Our Story

Exceptional People. Exceptional Experiences. Exceptional Lives.

Building the Foundation for Exceptional Lives

At Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast, we believe every individual has the opportunity to live an exceptional life. Our name reflects our purpose.

Our Participants are Exceptional.
Each Participant has unique abilities, interests, personalities, and potential. We celebrate who they are and create opportunities for them to discover what they can do.

Our Foundation is Exceptional.
We provide the support, structure, relationships, experiences, and opportunities that help individuals with special needs grow, participate, and thrive.

Our Experiences are Exceptional.
Our day programs go beyond simply filling the day. We create meaningful opportunities to learn, create, explore, build friendships, contribute, and experience the community.

Our Community is Exceptional.
We believe everyone deserves to be included, valued, and connected. We work to create a community where individuals with special needs have opportunities to participate and make a difference.

Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast exists to help build the foundation for individuals with special needs to live lives filled with purpose, connection, opportunity, and joy.

Exceptional People. Exceptional Experiences. Exceptional Lives.

Because exceptional lives begin with exceptional opportunities.

Get to Know Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast

Exceptional Foundation History

Serving Our Community Since 2011

The Exceptional Foundation was founded in Homewood, Alabama, in 1993 with a mission to support individuals with special needs.

In 2011, the Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast (EFGC) was established in Daphne, Alabama, marking an important milestone in the organization’s growth. Eventually, the Exceptional Foundation grew to include seven regional locations; however, the individual needs of each community made continuing to operate as a national organization difficult. With the decision for each location to operate each location as its own non-profit, several locations moved away from the Exceptional Foundation model and re-branded.

Today, the Exceptional Foundation remains strong with three affiliate locations who share a common approach and commitment to empowering individuals with special needs through meaningful programs, inclusion, and opportunity. The three affiliated locations include:

  • The Exceptional Foundation - Birmingham, Alabama

  • The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast - Daphne, Alabama

  • The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama - Auburn, Alabama