Jillian and Anthony Palmiotto’s journey with Together We Care (TWC) began with a deep-rooted belief that every person, regardless of their abilities, has a purpose. Inspired by their faith and driven by their personal relationships with individuals with disabilities, the Palmiottos envisioned a future where barriers would not define anyone’s potential. They understood that people with disabilities often face isolation and marginalization in a world that doesn't always accommodate them. Through TWC, they have become catalysts for change—restoring hope, advocating for resources, and building communities that embrace everyone.
The heart of TWC’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to live the life they’ve always dreamed of. Jillian shares the story of a single widowed mother with two teenage daughters with severe Autism, one of whom is non-verbal and experiences frequent violent meltdowns. As a full-time teacher, the mother was struggling not only with caregiving but also with keeping her daughters in school for a full day and affording the care they needed at home.
TWC stepped in with immediate advocacy—helping the mother access Medicaid programs to cover caregiving services, providing school support to manage her daughter’s behavior, and organizing respite care for the mother. “We built a schedule of support around the family,” says Jillian. With TWC’s assistance, the mother was finally able to experience a glimmer of hope, knowing she had a team behind her.
But challenges continued when the family faced a major plumbing issue caused by tree roots. The mother, overwhelmed by home maintenance in the absence of her late husband, turned to TWC for help. Jillian and Anthony mobilized their network, calling on Kenneth Black Plumbing for an emergency repair. In an extraordinary act of generosity, Thomas Mercer of Restoration Tree Care donated his services, removing the problematic trees at no cost. A local ministry then covered both the plumbing and water bills, relieving the family of any financial burden. This collaboration beautifully exemplifies how Together We Care uses its community connections to create life-changing support.
TWC’s work centers around three pillars: equipping families with the right resources, providing for their practical needs, and empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals. One of the biggest challenges, Jillian explains, is the equipping process—specifically, undoing the misinformation families often encounter online. To address this, TWC takes a personalized approach, meeting with families to craft individualized plans and providing group education events to help families understand how to access and maximize the resources available to them. Additionally, they are developing a YouTube channel with short, informative videos to guide families through their “roadmap,” making the process more accessible.
Looking to the future, Jillian and Anthony envision a world where the 2 million people in Georgia with disabilities enjoy the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers. They hope to break down barriers in employment, education, healthcare, and community involvement. TWC plays a key role in this vision by offering advocacy, life coaching, and tailored support to ensure every person has access to the services they need to thrive.
For those inspired by TWC’s mission, there are many ways to get involved beyond financial donations. The organization is always in need of volunteers willing to become family coordinators—individuals who act as lifelines for families navigating the complexities of disability. These volunteers stay in touch with their assigned families, helping them move forward on their roadmap of resources. It’s a rewarding role that requires as little as a few hours a month and can be done remotely.
Jillian and Anthony also encourage spreading the word about TWC. “Sharing our impact stories on social media helps us reach more families,” Jillian explains. By raising awareness and building a larger community of support, TWC can extend its reach and offer hope to even more individuals and families navigating the challenges of disability. Whether through volunteering, raising awareness, or offering encouragement, every effort contributes to a world where barriers are broken and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The work of Together We Care is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and unwavering support.
Check out Together We Care online: togetherwecarega.org
Follow them on social media:
Facebook -- Together We Care
Instagram -- @togetherwecarega
Pull Quote 1: "Together We Care empowers families to overcome barriers and embrace their full potential."
Pull Quote 2: "By raising awareness and building a larger community of support, TWC can offer hope to even more individuals and families facing challenges."