Be a part our mission!
Your donation will make a real difference in the lives of students with dyslexia and the teachers who support them.
The Nelms Dyslexia Foundation dba Nelms Dyslexia Center is a charitable, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, FEIN 99-0646323.
Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
Student Reading Therapy
For some families, the cost of specialized dyslexia support can be overwhelming. Your contribution helps remove financial barriers, giving students access to evidence-based instruction, skilled educators, and the confidence that comes with learning to read and learning their strengths.
Teacher Training
Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) deliver the highest standard of evidence-based reading instruction for students with dyslexia. This specialized field requires extensive training that surpasses the scope of traditional higher education — requiring significant time, financial investment, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Your generous support enables passionate teachers to pursue this necessary training.
Nelms Dyslexia Foundation
The Don & Millie Nelms Foundation and the Nelms Family provide generous financial support for the daily operations of the Center, which means your donation will go towards the areas of greatest need.
Thank you for joining us in making a lasting difference in the lives of students with dyslexia and the dedicated teachers who support them.
To donate by mail:
Nelms Dyslexia Center
2781 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
History of the Nelms Dyslexia Center
Don and Millie Nelms were born and raised in Paris, Texas, became high school sweethearts and married after graduation. After welcoming sons David and Dennis, they moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, which has been home ever since.
Don struggled with reading and spelling as a child but at the time little was known about dyslexia in the education community. He excelled in other areas, specifically math and mechanics. He was able to find a safe and reassuring space in his dad’s automobile repair shop where he could use his strengths working on cars. His love of automobiles, and desire to learn more about them, powered his motivation to read.
After high school, Don attended East Texas State University where he earned degrees in math and history. He went on to teach math, but his love of all things automotive led to work with General Motors. In 1971, Don began his first business of selling Honda motorcycles. A year later, he added Honda cars. He eventually owned and operated multiple dealerships throughout Northwest Arkansas. Don’s foresight of growth in the region led him to build and operate the Fayetteville Autopark in 2000. He sold all the franchises in 2001, except for the Subaru dealership. In 2022, Adventure Subaru was named Subaru Retailer of the Year.
Don has served on several boards and committees including the Northwest Regional Airport Commission (as a licensed pilot) and the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission. He served as a legislative liaison to two Arkansas governors and served as a co-chair to Governor Beebe's transition team. Don spent 5 years as the Chairman of Arkansas Audubon Society and served on the board of the Arkansas Nature Conservancy, the Buffalo River Foundation, and as an Arkansas Forestry Commissioner. He also spent some of his time as a voluntary golf coach at the University of Arkansas.
Their love of the Ozarks led the Nelms family to expand their roots into Newton County where they enjoy spending time on their family’s nature preserve. Don has spent many years capturing his appreciation of the area through his nature photography which can be seen on display at the Nelms Gallery in downtown Jasper, AR, and decorating the walls of his businesses.
While more dyslexia research and resources are available today, many dyslexic children still struggle in school. Don’s personal experience and resilience inspired the creation of The Don & Millie Nelms Foundation with a mission to improve the lives of those with dyslexia.
What began as Nelms Honda on College Avenue marked the Nelms family's start in Fayetteville. Through their donation, that same space proudly houses the foundation’s first significant project, the Nelms Dyslexia Center—continuing their tradition of service and support to Northwest Arkansas.
