Meet Patty!
Routines & consistency. Two primary things that our kiddos need to thrive. When we can provide safe, structured routines they know what to expect and what is needed to transition. Any parent can probably agree with this - and those parents who have kids with special needs may say that routines and consistency are one of the non-negotiables in their home.
In this ever changing world, consistency can be hard. Routines can be impossible to predict, especially navigating new diagnosis, new medication, new teachers and even new weather each day. However, when we are consistent and predictable in the lives of our children, it signals safety, security and reliability… all necessary to tell little brains that their bodies are safe.
Physical, emotional and mental safety are key components of the programming Pause provides. Events are consistent, provided in the same space, and follow the same routine of activities each time. The more families engage, the more kiddos feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect when they come to Pause. Although programming components are important, our consistent volunteers who continuously show up for our kids month after month are the true reason that kiddos know Pause is a safe, secure and reliable place.
One Pause Volunteer who is a constant in the lives of many Pause kiddos is Patty Crouch! Patty is a mama of two grown boys and five grandchildren who all live out of state. She gets to take several trips throughout the year between Maryland and Texas to visit. Patty has been married to her husband for 48 years and has spent her professional career serving young adults with disabilities and recently retired this year!
In the Fall of 2018, Patty was introduced to Pause through Project SEARCH as they challenged their staff to volunteer for an event for Pause. She volunteered once and hasn't looked back since! In addition, Patty has served the community of disabilities for over 30+ years and most of that has been in the church setting. In her free time, Patty enjoys riding bikes, walking, baking and shopping.
Why do you serve with Pause? What keeps you coming back?
It is important for me to volunteer with Pause on Parents Night Out and Sunday mornings because I love to serve where you see the difference being made and thoroughly enjoy spending time with the kids. I also know it makes a difference for the kids we serve to see familiar faces. I have very little interaction with parents, but I do try to get to hallways to see parents' faces when they pick their child up. Those faces of parents and kids keep me coming back!
What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
I love seeing the kids having fun and their smiles just melt my heart.
What’s been a challenge you’ve possibly had to work through in volunteering?
I haven’t faced too many challenges, but leadership is always there to give support whenever needed. My desire is to always have the kids go home happy and want to come back.
Do you feel like you are making an impact?
Yes, I do feel like I am making a difference. Every time I serve, I feel I am helping the entire family. Parents/guardians get some much-needed free/date/shopping time or actually plan a night where they do not have to be concerned about their kids and the kids get to be in a fun/safe environment.
Patty - thank you for being a part of our kiddos’ routine and being a safe and consistent adult for them month after month. Your smiling face each month is impacting our kiddos in more ways than you know!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
