Citizen Advocacy of Washington County

Sara and Kristie

Sara had been hoping for several years to be matched with another woman her own age. She is a young woman in her twenties who has a lot of dreams and ambitions that she can’t wait to explore.

About a year ago, Kristie and Sara met for the first time through Citizen Advocacy. When Kristie came into the picture, she validated a lot of Sara’s feelings about her hopes and her struggles. Kristie has encouraged her to respect herself. According to Sara, Kristie is someone who is a non-judgmental listener who helps her find her own voice and the courage she needs to follow-through with her convictions. Sara says, “Kristie understands me even when I stumble through my words. She helps me to clear my head.”

Kristie has come to understand that in order for Sara to use her own talents, skills and to express her own convictions, she has to not only find her own voice but also have the confidence to use it. She says, “Sara is disabled, but she wants to be as independent as she can. While there are times when I’ll need to step in and speak for her, it’s very important that I help her use her own voice. I don’t want to hold her back.”

Sara has taught Kristie about the world and her community. She is learning about the diversity that exists between people who are experiencing disabilities. Kristie is understanding the frustrations Sara feels when she is not treated as an individual in many aspects of her life, for instance not having a job that really fits her skills and talents.

Most of the time Kristie and Sara spend together is on the phone. They also serve on the Citizen Advocacy board together. They both are avid movie fans, and have big plans to hit the theaters for plenty of movies this year.

Kristie: I consider Sara a friend. My favorite thing about her is that she’s open to talking….It makes being her advocate enjoyable. She’s a fun girlfriend that I enjoy spending time with.

Sara: Kristie has helped me follow my own path rather than the path other people tell me to follow….She helps me feel good about myself and respect myself.

Sarah Johnson
Program Coordinator

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