Why ConnectAbility?

by Mary Beth Houston

Mary Beth’s involvement with ConnectAbility began during her college days when she served as an intern. After graduation, she joined the staff at the University of North Georgia and now serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

Growing up, my next-door neighbor was my best friend. Honestly, he was more like a big brother to me. For hours we would play in the yard or the basement until it was time for dinner.
One evening in late elementary school, my mom sat me down after I came home from playing. I could tell she was carefully choosing her words. She began explaining that he was “different,” and that as I got older, I might start to notice those differences more.
I remember feeling confused. I looked at her and said, “He’s not different, Momma. He’s just himself.”
And for me, that was enough.
From that moment on, it became a quiet but steady mission in my life to make sure people felt they could be exactly who they are.
Over the years, that mission took different forms: complimenting someone who felt overlooked, sitting with the person who was alone, listening to someone when everyone else seemed distracted, working in a severe and profound disabilities classroom in high school, volunteering with Special Olympics, and serving as a one-on-one buddy at church. While each experience looked different, the purpose remained the same: to help others feel seen, valued, and included.
When I came to Dahlonega to pursue my undergraduate degree, I was searching for a way to continue living out that purpose. That’s when I was lucky enough to be introduced to ConnectAbility. From day one, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I was so excited to fi nd an organization that shared that same core belief.
From volunteering, to interning, to now serving on the board, ConnectAbility has given me the tools and language to turn that lifelong belief into action. Its mission refl ects what I recognized as a child- that everyone deserves to be valued, included, and empowered.
Because the truth is simple. Everyone deserves to be themselves. Everyone deserves to belong. Everyone deserves to hear, “You’re not different; you’re uniquely you.”
What makes ConnectAbility so special isn’t just the work, it’s the people. I came in ready to serve and support others, but along the way, I found a community that feels like family. A community that shows up for one another, advocates fi ercely, and always makes room at the table.
ConnectAbility is helping shape a more inclusive and compassionate community here in Dahlonega and beyond. I am overwhelmingly proud to be part of that work.
If you’ve ever believed in creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included, there’s a place for you in this work too. Whether through volunteering, supporting, or simply showing up, you can be part of building a community where everyone feels like they belong.