BELMONT, N.C. — It’s a well-known landmark in Belmont, North Carolina on Wilkinson Boulevard -- the Holy Angels sign. You may have seen the sign but you’re not sure about the name Holy Angels. It all starts with the Sisters of Mercy.
The dedicated group has always been at the forefront when it comes to the needs of others.
Everything started back in December 1955, when a very desperate mother brought her tiny infant daughter to the Sisters. This little baby had severe disabilities, including spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Doctors actually told this young mother that there was no way the baby would live beyond a few months. Through the amazing commitment and dedication of the Sisters of Mercy, Maria Morrow lived for 54 years.
Co-founders Mother Mary Benignus Hoban and Sister Marie Patrice Manley worked to accommodate the additional children with special needs who began to arrive at the newly formed Holy Angels.
Parents, many of whom could no longer provide the necessary care their children needed, were grateful for an environment that provided a place of loving, living and learning for their children.
The mission of Holy Angels is to provide compassionate, dependable care and opportunities for high-quality living to those with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions through physical, social, spiritual, educational, vocational and emotional support.
Holy Angels currently serves 85 children and adults -- ranging from 5 to 79 years old -- who have intellectual developmental disabilities and are medically fragile. They also provide supported compassionate, dependable care and opportunities through Cherubs Café, the Cotton Candy Factory & Bliss Gallery in Belmont, and a Spruced Goose Station in McAdenville.
As part of Holy Angels' ministry to educate, instruct, and create awareness, you can arrange for a special tour of their campus. On the tour, you can meet the residents and staff at certain times throughout the year. Each tour offers a first-hand account of the abilities of the residents, as well as their fantastic staff and unique program.
Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.