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to [email protected].
The G Day
A perspective from Greg Butler
A remarkable company based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is making significant strides in blending commercial success with a profound commitment to social impact. They not only provide high-quality promotional products and apparel but also champion a powerful mission: empowering diverse adults through meaningful employment and uplifting the wider community, fostering what they envision as a vibrant G Community. The very name, The G Day, emphasizes the importance of having a Good Day, a foundational belief that every day holds the potential for positivity, connection, and growth for everyone, especially within the diverse community. The G Day also aims to become an official nonprofit.
For individuals with neuro and/or physical diversity, securing decent and stable housing, accessible community events, fulfilling employment, and meaningful relationships can often be significant struggles. Traditional pathways frequently present barriers, making it difficult for these individuals to fully participate in society. While societal changes and policies like the ADA have helped make supports for diverse individuals much more available and accessible, obtaining and maintaining a healthy, fulfilling, and comfortable life has remained difficult for many. In turn, many diverse individuals are not contributing to the economy or world as much as they could, which negatively impacts us all. Society has made many strides toward inclusion and equity, but much can still be done. The G Living initiative aims to enhance support for diverse individuals.
Housing and Community Support
One way The G Day supports diverse individuals is by helping with housing. The G House, for instance, was inspired by Gunnar Levin., who has Cerebral Palsy, uses a wheelchair, and assistance with activities of daily living. Beyond providing housing, the G House also helps with nutrition, a critical aspect often overlooked for individuals with diversity who are frequently malnourished. Furthermore, at the G House, there are vehicles equipped with technologies available to support people with various types of diversity, ensuring access to supports that can be difficult to obtain elsewhere. Gunnar loves being out in the community, and The G Day provides support to help individuals like him safely and healthily enjoy community experiences.
Eric Levin (Co-Founder). has been instrumental in building the G Community. He connected Greg Butler., who was experiencing diversity and chronic homelessness, to an Alliance Health staff member. This pivotal connection helped Greg transition from homelessness to high-quality, supportive, affordable housing. Furthermore, with the assistance of Colby Wilkinson., Greg. now works as the Outreach Coordinator for The G Day. The G House also hosts regular workshops that help the community develop various skills, learn, and achieve goals, further fostering fulfillment, health, and progress. Through this initiative, G House is actively connecting with people who are seeking more fulfillment and a robust community of support and engagement. There are also plans for a G House 2.0, further expanding The G Day mission.
Empowering Through Employment and Events
The G Day also engages in very impactful work through their employment efforts. In a job market that often overlooks diverse talents, The G Day offers a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals are recognized, valued, and nurtured. When people with diverse abilities are employed and building and exchanging assets, everyone benefits. They bring unique experiences, attributes, and perspectives, diversifying the economy and fostering a more creative, engaging world. Furthermore, inclusive events generate foot traffic, benefiting local shops, restaurants, and service providers, thereby boosting the local economy. Beyond economic advantages, fostering social engagement and happiness can lead to reduced healthcare costs. Individuals who are connected to their community and experience a sense of belonging are often healthier, leading to fewer doctor visits and less reliance on expensive medical interventions. In Chapel Hill and Orange County, the diversity community is notably more tight-knit than in many other parts of the world, creating a strong foundation for such initiatives.
Braden Wilkinson (Event Coordinator). has been instrumental in organizing events for The G Day. The G Day has funded bowling outings, trips for the community to UNC sporting events (The G Day has a club at UNC), and more. He’s created fantastic opportunities for the G Community and beyond. These events offer significant health benefits, as fostering social connections, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for meaningful interactions can reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost overall well-being. Engaging in community activities can also lead to increased physical activity and a healthier lifestyle. The positive impact is clear, as Roman Waites said he had fun at Bowling, an event funded by The G Day, demonstrating the direct joy and engagement these initiatives bring. Andre Galaverna has also been actively involved, extending invitations to many for the bowling event. Inviting people to events is a demonstration of leadership, and it often significantly contributes to overall well-being. It strengthens social bonds, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes a sense of belonging. Bowling offers a range of health benefits and is a fantastic way to relieve stress and promote positive mental health.
The G Day at Carolina
The G Day at Carolina provides the community with valuable experiences in interacting with and supporting individuals with disabilities. Participants have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and create lasting memories. Through their involvement, people often develop and showcase skills in various areas, including health, technology, advocacy, and sports. The program can also serve as a pathway to job opportunities.
Wellness at The G Living Campus
For individuals with diversity, health, wellness, and quality of life can be particularly complicated. Medical treatments, while often important, can sometimes simultaneously help and hinder, and individuals in the diverse community have often experienced a multitude of those interventions throughout their lives. This intricate landscape of healthcare, combined with a complex, rapidly changing world and specific differences, can make navigating the system incredibly challenging. In such scenarios, a team of dedicated, qualified helpers often serves as very vital bridges. Professionals like Toney Rhodes (The G House Manager and Head Coach) understand the unique needs of diverse individuals and the resources available to help, advocate on their behalf, and ensure continuity of care, significantly improving outcomes and overall well-being.
Ben GT significantly boosted fitness resources at the G Living Campus by building equipment that can be used for pull-ups, dips, and climbing. His powerful statement, “your body is an asset,” perfectly aligns with The G Day’s mission: a strong, healthy body helps with good days, desirable health, and a fulfilling life. His dedication directly expanded the community’s access to crucial fitness opportunities, reinforcing The G Day community’s commitment to well-being.
Individuals with diverse needs often thrive with direct, hands-on support. The G Day is dedicated to recruiting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who empower people with disabilities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives. These DSPs provide crucial assistance with tasks such as personal care, medication management, activities of daily living, life skills development, and advocacy, offering comprehensive support to individuals with various forms of diversity.
People with diversity tend to have high risks for metabolic syndrome and poverty, and tend to be at a higher risk for poorer health outcomes and reduced quality and duration of life. This highlights the urgent need for more, and perhaps also innovative, approaches to optimizing the life quality of people with diversity. Approaches like The G Day ensure that diverse individuals have access to not only healthcare but also supportive communities and opportunities for meaningful engagement. It’s noteworthy that even within these programs, highly skilled individuals are sharing their expertise. For example, Elianna Horner., a diverse and internationally accomplished Bocce player, has led a workshop, demonstrating the immense talent and leadership within the G Community.
Chapel Hill and broader North Carolina currently boast several health, wellness, and fitness initiatives for people with diversity. However, The G Day recognizes a unique opportunity to further enhance the well-being of this community. A gym project has been proposed, aiming to create a dedicated fitness space specifically designed for the diverse community that is tailored specifically for their diversity and needs. Such a facility could further help with the health of both the local and broader community by providing tailored programs and an inclusive environment, building even stronger community ties and promoting the most comprehensive and holistic approach to health that the local diverse community has ever experienced.
Relationship and Community Lifting
Improved health often leads to improved confidence, energy, and a greater sense of well-being, all of which contribute positively to one’s ability to engage in and maintain healthy relationships. Participation in shared fitness activities can also create opportunities for bonding, shared goals, and mutual support, strengthening existing relationships and fostering new ones. Healthy relationships are profoundly linked to overall health, quality of life, and a healthier economy and society. Strong social connections and supportive relationships are known to reduce the risks for certain diseases, improve mental and emotional health, and even extend life expectancy. When individuals experience the security and happiness that often come with meaningful relationships, they are more likely to be productive, engaged members of their community. This leads to a more vibrant workforce, reduced loneliness, social isolation, and ultimately, a more compassionate and economically robust society, as healthier and happier individuals are more likely to contribute positively to society. The very fabric of this nation was woven through the strength of relationships. Communities built on mutual support, shared goals, and strong interpersonal bonds have enabled collective progress, creations, and teamwork.
Support The G Day’s Mission
The success of these initiatives is bolstered by the strategic efforts of (Co-Founder and Assistant Head Coach) Colby Wilkinson., who manages sales, directly contributing to the funding of The G Day programming. This commercial success allows The G Day to continue its vital work. The G Day also has the capacity to design clothing and a wide range of products, which not only supports their mission but also provides another avenue for fundraising and community engagement. They are actively hoping to partner with more businesses in Chapel Hill and elsewhere. Profits help host events that benefit both the G Community and the broader community, expanding the reach and impact of the G mission. Paying more employees and paying them substantially is heavily dependent on their sales. Buying products from thegday.com supports this initiative.
By choosing The G Day for your promotional needs, you’re not just getting quality products; you’re directly contributing to a more inclusive and supportive community in Chapel Hill and beyond, fostering economic growth, improving public health, and championing the inherent value of every individual. We at The G Day actively seek to partner with more businesses in Chapel Hill and beyond and to host events that benefit both the G Community and the broader community!
The G Day is seeking gift cards from local businesses to raffle off. This is a fantastic way to support their mission while also getting your business extra exposure. Please send donations to the G Living Campus at 406 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
Don’t Miss Out Again
The G Day recently hosted a fruitful Fourth of July Celebration at the G Living Campus. This successful event raised substantial funds, provided the community with a healthy and engaging experience, and introduced many more people to the G Living initiatives. The G Day is committed to creating impactful community events that benefit everyone! Check out our website at linktr.ee/thegday. You’re encouraged to direct donations, inquiries, and anything related to The G Day to [email protected]!
Have a G Day! www.instagram.com/teamgday/
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
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