Community Highlights: Meet Ebony Gardner of Caldore Acres

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Gardner.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I mostly grew up on the southside of Atlanta, in Riverdale, Georgia. I’ve always had a heart for people and a love for creating spaces where others feel cared for. That passion led me to work in hospitality, where I managed hotels for several years, and later in commercial real estate. Both fields taught me how to anticipate people’s needs, manage operations, and build environments where people feel safe and valued.

In 2010, my grandmother, Caldore Laura Raines, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Watching her journey and later losing her in 2019 due to complications from the disease changed everything for me. I saw firsthand what families go through: the exhaustion, the fear, the constant worry about finding safe, engaging care for a loved one. That experience planted the seed for what would eventually become Caldore Acres.

When I opened Caldore Acres, I wanted it to feel like more than just a center. I wanted it to feel like a home, a place where compassion meets purpose. We’ve now been open for a year, and the growth has been incredible. Every new participant and every family we serve reminds me why I started.

Caldore Acres carries my grandmother’s name because her spirit is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to give families peace of mind and to remind seniors that joy, laughter, and connection are still very much a part of life.

We’re just getting started, and I’m excited about what’s ahead, not only growing Caldore Acres but expanding how we serve our community.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. We’ve faced many challenges along the way — financial setbacks, staffing issues, and the general struggles that come with running a new business in the healthcare field. There were moments when it felt like everything that could go wrong did.

But I’ve always been clear on my vision, and that keeps me going. I know why I started Caldore Acres, and I know the impact it’s meant to have. Every obstacle has taught me something.

Running a care-based business is deeply personal for me. It takes strength to balance compassion with business decisions, but I persevere because I believe in what we’re building. Seeing the smiles on our participants’ faces and the relief on families’ faces reminds me that it’s worth every challenge.

We’ve been impressed with Caldore Acres, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Caldore Acres is an adult day care center located in the McDonough area – near the square. We provide a safe, engaging, and compassionate environment for seniors who need daytime care, structure, and social interaction. Our goal is to give families peace of mind while offering their loved ones a sense of community, purpose, and joy throughout the day.

What makes Caldore Acres special is the way we combine structure and heart. We don’t just focus on supervision; we focus on connection. Every activity, meal, and interaction is designed with intention, whether it’s cognitive games, art projects, group exercise, or themed activities that promote creativity and laughter. We also adapt our approach to meet each participant’s abilities so everyone feels included and valued.

We serve seniors, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as those who simply need extra support and companionship during the day. Families often tell us their loved one feels at home when they walk through our doors, and that means everything to me. We’ve built a space that feels warm, calm, and personal, not clinical.

What sets us apart is our balance of professionalism and heart. We uphold high standards for safety, structure, and programming, but we never lose sight of the human side of what we do. Every person who walks into Caldore Acres is treated with the same respect and care I showed my grandmother, who inspired the center’s name.

I’m most proud that Caldore Acres stands for compassion, dignity, and growth. We’re creating something that not only supports families today but also helps redefine what quality daytime care looks like in our community. Our vision is to continue expanding, building local partnerships, and finding new ways to support seniors and their caregivers.

At its core, Caldore Acres isn’t just a business. It’s a mission about caring for people the way I wish every family could experience care for their loved ones.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are the times I spent with my grandmother and other family members. I’ve always valued family and quality time, and those moments shaped who I am. My mom would take us to Stone Mountain Park and different amusement parks where we could just relax, laugh, and enjoy being together. My grandmother played a huge role in my life too. She made sure I was always cared for and never went hungry.

Those experiences taught me the importance of love, comfort, and togetherness, which are the same values that guide me now. Family is everything to me, and I try to bring that same sense of care and connection into what I do every day at Caldore Acres.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caldoreacres.com
• Instagram: Caldore Acres
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556708834626#