The Yager Group Multi-Sensory Environment Room - Easterseals® UCP, Charlotte, North Carolina

There are a million ways to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives – yet it can only happen if the initial step is taken. Often, that step forward occurs through connection and collaboration. For example, when the Yager Group partnered with Easterseals® in making the dream of a much-needed Multi-Sensory Environment Room in North Carolina become a reality.

Doyle Yager, an IBO for 47 years and current IBOAI Board member, is the son of Dexter and Birdie Yager, and a business partner with his two brothers Jeff and Steve. Like their parents, they are hard-workers, goal-setters and achievers, creative problem-solvers and committed to helping others succeed. The Yager family’s involvement initially began through Amway Corporation’s support of Easterseals during the Telethons decades ago. He explains, “Amway and Easterseals are aligned in purpose – helping others achieve success in life. It makes sense to work together in making a positive difference in others’ lives.”

The Yagers consider Charlotte, North Carolina their home base since 1970. It’s where their parents lived; it’s where they grew up. That’s why they chose to generously donate to the Charlotte Easterseals’ childcare center, in their effort to build and operate a Multi-Sensory Room to help all children and adults with disabilities in the greater Charlotte community. Doyle commented, “At the opening dedication, my wife Holly and I, as well as Steve and his wife Cecile, and Jeff privately toured the room – and were quite impressed. It was interactive and very cool, in part from the perspective of my serving as an Easterseals Board member.”

A Multi-Sensory Room provides a calm yet stimulating environment that caters to sensory needs. In short, it de-escalates challenging behaviors, reducing stress and improving cognitive function, as well as motor development in those with diverse needs including ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. It’s a “safe-space” that leads to improved concentration, increased awareness, and enhanced learning. Doyle shared that many children who utilize this room along with a therapist develop better coordination and physical awareness. Several people recovering from brain injuries or mental health crises have also found visits helpful.  In brief, multi-sensory stimulation is making a difference in the lives of others.

With their strong belief of positively affecting people’s lives, the Yagers are proud of their long history of supporting nonprofits. Their assistance to Easterseals began in 1995 and has surpassed 1.5 million dollars in donations, yet their philanthropic efforts have been diverse. In more recent years, they have also expanded to hurricane/disaster relief for Mission of Hope® in Haiti, Red Cross® of North Carolina, and Samaritan’s Purse®.

For the Yagers, their Amway business is successful – yet while it’s just one of their business interests, it is their first and the one with which they are most focused and engaged, as there’s so much more to it. “It’s a very gratifying way of life. It’s all about helping people live a better life.”

Check out this video: Amway One by One – Leaving a Legacy of Giving in the US.