Sep 12, 2025

Power Home Remodeling Supports Camp Opportunities for Children with Down Syndrome

Through POWER for Good, employees are empowered to unleash their inner philanthropist, and Matthew Worley — a Charlotte-based Installation Manager — is one of those change makers. We’re sharing the heartfelt story of his connection to The Down Syndrome Association, and how he and POWER were able to leave a lasting impact on their Camp Horizon campers.

EXPANDING HORIZONS

Deep in the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina lies Camp Horizon. It’s your typical summer camp — filled with abundant nature, energetic counselors, songs, and activities. What’s not typical about Camp Horizon are the attendees — hundreds of children from across the Charlotte Metro who have Down syndrome.

Overnight camp opportunities for children with Down syndrome are rare, and it takes a communal effort to support and organize a program for an underserved population, many of whom have never spent a night away from home. For Worley, finding a way to support the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (a nonprofit responsible for Camp Horizon) was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.

RE-IMAGINING A UNIQUELY AMERICAN TRADITION

Throughout the months of July and August, millions of American children leave the comfort of home for the magic of summer camp. Camp offers youth of all ages an escape from the everyday, opening their hearts and minds to new people, activities, and adventures. But not all kids are offered the same opportunities in life, especially those who live with Down syndrome—a genetic condition that leads to physical, intellectual, and developmental differences.

From the moment they arrive, Camp Horizon attendees are showered with love and support. “Camp Horizon is a typical summer camp experience with adaptive activities so our kids can fully engage in experiences that any other kid can do” says Co-Director Kate Walters. Camp Horizon acts as a “first” for many attendees. A first trip away from home, a first experience on a horse, a first attempt at nocking a bow and arrow. Over the last two decades, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte has made Camp Horizon an experience worth a lifetime, and is loved by parents and supporters alike.

EMPOWERING THE CAMP MODEL

Worley’s connection to Camp Horizon and the Down Syndrome Association started with his wife — a nurse, who decided to volunteer her time at the camp one year. She couldn’t stop talking about the meaningful experience and the positive impact it had on her, so the next year, Worley, decided to get involved. But his ties to the camp and the down syndrome community run even deeper.

“Growing up, I was raised by my grandmother, who worked with an organization that created opportunities for children with Down syndrome to hold jobs. My close friend has a brother with down syndrome, and we spent a lot of time together my whole childhood. Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome. So being involved with Camp Horizon aligns with my core values, and love that these kids have the opportunity to be their authentic selves and rely with no judgment,” said Worley.

Because of the deep relationship he began to build with the nonprofit, he decided to submit the program to “Nominate for Good”—a program within POWER’s greater “POWER for Good” platform. “Nominate for Good” grants nonprofit funding support based on employee nominations, transforming passion into meaningful impact. This is POWER’s second year supporting the organization, so through Worley’s multiple nominations, the camp was able to receive $60,000 in grants from POWER to help fund the camp. Worley has attended the camp both years and calls the experience “the time of his life.” 

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

Nominating a nonprofit through “Nominate for Good” isn’t just about monetary support, it’s about creating positive relationship with a local organization to show intention and allyship. “The Power for Good foundation really came in and really listened to what we do, and understood the journey we’ve been on” said Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association Roy Cooper, adding, “these are memories [our campers] will carry forever.”

If you’d like to support the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte in their mission to provide inclusive activities for children with Down syndrome, please visit their website to learn more, donate, or get involved. All contributions go directly to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.

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