Published: Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:27 PM EST|Updated: 4 hours ago
LITTLE RIVER, SC (WMBF) - A nonprofit is expanding its reach by building new community training homes in Horry County.
Ability Beyond Barriers serves people with intellectual disabilities, spinal cord injuries, and autism.
The agency’s first residential home opened in the 1980s, and now, in 2026, there are 84 residents in these homes.
For staff member Kayla Joyce, who has high-functioning autism, ADHD, and fibromyalgia, the residence is more than just a home.
“It’s given me a place to start out and to learn more about independent living which has gone really well so far with things I’ve never done before like, you know, I’m going to file taxes for the first time and so I’ve gotten good instruction on that and I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know people in this community,” Joyce said.
The organization is opening doors in the Loris and Little River areas to increase capacity to meet growing service demand.
Executive Director Allan Cornell said it’s not just to take care of the people living in these homes.
“The idea is to teach them and educate them to be independent,” Cornell said. “So they are living, producing members of the community. Many of them have jobs whenever possible. They function just like you or I or our neighbors do in the community.”
With different types of residential facilities, they can help accommodate different needs.
Some homes have eight residents each and provide 24-hour support, skills training, and community activity to consumers requiring a more intensive level of support. Others have transportation to and from work and other community activities.
The pride and impact these residents can have with their own independence is clear.
“Where I’m from, the resources are just so low, and here I’ve gotten so many opportunities,” Joyce said. “One of the biggest is being able to work here. So not only am I a resident, but I’m also staff as well.”
While they are still waiting on permits, they aim to have both houses occupied by the end of the year.
The organization offers more than just residential housing programs.
More information is available at abbsc.org.