Leadership


David Turner
Co-Founder

David Turner
Co-Founder
David Turner is an experienced professional, business owner, and visionary, along with being an outdoors enthusiast, and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.
David serves as Founder of Amber Grace Community where he leads in the development of the team and strategy. Prior to working for Amber Grace Community, David served as an Officer and Vice President of Operations (Services) of Chick-fil-A, Inc. for 37 years where he filled many roles during the growth and expansion of the business. He was also a former Chick-fil-A restaurant owner/operator in Valdosta, Georgia. David has participated as a mentor in the Leonard Leadership Program of the University of Georgia. He served for eight years on the board of First Care Women's Clinic leading strategy and future growth.
David graduated from the University of Georgia in 1978 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He also received an Excellence In Business Certificate from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University.
David has been married to Debbie for forty-six years, and they have four children and ten grandchildren. If the Lord sees fit to bless, he envisions multiple locations of Amber Grace in cities around the United States serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


Debbie Turner
Co-Founder

Debbie Turner
Co-Founder
Debbie Turner is an experienced educator, Bible study facilitator and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.
Debbie serves as Founder of Amber Grace overseeing design and vision implementation. Prior to creating Amber Grace, Debbie served her family as a work-at-home mom while volunteering in various leadership roles with church, school and Bible study organizations. She also homeschooled her children for a portion of their educational years. Before becoming a work-at-home mom, Debbie was employed as a music teacher in Cherokee county Georgia.
Debbie completed courses through the Honors Program at the University of Georgia and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education.
Debbie and her husband, David, have been married for forty-six years. They have four children and ten grandchildren with whom she enjoys making happy memories. Besides developing a community for special needs adults, Debbie desires to write a devotional book especially curated for adults with intellectual disabilities.


Chris Baldwin
Executive Director

Chris Baldwin
Executive Director
Chris Baldwin is an experienced operational leader who finds great joy in helping other people flourish. He is a dedicated husband and father who is committed to serving in the local church.
Chris worked for Young Life in the Camping department for twenty-six years before joining the team at Amber Grace. Most of his time with Young Life was spent as the Camp Manager at Rockbridge, the camp in Virginia, but he also worked in the central office for six years.
Chris graduated from James Madison University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He was a volunteer with Young Life and worked for the National Park Service during college. After graduating, he was a high school teacher and coach for several years.
Chris has been married to Lucy for twenty-eight years and they have two college-aged children. Chris enjoys spending time outside, especially with his family, hiking, biking, camping and canoeing. Many of their vacations include a trip to a National Park.
Meet Our Board of Directors

Destin Hill, MD

Destin Hill, MD
Board Member
Destin Hill, MD is an accomplished Sports Medicine physician with a profound commitment to comprehensive care for athletes.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from the University of Georgia and his medical doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia. His passion for medicine led him to his residency at The Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona where he served as Chief Resident in his final year. To further specialize in Sports Medicine, Dr. Hill completed a fellowship at the renowned Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Returning to Arizona, he became a partner at the Arizona Sports Medicine Center serving as a team physician for the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Suns. Dr. Hill then seized the opportunity to return to his Atlanta roots joining the Emory Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine team in 2020. He currently serves as a team physician for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks operating primarily from the Flowery Branch clinic connected to the Falcons Training Facility.
Recently, Destin has embraced a new venture as a small business owner alongside his wife, April. Together, they have navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, attempting to thrive in the face of challenges and building a successful business (hopefully!).
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Hill enjoys time with his wife and four children. Their shared interests include exercising, attending sporting events, volunteering at church events, traveling, and cheering on their beloved Bulldogs. The Hills have also served on impactful medical mission trips to Kenya, Bangladesh, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

April Turner Hill, DNP

April Turner Hill, DNP
Board Member
April Turner Hill, DNP, brings a diverse and dynamic background from the field of emergency care combining her extensive experience as a healthcare professional with her entrepreneurial spirit as a small business owner.
Dr. Hill has played a pivotal role in advancing emergency nursing practice. Her involvement with the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners (AAENP) has been substantial, including serving on various boards and holding a position on the board of directors. Dr. Hill is an Associate Professor, where she has made a lasting impact as a nurse practitioner educator at esteemed institutions such as Arizona State University, Emory University, and International College of Health Sciences.
Dr. Hill’s educational journey culminated in the attainment of her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Arizona State University. Prior to this, she earned her master’s degree in nursing from Emory University, specializing as a Family/Emergency Nurse Practitioner and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Augusta University (formerly the Medical College of Georgia).
In recent years, April has embarked on a new adventure as a small business owner, fulfilling a lifelong dream alongside her husband, Destin. Embracing the challenges and learning opportunities that come with entrepreneurship, she has thrived in this new role with enthusiasm and determination.
Outside of her professional pursuits, April cherishes time spent with her husband and their four children. They share a love for travel, attending sporting events, and spending as much time at the beach as they can.

Mark Cathy

Mark Cathy
Board Member
Mark Cathy is a dedicated member of Chick-fil-A, Inc., serving as Director on the Supply Chain Consulting & Operator Support Team. In this role, he is instrumental in leading a team of consultants that translate the company's supply chain transformation goals into actionable initiatives within the restaurants, while simultaneously influencing the organization to better align with the realities of the business.
Mark is the grandson of Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy. He represents the third generation of the Cathy family, known internationally for their culture of care as they grow a multi-generational family enterprise. Mark has held numerous leadership roles in the company, and in addition to his role in Supply Chain, he actively contributes to the company's direction by serving on the Owner Council and the 221 Ventures Board of Managers.
Mark graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. He also received his Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Organizational Change from Pepperdine University. He has enjoyed various continued education opportunities, including leadership courses at Duke and Harvard.
On a personal note, Mark is a dedicated husband, father, and philanthropist. He resides in Atlanta with his wife, Amy, and their five children, and they are actively involved in the community. Mark is also an avid lover of anything fun to do with others, especially out in the sun; volleyball and surfing being at the top of the list.

Amy Turner Cathy

Amy Turner Cathy
Board Member
Amy Turner Cathy is a philanthropist, experienced business professional, and dedicated wife and mother.
Amy serves on the Cathy Family Foundation Coordinating Council, where she assists in philanthropic giving by the family. Prior to being a work-at-home mom, Amy was employed in the talent department at Chick-fil-A, Inc., recruiting and interviewing prospective staff members and restaurant operators. She also worked in the training department, training restaurant operators and staff members on restaurant food safety standards.
Amy graduated from Berry College in 2005 and holds a B.A. degree with a double major in Public Relations and Spanish. She also completed the Harvard Business School Families in Business program in 2010. She has lived overseas in Argentina and Spain. She currently sits on the Berry Board of Visitors.
Amy is married to Mark and they have five children and reside in Atlanta. One day, when she finds time, Amy dreams of writing a book about raising five kids and being a part of a family business and all the comical stories that have transpired on those learning journeys.

Andrew Turner

Andrew Turner
Board Member
Andrew David Turner is an experienced business professional, sports enthusiast, and committed husband, and father.
Andrew serves as a consultant at Chick-fil-A Inc. helping restaurant operators prepare and maximize their capital reinvestment projects. Prior to being a consultant, Andrew was a Chick-fil-A restaurant owner/operator for ten years, overseeing all restaurant operations and duties. He also worked in the Chick-fil-A interim manager program transitioning restaurants from outgoing to incoming operators.
Andrew graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Economics. He was awarded a baseball scholarship playing for the UGA team from 2005-2007.
Andrew is married to Macy. They have one child and reside in Marietta, GA. One day, when he finds time, Andrew dreams of designing a golf course and building a mountain cabin with his wife, Macy.

Macy Taliaferro Turner

Macy Taliaferro Turner
Board Member
Macy Taliaferro Turner is an experienced business professional, interior design enthusiast, and committed wife and mother.
Currently Macy serves her family as a work-from-home mom. Prior to her transition to this role, she worked as a marketing manager at a technology company. She also supported business operations and worked alongside her husband during his tenure as a Chick-fil-A restaurant owner/operator.
Macy graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. She was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and held several leadership roles while active on campus.
Macy is married to Andrew, and they have one child and reside in Marietta, GA. Macy dreams of designing and decorating homes while spending her days driving from one estate sale or antique store to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who? What? When? How?
Who will Amber Grace serve?
The typical Neighbor must be at least 25 years old, have a primary diagnosis of mild IDD (MID), mastery of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and no precluding behaviors or psychological conditions. They should have normative sleep patterns and demonstrate an interest in living independently in community. The Neighbor Compatibility Profile posted on the Admissions page of our website is the best indicator of who Amber Grace is designed to serve best.
How many Neighbors will be able to live at Amber Grace?
Amber Grace will serve 48 Neighbors - 24 men and 24 women living in 4 Houses for men and 4 Houses for women.
Is Amber Grace a long-term healthcare facility?
Amber Grace is not a healthcare facility. Transportation to typical doctor’s appointments, dentist appointments, urgent care etc. will be offered.
Is Amber Grace a school?
Amber Grace is not a school. It is a long-term living solution for adults with mild IDD (MID). Our Neighbors participate in daily life and job skill development and engagement through our Community Center enrichment programs. These courses are not academic in nature, but instead focus on growing and developing the God-given potential of each of our Neighbors by getting to know their personal strengths, motivations, and desires. We then utilize these learnings to explore opportunities for employment, service, and an Abundant Life experience within our greater community.
What are some distinctives of Amber Grace?
Amber Grace provides a residential experience that feels like Home while supporting independence and encouraging interdependence. The Support Families live on campus with our Neighbors. In addition to our residential component, we will offer a robust curriculum of personal growth classes each day through our NeighborLife program.
When will Amber Grace be open?
We anticipate welcoming our first Neighbors in February of 2026 and celebrating an official Grand Opening in May or June of 2026.
How can I stay up to date on this project?
Click this link to join our newsletter and receive the latest updates straight to your Inbox. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @ambergracecommunity. Your follows help spread the word about our community, so please join us in that space. For hiring inquiries, please email info@ambergrace.com or fill out a submission form for all other inquiries.
Is Amber Grace part of a larger organization?
No. Amber Grace Community, Inc. is a distinct entity and is not part of any other organization or corporation. We do not receive funding directly from any corporation, company, or business entity.
Admissions
How do I apply to become a Neighbor in your community?
The first step to becoming a Neighbor at Amber Grace is to fill out our Potential Neighbor Interest Form on our Admissions page.
Is there a waitlist for applicants and is a deposit required to enter?
We do not use a wait list, but we are beginning to fill our wait pool at this time. A wait pool differs from a wait list in that applicants are not selected sequentially, rather based on the best fit for the available opening. A deposit is not required to enter our wait pool, but your Potential Neighbor Interest Form and Residential Neighbor Application must have already been approved to be eligible to enter. The interest form can be found on our Admissions page.
Financial
How is Amber Grace funded?
Amber Grace is funded by generous donors and Cost of Care fees paid by the families of our Neighbors. Cost of Care fees are roughly 50% of the true cost; the rest is offset by donations.
Are my donations to Amber Grace tax deductible?
Yes. Amber Grace is an approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations help offset the monthly cost of care for our Neighbors, enabling us to provide our community of adults with IDD supported housing at a cost they and their families can afford. Donations are also utilized to help maintain and improve the high level of excellence of our Community experience. Please prayerfully consider giving today to have direct impact on a future Neighbor's opportunity to access our Community.
What does the cost of care include?
The cost of care paid monthly covers all aspects of living and growing in a safe environment at Amber Grace, but no past or future expense related to construction. Some offerings will be available at an additional cost such as hair cuts, manicures, transportation outside the scope of Community activities (airport, medical, etc.), and other extras.
Will Amber Grace be a private pay community?
Yes, the cost of care will be paid for by the family and/or responsible party of a Neighbor. We also desire to offer financial assistance when possible.
Are there subsidies available for those who cannot afford it?
All financial assistance is provided through the generosity of donors. All incoming families will go through a third-party financial review process. Our intent is to offer financial assistance funds if necessary through the generous gifts of our donors. The more donations we receive, the more financial assistance we will be able to provide. Additionally, We are researching our capabilities of receiving self-directed funds from COMP and NOW waivers for specific purposes within our Community.
Are there requirements for income, savings, or investments that I need to show in order to gain admission for my loved one?
Upon approval of your Residential Neighbor Application, all candidates will be invited for an official on-site visit and interview at which time details concerning the required financial review will be explained.
Are families expected to fundraise?
Families are not expected to fundraise, but are welcome to ask friends, family, their church, etc. to contribute to Amber Grace, specifically for their loved one or the Community as a whole.
Daily Living
How does a Support Family work?
Similar to the idea of a foster family or home, Support Families live within the same House as six Neighbors. These six Neighbors become part of their Family. A Support Family could range from a young couple with no kids, to a younger or older family with kids, to a retired couple. These Support Families feel called by the Lord to make a long-term investment in the lives of their six Neighbors by living and doing life alongside them, supporting them the way parents do if needed. Support Families share a family dinner every evening with their Neighbors, they attend outings and participate in activities together, but more importantly, the Support Family is the emotional, spiritual, and sometimes physical support our Neighbors desire to feel safe, known, loved, and guided. Our Support Families are the backbone of the Amber Grace Community model, and we are deeply grateful for each Family who makes this commitment to our Community.
How will Amber Grace address food allergies and sensitivities?
Our kitchen is fully equipped to support those Neighbors who have food allergies.
How will Amber Grace handle the use of medication?
Neighbors who are able to manage their own medications will be allowed to do so. Support will be provided for those who need it.
Can my loved one bring his or her pet?
No, at this time Amber Grace is not designed to support personal pets.
How long will residents be able to remain at Amber Grace as they age?
Our desire is for residents to call Amber Grace home for as long as it is in the best interest of the Neighbor to do so. Our goal is to continue to add to our long-term care capabilities and licensing to best serve the aging needs of our population.
My loved one is wheelchair bound. Are there restrictions about that?
Upon opening, Amber Grace will not be designed to serve those in wheelchairs. We do see this as a future growth opportunity for our Community, and we have designed our facilities with this future goal in mind.
Do you have to be a resident of Amber Grace to participate in the Community Center programming?
Yes. However, as our residents begin to find employment within our greater community and space becomes available in our Community Center programs, we foresee possibly opening those spaces up to the greater Rome community.
Get in Touch
To cultivate a Christ-led Abundant Life for every Neighbor, their Families, and the Communities we serve.
