Impruvon and Charles Lea Center Celebrate Partnership and Independence at Charlotte Hornets Game

Saturday, February 28th, Impruvon went with Charles Lea Center to host staff, Direct Support Professionals (DSP), and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receiving services at a recent Charlotte Hornets game in North Carolina. The event marked both a community inclusion experience and a celebration of the measurable impact Impruvon’s medication administration workflow automation has had on IDD care delivery and independence at Charles Lea Center.

In Impruvon's recently released Case Study on The Charles Lea Center, this impact includes the administration of over 23,000 medications across 18 sites with zero medication administration errors in December 2025. (Learn more about how this partnership bolstered resident independence, reduced errors, and improved outcomes for individuals with IDD: Read the Case Study.)

Watch the Recap Video on YouTube:

The day began before the arena opened. Individuals and staff watched the Hornets practice from inside the arena, gaining rare behind-the-scenes access. From there, the group gathered in a private suite for an all-star lunch before taking in the game from the box. The evening concluded with signatures and photos from Hornets Guard, Pat Connaughton, creating lasting memories for many who had never attended an NBA game before.

For Charles Lea Center, it was a moment of recognition and celebration. For Impruvon, it was an opportunity to thank a provider that continues to set the standard for IDD services.

Celebrating Individuals and the Professionals Who Support Them

Throughout the day, one theme remained clear: this was about honoring both the individuals supported by Charles Lea Center and the DSPs who champion their independence every day.

Shannon Childress, Program Director at Charles Lea Center, reflected on the meaning of the experience:

“Today has been so meaningful for the people that we support. Many of them had never been to an NBA game before. They got to meet players. They had a fancy lunch. Those opportunities are not everyday experiences. Impruvon went above and beyond to create a meaningful day not just for the individuals we support, but also for our staff. Our direct support professionals work incredibly hard, and today they were treated in a red-carpet fashion. That recognition matters.”

The event also served as a celebration of operational wins. Over the past three years, Impruvon’s workflow automation has helped Charles Lea Center streamline medication management, reduce med pass times, and strengthen safety and compliance systems. Those efficiencies directly support greater autonomy for individuals with IDD.

Jessica Ruppe, Director of Health Services at Charles Lea Center, emphasized that connection:

“We’re celebrating the independence this partnership has helped bring our individuals and the support it has provided our staff. We’ve reduced med pass times and promoted independence, and today we’re here together celebrating those wins.”

Partnership Driving Measurable Impact

Impruvon’s technology focuses on modernizing care operations. By automating workflows and improving medication management infrastructure, providers can better manage risk, enhance safety, and reallocate staff time toward direct support and community engagement.

Justin Amoyal, CEO of Impruvon, spoke to the broader significance of the partnership:

“We are privileged to serve the Charles Lea Center and the amazing people it delivers services for. Too often, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are placed in the background. For this wonderful evening, thanks to the Charlotte Hornets, we celebrate these individuals and their autonomy, independence, and excellence. Through our partnership, we help the Center manage risk, strengthen safety, and support the people they serve to thrive. The Charles Lea Center defines new standards for services for individuals with IDD, and we’re honored to be part of their clinical excellence.”

Chad Basham, Chief Operations Officer at Impruvon, echoed that sentiment:

“Seeing the difference Charles Lea Center makes in the lives of the individuals they serve and their families is incredible. Providers across states look to them as an example. Bringing them and the individuals they support to this game is something we’re proud to do. Service professionals work hard and rarely get recognition. Giving them a day like this, alongside the individuals they support, means a lot.”

Innovation Supporting Independence

For Charles Lea Center leadership, the partnership represents more than operational improvement. It reflects innovation that directly enhances autonomy.

Omar Chirinos, Director of Innovation at Charles Lea Center, shared:

“The ability to tailor medication management to individual needs and environments has been meaningful. The partnership has been wonderful over the last three years. Impruvon has created an environment that allows us to better support our individuals and our staff.”

The Hornets experience provided a visible and joyful reminder of what strong systems can help make possible. When workflows are streamlined and risk is managed effectively, providers gain capacity to expand access and prioritize experiences that strengthen belonging and independence.

A Celebration of Progress

The day at the arena was filled with energy, gratitude, and connection.

Watching practice before doors opened, sharing a private suite lunch, cheering from the box, and meeting Pat Connaughton were unforgettable highlights. For many in attendance, it was a first-of-its-kind experience.

It was also a celebration of progress. Three years of partnership have translated into safer systems, greater efficiency, empowered DSPs, and increased independence for individuals with IDD.

Doug Miller, Customer Success Manager at Impruvon, has worked closely with Charles Lea Center since the early stages of implementation:

“They put their individuals first. That’s at the heart of everything we do. It’s an honor to celebrate with their DSPs and the individuals they serve. Today has been special.”

Impruvon remains committed to building technology that strengthens provider capacity and elevates outcomes across the IDD field because independence is built through partnership, innovation, and shared celebration of impact.