Volunteer Spotlight: Emmely Byrd

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Emmely has been a volunteer with dLCV for approximately a year.  In spite of health challenges, whenever Valerie Jones (dLCV Volunteer Coordinator) presents volunteer opportunities, Emmely always eagerly signs up to participate.  Check out what Emmely’s experience with dLCV has been as a volunteer so far in her own words:

1) How long have you volunteered with dLCV?

“I have been volunteering for about a year now on and off. Unfortunately, every time I want to go full steam ahead my health fails me. Thankfully Valerie Jones (dLCV Volunteer Coordinator) has never given up on me throughout this time and continues to check on me and offer me volunteer opportunities.”

2) What have been the activities, projects that you’ve enjoyed most while volunteering with dLCV?

“My favorite project thus far was working on the disAbility Impact Awards nominations project. I absolutely [enjoyed] researching and finding the good in businesses [and] in people that open their hearts and show an abundance of care for those with disabilities to make them understand they are just as important as everyone else.”

3) What inspired you to sign up to volunteer with dLCV in the first place?

“I was inspired to sign up because I have invisible illnesses and disabilities. I know what it’s like to be your own advocate. I also know what it feels like to not have an advocate. I know what it’s like to not know about programs, and laws until I had to do it on my own. I feel that on my good days I can contribute to the well-being of others, especially those that may not be in a position to advocate for themselves. I also love learning about the law. I love helping others.

I was also referred to dLCV by Angela Waranis with DARS. She has helped me in so many ways. I have hopes of taking on a full-time job again one day, she understood where I was mentally and physically and thought volunteering would be a great fit.”

4) Would you recommend to a friend, family, or colleague to volunteer with dLCV?  If so, why?  If no, why not?

“I would absolutely recommend a friend or family member to sign up as a volunteer. The main reason is because until a disability has affected you or a loved one you care for, you do not necessarily take it seriously or to heart. Volunteering for the dLCV is a way to learn about advocacy, the abilities that a person with challenges still has, the laws, and so much more. ”