This Florida native came to the First Coast specifically for a program offered at the University of North Florida and stayed to help the disability community as the marketing director for the ILRC, a nonprofit organization that proves essential programs and services to the disabled communities in St. Johns, Duval, Clay, Baker and Nassau counties.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Leesburg, Fla. I came to the First Coast for the deaf education program at UNF.
What is the purpose of the ILRC?
The ILRC serves individuals with disabilities in a cross disability model. A lot of agencies serve specific types of disabilities. We serve the full spectrum.
What does that include?
We serve anyone from a student with learning disabilities in a classroom to veterans and paraplegics and quadriplegics. It includes all disabilities.
What is the best part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing the difference in people’s lives through the amount of programs we offer. I can’t convey what [it means] seeing someone get a wheelchair and become mobile again. You don’t understand the breadth [of services] until you see what the programs are actually doing.
What about the most challenging part?
The challenge [for] a non profit is effectively advertising with a minimal budget. The best advertising for an agency is word of mouth.
What does the money the ILRC raises go towards?
The monies that we bring in at the center are bounced back to providing programs and services to our clients. [Roughly] 90 percent of what we receive goes directly to programs and services.
What can people expect from the ILRC invitational on March 15?
This is the inaugural golf invitational at The Palencia Club, and it’s going to be great. It starts at 10 a.m. and each golfer will receive lunch on the course, a hat, towel, event bag and ticket to the awards ceremony. The Hole-In-One winner will receive a luxury Audi.
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
Swift the Fox from David and the Gnome on Nickelodeon.
What are your hopes from this inaugural tournament?
Everyone we serve has a face a name and a story. It’s all about matching people who are able to give to the people that need.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I’m bilingual. I’m fluent in American Sign Language.
How do you make the most of your free time?
I’m running in my first marathon later this month. I like to run and I do triatholons. I also love the arts on the First Coast.
March 13th 2010 - 2:42PM