Today we’re celebrating a very special recognition for our CEO, Dr. Jerry Bernard! 🎉

At the South Carolina Human Services Providers Association Annual Conference, Jerry was honored with the Debbie Burton Making A Difference Award, a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and impact across our state.
Jerry is a visionary leader who not only champions the mission of the Charles Lea Center, but consistently goes above and beyond to support fellow providers and strengthen services for people with disabilities throughout the state (and nation!).
We are proud to see others recognize what we see in him every day, dedication, compassion, innovation and a true commitment to making a difference.
Congratulations, Jerry! 👏 Your leadership inspires all of us. 

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #leadership #makingadifference #SCHSPA #southcarolinahumanservicesprovidersassociation
about 22 hours ago, Charles Lea Center
Jerry Bernard award
Jerry Bernard receiving award
Jerry Bernard award
We’re excited to be at the South Carolina Human Service Providers Association Conference! 🎉
Members of the Charles Lea Center team are here connecting with colleagues from across the state, sharing ideas, and continuing to learn about the latest in human services. We’re especially proud to be presenting and contributing to the conversation while also gaining new insights that help us better serve the people and communities we support.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and share the incredible work happening at Charles Lea Center. 💚

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #SCHSPA #conference #southcarolinahumanserviceprovidorsassociation
2 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Group of women
two people at conference
two women at conference
Jerry Bernard at conference
three peoplee at conference
Jerry Bernard at conference
Exciting news! 💚💙💚
My Forever Home and the Charles Lea Center recently celebrated a groundbreaking in Smithfield, NC for 10 new homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Built by Harbinger Homes, funded through Scioto Properties, and made possible by land generously donated by Floyd Development, this project will provide income-based housing and a supportive community for residents.
More than housing, this neighborhood will foster connection through shared meals, activities, and celebrations that bring neighbors together.
We’re proud to help make inclusive communities a reality! 💙💚💙

#wearechaeleslea #60yearsofcharig #inclusivehousing #smithfiekdnc #myforeverhome
7 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Group of people at at groundbreaking
man spreaking at groundbreakng
Groundbreaking shovles
poster at ground breaking

Make a Difference. Build a Career. Join Our Team! 🌟

The Charles Lea Center is hiring and this is your chance to turn your passion into purpose!
If you’re looking for a meaningful career where you can truly impact lives every day, join us at our upcoming Job Fair in Gaffney:
📍 Location: Goodwill Career & Training Center (Gaffney CTC)
1320 W. Floyd Baker Blvd.
Gaffney, SC 29340
📅 Date: Friday, February 27
⏰ Time: 9am– Noon
We’re hiring for multiple positions, including:

✔ LPN/RN
✔ Community Support Specialist
✔ Direct Support Professional (DSP)
✔ Lead DSP
✔ Supportive Housing Program Manager
✔ Certified Medication Administrative Trainer
✔ Onboarding Coordinator

At the Charles Lea Center, you’re not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and helping build stronger communities.
Come meet our team, learn about our mission, and discover how you can start a career that truly matters.

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #nowhiring #markingadiiffernece #joinourteam

14 days ago, Charles Lea Center
CLC Hiring Announcement
✨ Celebrating Black History Month ✨
The Charles Lea Center recently came together for a meaningful and uplifting Black History Month celebration!
We enjoyed an exciting morning organized by our Focus Day Program that was filled with a most talented dance performance, a powerful soloist, inspiring classroom presentations, and more! Each of our classrooms researched and presented on influential Black leaders and trailblazers such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, President Barack Obama, Ray Charles, and many others.
It was an engaging, educational, and inspiring event that allowed us to reflect on the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of so many remarkable individuals. We so appreciate all the time our staff contributed to make this such an amazing event!

We are proud to celebrate diversity, honor history, and continue learning together. ❤️🖤💚

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #blackhistorymonth #learningtogether 
15 days ago, Charles Lea Center
woman dancing
two people presenting
people walking
MLK Poster
4 people presenting
3 people on stage
man walking with a poster
Exciting Progress at the Charles Lea Center Nature Preserve at Lake Blalock! 🌿

We’re thrilled to share that Phase One of the Charles Lea Center Nature Preserve at Lake Blalock is progressing! This first phase includes the construction of our Event Center and Bath House, laying the foundation for a space where individuals of all abilities can connect with nature, learn, and explore.
This progress brings us one step closer to creating an inclusive outdoor environment for the people we support, their families, and our community.
A heartfelt thank you to the CLC Foundation and all of our generous donors for helping turn this dream into reality. Your support is building more than structures ... you’re building opportunities, access, and experiences that will last for generations.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey! 🌳✨💚

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #charlesleacenterfoundation #lakeblalock
20 days ago, Charles Lea Center
LAKE BLALOCK OVERALL
INTERIOS OF EVENT CENTER
BATH HOUSE AT EVENT CENTER
BACK F CENTER
FRONT OF EVENT CENTER
💚 We’re Hiring – Make a Difference Every Day! 💚
At the Charles Lea Center, you’re not just getting a job you’re changing lives. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) start at $17.51 an hour, and some positions are eligible for shift differentials and location premiums. We have openings throughout Spartanburg County.
When you join CLC, you become part of a family dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives.

✨ Great benefits. Paid training. Real impact.
📞 (864) 585-0322
💻 Apply at CharlesLea.org

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #nowhiring #newcareer #makeadifference
21 days ago, Charles Lea Center
hhIRING NOW AD
Introducing WheeLea!
Powered by the Charles Lea Center’s mission of empowerment, inclusion, and independence, meet WheeLea!

WheeLea is CLC’s turbo-powered digital guide, helping you quickly find programs, services, resources, and answers at www.charleslea.org
Whether you’re not sure where to start or just need information fast, WheeLea makes navigating our website simple, welcoming, and accessible.

When you have a question, WheeLea is already rolling your way! 💚

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #wheelea #helpingyoufindanswers
22 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Wheelea logo
✨ A Night to Shine ✨
What an incredible time we had at Night to Shine! 💚
We dressed to impress and truly shined from the inside out. From sharp suits to beautiful gowns, everyone looked amazing and the bright smiles said it all!

It was a joyful evening filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories. We are so grateful to the amazing organizations and volunteers who made this special night possible and helped create such a welcoming and uplifting celebration for everyone.
Moments like these remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a caring and inclusive community. 💚

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #nightoshine #sonshineclub #timtebow

24 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Group of men ready to go to a dance
3 women ready to go to a dance
Two people at  dance
men showing off shoes
women at a dance
men at a dance
Night to Shine protobooth
Night to shine horse and buggies
💚 Giving back feels good! 💚
Our amazing group from Charles Lea Center’s ChesLea had a wonderful time volunteering at FoodShare Spartanburg! We love being involved in our community and finding ways to give back to the place that gives us so much.

Supporting partners like FoodShare Spartanburg Ruth’s Gleanings means so much to us and it’s extra special because many of our CLC homes and staff use FoodShare boxes each month. It truly comes full circle!
We are so grateful for a community that believes in helping one another.💚

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #cheslea #foodsharespartanburg #communitymatters givingback
28 days ago, Charles Lea Center
Four men with boexes
One man with a box
Man beside a truck with a box
❄️ Weather Update ❄️

Out of an abundance of caution, all Charles Lea Center programs and locations will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, February 4.

We are so excited to see everyone and get back into our routines together! Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and support as we’ve all weathered this wintry stretch over the past week and a half. 💚🧣☃️

Please continue to travel carefully and stay warm ... we can’t wait to welcome you back! ❄️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #twohourdelay
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
clc 2-HOUR DELAY
❄️ Weather Update ❄️
Due to continued hazardous driving conditions as a result of the recent wintery weather, the Charles Lea Center will be closed on Tuesday, February 3.
This closure applies to all day and employment programs at our Burdette Street and ChesLea locations.

Staff: Please check with your supervisor for schedule updates.

We miss you all so much! 💚 Thank you for your patience and understanding as we put safety first. We can’t wait to see everyone again very soon!
Please stay safe and keep warm! 🧣💚☃️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #weatherclosing
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
CLC Closed on Tuesday Feb 3
❄️✨ Somebody shook the snow globe again! The Charles Lea Center is a full-on winter wonderland today ☃️💙

#staywarm&cozy!
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
CLC in the snow
CLC in the snow
CLC in the snow

❄️ Weather Update ❄️
Due to snow-covered roads creating hazardous driving conditions, the Charles Lea Center will be closed on Monday, February 2.
This includes all day and employment programs at our Burdette Street and ChesLea locations.

Staff: Please check with your supervisor regarding your schedule.

Please know that we truly miss seeing everyone. 💚 Thank you for your patience and understanding as we put safety first. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back very soon!
Please stay safe and keep warm! 🧣💚☃️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #weatherclosing #snowstom2026

about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
weather alert CLC closed on Feb. 2
❄️ Weather Update ❄️

Due to ongoing hazardous road conditions, the Charles Lea Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay on Friday, January 30.
This includes all day and employment programs at our Burdette Street and ChesLea locations.
CLC Administrative Offices will open at 10:00 AM.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize safety. Please travel carefully and stay warm! 💚🧣☃️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea


about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
opening graphic - office opening delayed but 2 hour

❄️ Weather Closure Update ❄️

We truly hate to make this announcement because we miss seeing everyone, but due to hazardous road conditions and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the individuals we serve and our dedicated staff, the Charles Lea Center will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 29.
This closure includes all day and employment programs at our Burdette Street and ChesLea locations.
Staff should communicate with their supervisors per their schedule.

The safety and well-being of our community is always our top priority. We hope everyone stays safe and warm, and please know our team continues working to ensure the individuals we support are safe and cared for. 💚🧣☃️
We can’t wait to see everyone again soon. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. ❄️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #closingannouncement #winterweater

about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
closing graphic January 29
❄️ Weather Closure Update ❄️
Due to icy conditions on many of our secondary roads and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the individuals we serve and our dedicated staff, the Charles Lea Center will be CLOSED on Wednesday, January 28.

This closure includes all day and employment programs at our Burdette Street and ChesLea locations.

The safety and well-being of our community is always our top priority. We hope everyone is staying safe and warm, and please know our team continues to ensure the individuals we support are cared for and safe. 💚🧣☃️
We truly miss seeing everyone and can’t wait to welcome you back very soon. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support as we weather this together. ❄️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #closingannouncement #winterweather #spartanburgicestorm2026
about 1 month ago, Charles Lea Center
closing graphic stating the CLC will be closed on Jan. 28
❄️ Weather Closure Update ❄️
Due to ongoing wintry conditions and icy roadways, the Charles Lea Center will be CLOSED on Tuesday, January 27.
This includes all day and employment programs at our Burdette Street and ChesLea locations.

The safety and well-being of the individuals we serve and our dedicated staff is always our top priority. We truly hope everyone is staying safe and warm during this time. Please know our team continues to take steps to ensure the individuals we support are safe and well. 💚🧣☃️

CLC staff should continue to communicate with their supervisors per their schedule.

Thank you for your understanding and for looking out for one another as we weather this together. ❄️

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #closingannouncement #winterweather #spartanburgicestorm2026
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
CLC closing on january 27 graphic
❄️ Weather Closure Update ❄️
We are closely monitoring the upcoming winter weather and taking steps to keep everyone safe as the well-being of the individuals we support and our dedicated staff is always our top priority.

Out of an abundance of caution, all Charles Lea Center Day & Employment Programs will be CLOSED on Monday, January 26.
This includes all programs at our main center on Burdette Street and ChesLea.

CLC staff should continue to communicate with their supervisors per their schedule.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please stay safe, stay warm, and check in on your neighbors as we weather this together. ❄️🧣💙

#charlesleacenter #cheslea #closingannouncement #winterweather #spartanburgicestorm
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
Graphic with closing Jan.26 mesage
🎉 Introducing our NEW logo!

We are so excited to share this fresh new look for Charles Lea Center as we step into an exciting new chapter together. Our updated logo represents growth, innovation, inclusion, and possibility and reflects who we are today and where we’re headed as an organization.

While our look has evolved, one thing remains unchanged: our deep commitment to the people we support, their families, and our communities. This new look carries the same heart, mission, and purpose that have guided us for more than 60 years.

We can’t wait for you to see what’s next as we continue moving forward together. 💚💙🧡

#wearecharleslea #60yearsofcaring #newlogo #samemissionnewlook
about 2 months ago, Charles Lea Center
Charles Lea Center Logo