Elizabeth Anderson joined Vocational Visions in 2017. Elizabeth recently transitioned from our HRS program to our DTAC Pala program. This Q&A article was first published in our July 2021 newsletter.
Question: How did you first find out about VV?
Answer: I heard about VV through a friend of mine.
Question: If someone has never heard of VV, what would you share with them to help them to understand what VV is about?
Answer: I would tell them about my experience when I first started working at VV. I worked with this participant who has difficulty communicating with people. At first it was a hard time working with her. I felt challenged trying to understand her needs. But, over time, I got to know her and interact with her in a way that made her feel happy and special! My job allows me to pursue my passion for helping others every day. At VV, I get the opportunity to spend time with people who really need someone to spend time with.
Question: What is your favorite part of your job at VV?
Answer: Making and creating arts and crafts activities for everyone to enjoy!
Before the pandemic started, I would come up with arts and crafts projects for the HRS program. I would provide hands on assistance to the participants helping them to create their own masterpieces. When the pandemic hit, we all had to improvise. Zoom enabled me to continue spreading a love for art to the HRS participants.
I recently took on the responsibility of becoming an Activity Coordinator. I now plan and prepare themed art activities for all four of our licensed programs and I do the art supply shopping for each of these programs monthly. I still host the HRS Zoom art activity every Tuesday and I often create and share fun step by step videos. Below you can watch one of the art tutorial videos I made recently for our 'Paper Fireworks' art project.
Question: What is something that could be added, removed or changed to make VV better?
Answer: I think VV has done a great job so far. They’ve been getting it right so keep up the good work. Teamwork makes the dream work! I am grateful for the wonderful bosses I have. I want to thank them for believing in me and having confidence in my ability to plan thematic art activities for our licensed programs.
Question: Did you volunteer or work with people who are uniquely abled before working at VV?
Answer: Before VV, I used to work as a health care worker with the elderly. I would tend to their health related needs and make sure they were comfortable.
Question: Are there any interesting, unique or fun facts about you that you would like to share with us?
Answer: Sure. My favorite color is purple. My spirit animal is the horse. My favorite number is 7. My favorite food is sushi and I love arts and crafts! I have passed on my artsy and crafty ways to all of my children.
Question: What is your motto for life or a quote that really resonates with you?
Answer: I have three.
- “There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family” - Unknown
- “Be happy, not because everything is good, but because you can see the good side of everything.” - Unknown
- “Life is too short so you have to make the most of it.” - Elizabeth Anderson (me)
Congratulations on your new role in our organization Elizabeth. A recent Facebook comment from one of our VV parents sums up collectively how we feel about your efforts to create an organized, quality art program for VV:
"Kudos to Elizabeth! The ideas are so cute and all of the pre-planning and preparation to send packets out is so labor intensive. Thank you so much for the time and effort, Elizabeth. Appreciate it so much!" - Karen Sharman
