ROME, Ga. (Oct. 25, 2025) – You’ve likely visited the Java Joy cart as it crisscrosses Rome, bringing coffee and love to each stop while also providing jobs for those with disabilities.
But what most don’t see are the growing number of activities focused on helping both youth and adults — as well as their parents and siblings — become even larger contributors to our community.
Each week, around 20 people with disabilities take part in afternoon and adult programs under the esp umbrella. More than 60 are engaged each month.
And that’s just part of the success story as esp celebrates five years in Rome during October.
“We fulfill our mission through experiences such as summer camp, engaging afternoon programs and monthly club events,” says Sarah Bradfield, the Rome chapter’s executive director. “Family dinners, family events and sibling programming provide support for families ensuring that they feel understood, cared for and a part of a community.”
Those success stories are exactly what led to the corporate partnership with Big Dan’s Car Wash, which has been a corporate sponsor for the last two years.
“At Big Dan’s Car Wash, serving others is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to support local organizations with intentionality, giving back to the communities that support us. One organization especially close to our hearts is esp, which creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families,” says Anne Paige Wilson, Big Dan’s chief of staff and ESP Rome Champion board member.
“We believe there’s no better way to strengthen a community than by encouraging others to see ability rather than disability. Together with esp, we’re helping build a more inclusive, empowered future for all.”
The collaboration continues this month as Big Dan’s celebrates the fourth anniversary of the Shorter Avenue express car wash. The Java Joy crews will be serving free coffee and joy to customers from 8:30 until 10 a.m. Oct. 29.
The continuing, reliable support from Big Dan’s has lasting impact, says Bradfield.
“Big Dan’s has been an incredible partner, helping us provide meaningful experiences and programs for individuals with disabilities in Rome and Northwest Georgia,” she says. “Their support allows us to serve more participants and families, enhance our events and continue fostering an inclusive community.”
Those enhancements will continue into 2026.
Says Bradfield: “We’re excited for an upcoming year full of expanded programs, new events and continued opportunities for community engagement, including more summer camp (four weeks), additional club experiences and signature events such as Big Hoops and Big Hearts.”
Big Hoops, in its third year, raised more than $130,000 for esp while the Big Hearts talent show in February showcased many of those served by the organization through a production open to the community.
For more on ESP and how you can help, please contact Bradfield at sarah@espyouandme.org or call 706-769-9333.
About Big Dan’s: The Shadday Family Office, the principal owner of Big Dan’s Car Wash, launched the Big Dan’s brand in December 2020. The company’s top goal is giving customers an exceptional experience: best-in-class product; the most convenient locations; industry-leading technology, equipment and chemicals; friendly, well-trained team members; long tunnels that clean your vehicle better and faster; numerous free amenities; and consumer-priced single wash and unlimited wash club programs. As of October, the company has 26 sites with five more under construction. The corporate office in Rome, Ga., staffs and supports all locations. For more, please join us at www.bigdanscarwash.com.
