Megan O’Kuly
Contributing writer
In a world where isolation and marginalization too often cast shadows over the lives of individuals with disabilities, one organization stands out as a radiant beacon of hope and unity. Masterpiece Alliance (MA), founded by Executive Director Scott Habeeb and a passionate group of friends and family, has been illuminating the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through unwavering commitment, those involved with MA have woven a tapestry of belonging and purpose within their community, offering solace and support to those who have long yearned for it.
Habeeb, a familiar face at Salem High School for the past 20 years, understands firsthand the challenges faced by families. He has a daughter on the autism spectrum and shares their struggles, saying, “The number of people with disabilities versus the services available to them is disproportionate. There’s lots of isolation. Parents worry about what happens to their children as they age, and often with disabilities comes difficulty in building relationships. Families feel isolated because they have difficulty getting out.”
Driven by a deep passion for people with disabilities, Habeeb explained the vision behind Masterpiece Alliance, stating, “We want people to understand that there is this world of disabilities that can be incredibly isolating. I would love for people with disabilities and families of people with disabilities to know that there are folks out there who love them and want to know them and want them in the community.”
With a mission to create a vibrant and inclusive community, Masterpiece Alliance offers a range of programs and activities that celebrate the unique talents and capabilities of each individual. The monthly MA club meetings serve as a gathering place for creating lasting bonds and genuine friendships. Habeeb described these gatherings, saying, “We meet for MA (Masterpiece Alliance), inviting friends together. We get together several times a month. It includes pizza, karaoke and games. We also go to baseball games and bowling. We create opportunities for people to get to know one another. From there, a lot of organic friendships form. People get together for birthday parties or dinner.”
Courtesy photo
To amplify their impact, those involved with Masterpiece Alliance collaborate with local churches, seeking to create welcoming spaces for individuals with disabilities and their families. Habeeb shared, “We have a vision for working with the local churches in the Roanoke Valley because we can’t meet the needs of every adult. But our vision is to create a network of churches who desire to proactively create spaces of welcoming for people with disabilities and for their families. Together, we would learn from each other and bring in outside experts, audit ourselves, meet regularly, visit each other’s churches, and share strategies and solutions.”
The heart of Masterpiece Alliance lies in the connections and friendships that are forged. It’s a place where individuals with disabilities find acceptance, love and a sense of belonging. Through their unwavering dedication, Masterpiece Alliance has created a supportive community where people can be themselves, where differences are celebrated, and where everyone’s story matters.
For more information about Masterpiece Alliance and their programs, visit their website at https://masterpiecealliance.org/. People can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram, where they share valuable information and details about upcoming events and gatherings.