When Community Care Comes Full Circle: Clay County Change Maker's Pageant

There's something profound about watching your client stand a little taller in a suit he picked himself, ready to walk across a stage that celebrates who he is—not despite his different abilities, but because of all he brings to this world. That's the moment that made everything click for me at the Clay County Change Makers fundraiser, and honestly, it's why I do this work.

This wasn't just another fundraiser on the calendar—this was personal. My client Billy looked absolutely dashing as he prepared for the pageant show, and watching Lorelei serve as a buddy reminded me why Northeast Florida's IDD community is so special. These aren't just "consumers" or "clients" in some clinical sense. They're neighbors, friends, people who light up a room when given the chance.

Mingling with families, helping consumers feel confident before their big moments on stage, watching the community rally around this cause... that's the fuel that keeps me going when the administrative side of business threatens to bury me.

We sponsored a table and contributed a raffle basket because I genuinely believe that businesses in this space have a responsibility to reinvest in the communities we serve. The Clay County Change Makers have been advocating for individuals with different abilities long before people understood why inclusion matters. They've created opportunities, fought for resources, and built a network that doesn't just support people with different abilities—it celebrates them! Today was a good day because I got to see the ripple effect of that mission in action, and I left reminded that this work isn't just about providing services. It's about showing up, giving back, and building a community where everyone has a seat at the table—literally and figuratively.