Who We Are
At Caramore Community, our focus is on the whole person.
All people deserve to live happy, productive lives. Caramore was founded on the principle that everyone has intrinsic value and deserves equitable access to opportunities — no matter what the past looks like.
For people with severe and persistent mental illness, certain obstacles can make maintaining stable independence more difficult. Some of the biggest hurdles include obtaining meaningful work, obtaining affording and safe housing, and connecting with services and resources in the community.
Since 1974, our programs and community offer a place where you can leave unproductive behaviors behind and develop new effective beliefs and habits. We are the only transitional program in North Carolina that doesn’t require insurance offering a comprehensive, holistic approach to address employment, housing, and community resources — Support as you achieve all your goals.
Your Journey, Hand in Hand
We’re here to walk members through every step of recovery. We assist you to define your goals, advocate for you, and support you to develop the skills you need to be successful.
An individual’s goals, strengths, and challenges all matter when it comes to creating the stable future they envision. As long as members are willing to put in the work, we’re here to be partners in progress.
Knowing that someone cares makes all the difference.
Help support a person on their journey towards recovery.
Our Treatment Philosophy
Caramore Community’s transitional rehabilitation program offers people with severe and persistent mental illness the opportunity to focus on vocational development, residential stability, and learning to prioritize their own healthcare. At its core, our program fosters an environment that highlights cooperation and accountability for all members.
Depending on the program in which the member is enrolled, Caramore can provide services such as work adjustment, job coaching, financial counseling, transitional residential supports, coordination of care, peer support services, and transportation to medical appointments. But our program only works if members are willing to set concrete goals for themselves and put in the effort to make them happen. Progress through the program is measured through a combination of member self-assessment and objective milestones.
Because finding employment is the cornerstone of our program, we do not require any form of insurance. Our members support themselves by working part-time and paying their own way.
What we offer is space and structure to grow into the best version of yourself. If you’re ready to put sustained effort towards achieving your own independence, you may be ready for Caramore.
Our Values
Community
Education
Inclusivity
Empowerment
Our History
Caramore Community was started in 1974 as a result of one mother's vision, advocacy and unparalleled dedication. Caroline Livermore, the namesake of our organization, recognized the everyday challenges her son faced while living with severe and persistent mental illness. This was during a time when the community wasn't equipped to provide him with the resources and support he needed and deserved.
Caroline took it upon herself to create a program that met the individualized needs of her son and others like him. In so doing, she created the framework for what ultimately became the Caramore Community of today.
While operating under her leadership, we were able to open the first group home serving people with severe and persistent mental illness in Chapel Hill (Ephesus Group Home) in 1976.
In 1984, Jack Simonds joined our staff serving as our President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until 2002. His legacy is vast and colorful, with ”the house the Jack built," a beautiful, functional 10,000 square foot facility on Smith Level Road in the heart of Carrboro, being the most notable part of his tenure.
During this time, Caramore grew in significance and accomplishment. Jack’s vision, passion and leadership continue to inspire and sustain the dedicated group of men and women who now serve as the Caramore staff.
Today, Caramore leads our state in providing comprehensive community based support services to adults with mental illness. We are nationally accredited and locally designated as a high confidence provider of mental health support services. Caroline’s legacy still lives on in Caramore, ensuring that this unique and deserving population has access to the kind of life we all deserve to live.
Today, we are guided by the light of our fearless leader, current President and CEO, David Chapman. Having stepped into this role in 2002, he has continued to promote the vision and efforts of both Caroline and Jack, while forging strong community ties and engaging with local businesses, churches, and nonprofits to help eliminate the stigma surrounding employment for people with mental illness.
He has worked closely with like-minded organizations to create long and sustainable employment opportunities for the members of the Caramore Community, and he maintains a strong and healthy relationship with our Board of Directors to ensure that Caramore's mission is at the center of what we do, each and every day.
Caramore Community currently has locations in Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte North Carolina.