“I am outgoing and sociable,” Sara Wilson says. “I’m a social person to talk to. I’m kind to others.” That kindness and glow has made Sara an essential part of Easterseals Midwest and her community.
Sara connected with Easterseals through the RISE Pre-Employment Group. Initially interning at the YMCA food pantry gave her room to thrive in a role that complemented her innate gift to connect. Greeting and welcoming guests, and chatting with families every day, Sara immediately became the soul of the food pantry. “If you know Sara, she is a social butterfly,” says Charise Hilton, Pre-Employment Services Supervisor. “She was in charge of greeting all of the guests. She loved it.”
Beyond that, Sara is surrounded by many friends - including her boyfriend CJ, another Easterseals self-advocate. Working together, they have created a network of joy and support. And when they’re not spending time enjoying each other’s company, Sara is rooting for her favorite team, the Royals. “Her favorite player is Salvador Perez,” laughs Hilton. “She even carries a Salvy bobblehead with her to meetings. She calls him her emotional support bobblehead.”
“I’m a social person to talk to. I’m kind to others.”
Even with all of that, her journey hasn’t been without hiccups. “In the last two years, Sara has had some big life changes and some very emotional life changes,” Hilton shares. “I’ve seen Sara on her best days and I’ve see her on some really hard ones. The biggest way I can support her is letting her know she can always reach out, she can always come see me.”
Through everything, Sara has managed to grow as a leader, as well as an advocate. She completed Easterseals’ self-advocacy class, where she learned that standing up for her opinions was possible. “I have grown a lot from where I first started with Easterseals,” Sara says proudly. “Learning how to stand up for my rights and my opinions on everything.”
“She carries a Salvy bobblehead with her to meetings. She calls him her emotional support bobblehead.”
Hilton can see a bright future on the horizon: “She has real dreams, and they’re not small. They are very big dreams, and she can reach all of them. Sara’s story is so important because she actually gives others hope. On my bad days, she fills my cup back up into what I needed for that day.”
Sara’s story is an example of persistency and strength. Every step of the way, she inspires the ones around her, proving that when you are given empowerment to lead your life, the possibilities are far-reaching.
