News Release: Holy Angels Celebrates 70 Years of Life-Changing Care

For Immediate Release

 Holy Angels Celebrates 70 Years of Life-Changing Care
Belmont-based nonprofit marks its 70th anniversary on December 20 

BELMONT, N.C., December 2025 — In 1955, Holy Angels began with one baby and a promise of lifelong care. Seventy years later, that promise lives on through a mission that provides round-the-clock, compassionate care to more than 80 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, Holy Angels will celebrate its 70th anniversary on what would have been the 70th birthday of that first baby, the first resident, Maria Morrow. As part of this special weekend, the city of Charlotte will shine red, and the community is invited to “Share the Light” from 6 to 8 p.m. during the annual luminaries event. Guests may drive through the residential campus to view illuminated angels and candles lit in honor or memory of residents, friends and family, along with a live Nativity and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Seven decades ago, the organization began on the Belmont campus of the Sisters of Mercy, a group of Catholic nuns who ran a daycare for millworkers’ children. When Maria Morrow’s mother came to the sisters to ask for help caring for her daughter with significant disabilities, they said “yes,” and Holy Angels was born. Doctors expected Maria to live only a few months – but, like many residents of Holy Angels throughout the years, she exceeded expectations. Surrounded by love, expert care and the opportunity to live a dignified and meaningful life, she lived to be 54.

“From the day of Maria’s arrival, love has led the way at Holy Angels,” said Kerri Massey, president and CEO of Holy Angels. “For 70 years, this mission has been carried forward by people who have given so generously of their time, talent and treasure — families, staff, volunteers, donors and friends who believe in the dignity and possibility of every life. As we celebrate this milestone year, ‘Love Leads the Way’ is more than a theme for the year — it’s a reflection of who we’ve always been and the promise that will guide Holy Angels into the next 70 years.”

In addition to serving their educational, therapeutic, creative and spiritual needs, Holy Angels puts great emphasis on providing expert medical care for its residents, many of whom have delicate medical conditions. In fact, Holy Angels is the only facility in North Carolina with a dedicated health care center providing acute care for children with IDD who are medically fragile.

The nonprofit’s support for individuals with disabilities extends beyond its campus, offering a day program called Life Choices for people in the community and operating five sponsored businesses that provide vocational training and meaningful employment while raising funds to support its mission.

Now, as the organization enters its 70th year, it is also embarking on its largest and most transformative construction project to date - a 4.5-acre Children’s Campus. “This expansion has been a dream carried in our hearts for many years,” said Regina Moody, president emeritus of Holy Angels, who led the organization for 40 years and is overseeing the construction. “To build homes where our youngest and most medically fragile residents can live, grow and thrive — surrounded by love, dignity and expert care — is both a profound honor and a beautiful continuation of the mission that began with Maria.” The campus will include three new six-bedroom homes with private rooms, built-in wheelchair storage, multi-sensory therapy spaces and emergency systems including piped oxygen,  along with a central Community Center featuring an accessible pool, gathering space for up to 200 people and a commercial kitchen that supports more than 90,000 meals each year. Covered walkways, outdoor patios, play areas and green space will create a nurturing environment where children can grow, not just in age, but in spirit.

For 70 years, Holy Angels has followed a simple but powerful calling — to say “yes” when care is needed and to let love lead the way. As the organization honors its past and builds for the future, that commitment continues to shine through every resident served, every family supported and every life touched.