As I completed my first month as CEO of ADAPT Community Network, one idea continued to inspire me: our work is about empowering the people we support to reimagine what they are capable of, then making sure the world makes room for that possibility.
Over the past few weeks, I have spent my time getting “under the hood” of ADAPT, visiting programs, meeting the people we support and the staff who support them, and seeing our mission come to life in tangible ways. My action-packed first 30 days have included handing out certificates at our Pre-Service Orientation Graduation, judging our ADAPT’s Got Talent Show (a very tough job!), and speaking at ADAPT’s yearly Leadership Awards Gala. I have seen how ADAPT supports individuals across every facet of their lives, including housing, education, employment, family life, and legal advocacy.
Given my public health background, I always strive to impact individuals AND the broader environment. I love how deeply interconnected these levels are at ADAPT. We empower individuals every day while also working to reshape societal expectations of disability through advocacy, accessibility efforts, and partnerships with government and communities. ADAPT stands on the front lines of an ongoing disability rights movement, continuing vital work that began decades ago and remains just as necessary today.
My most fun days have been those visiting programs. And while I love seeing the beautiful spaces and engaging activities, what amazes me the most is our staff. Their commitment, care, dedication, and sense of fun are extraordinary. They support people through moments of joy and achievement, as well as through moments of loss and frustration, with compassion and deep humanity. During one site visit, I saw the decorations from a recent retirement celebration of an employee who dedicated 47 years to ADAPT, an uncommon commitment in many fields, but not here.
As I continue to settle in my role, I am excited for the future of ADAPT, for our staff, and for everyone we serve and will serve in the months and years to come. There is joy, fun, and possibility woven into this work. As we build on ADAPT’s rich legacy, I am confident that the future is bright and that together, we can empower even more people to realize what they are capable of.
