Thank You Vicki

At the annual Sidekicks Christmas party in 2008, I met a new family that ended up making a huge impact on the organization that came to be ConnectAbility. It was Vicki Schweitzer and her three kids: Emily, Stella & AJ.

stella jacque

We spent time together at the pool over the following summer, getting to know each other. Then in 2010 when I left the world of teaching to focus on building ConnectAbility as a nonprofit organization, Vicki was there at the ConnectAbility “office” when it was one tiny room on the second floor of a local real estate office. Many of the programs that now benefit dozens and even hundreds of people in North Georgia were dreamed up in that little office. And Vicki was helping to make it possible. Having been part of those early days, Vicki has a deeper understanding than pretty much anyone else of ConnectAbility and how far the organization has come.

m&ms
In the years that have passed since those first early days, Vicki’s life has changed dramatically and her work has impacted many, many members of our community. She has become a Supporting Parent for Parent to Parent of Georgia, completed Partners in Policymaking training, participated in Person Centered Planning work through Georgia State & Kennesaw State University, collaborated with the Georgia Council for Developmental Disabilities and will become a 2017 Graduate of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class this May. The success of our annual Thanksgiving Silent Auction is 100% attributed to Vicki and her tireless efforts to get that started and has grown each year through hours of volunteered time.

vicki auction
Through the experience of advocating and seeking resources for her own daughter Stella, Vicki has been able to sit down with other families to guide them through the complicated maze of options for their own family members with disabilities. By sharing her personal perspectives, Vicki has opened the eyes of many community members to the everyday challenges experienced when a family member has disabilities.

vicki melissa
In late November 2015, Vicki came on staff while I was out on maternity leave and allowed ConnectAbility to continue to offer our programs and keep the office running while I was away. In the spring of 2016, Vicki transitioned to the role of Family Support Specialist and helped our PPAC Parent Group grow astronomically to the healthy and active group that exists now.
Vicki is currently working to fulfill a dream as a student at the University of North Georgia pursuing a degree in sociology with a minor in Leadership.

vicki family
After much reflection and soul searching, Vicki has decided to focus more of her time on school and family. Today will be her final day working in the ConnectAbility office as an employee.

It is the end of an era and Vicki will be missed. And while I am sad to lose Vicki as an employee in the office and am thankful for her plans to stay involved as a parent and volunteer, I am thrilled to see what Vicki’s future holds for her and those around her.
Thank you Vicki for all you have done for ConnectAbility and all you will continue to do.vicki fiona