A rest-stop patron can rest easy, thanks to the honesty of an employee. Chris McKinney, who returned the purse left behind by mistake. The 30-year-old with Down Syndrome attends Vision of Hope, a nonprofit, Christian-based organization where young adults with developmental disabilities learn life skills, receive vocational training, job placement assistance, and other services and support. McKinney said he followed what founder and board president, Jane Simmons, taught him. “It always pays off to do the right thing.”
Jennifer Foss works with McKinney at the rest-stop on I-10, most identifiable by the Blue Angel model. She relayed the story and said the grateful owner of the purse gave both her and McKinney $20 to show her appreciation.
Foss said after calling Florida Highway Patrol, McKinney kept the purse with him until its owner returned for collection. She said he wanted to make sure no one else could tamper with the pocket book. Foss said, “(McKinney) is a pleasure to work with. He works hard. He is very dependable and honest. We all have a good time working here and Chris is a big reason for that.”
Incorporated six years ago, Vision of Hope President Simmons said, “Every person is unique in their own way, regardless of their disability. They're not defined by their disability. We honor everyone there. They all bring something to the table.” Simmons is a retired Pace High School teacher of 22 years, 14 in special education.
One of Simmons’ goals is to give students as much self sufficiency as possible. While teaching life skills such as handling money and writing is part of autonomy, Simmons said, “Expectations are so important.”
Vision of Hope Vice President Misty Carol said she originally had low expectations of her younger sister, Allison, who has cerebral palsy, to protect her own feelings. She said doctors, too, said she would never learn to crawl and while she did, Carol said Allison reached a plateau when she aged out of school.
Simmons taught Carol to let go of her protection and Carol said her sister has “grown so much” since joining Vision of Hope. Carol said Simmons “is involved in this shift in (Allison’s) identity.” The program, Carol said, “boosted (Allison’s) confidence 10-fold.”
Vision of Hope has had job placement success behind McKinney, according to Simmons. She said one student, Matt Holmes, works at the Coffee Break and Cindy Ellsworth has a job at Wal-Mart.
McKinney has plans beyond the rest stop. He said he wants to live on his own and become a cashier. He also plans to marry his fiancée, Angela, of whom he’s known for 10 years since middle school.
While McKinney has future plans, he’s already got a busy schedule. He’s involved with the Special Olympics and plays golf, tennis, baseball and also bowls. He’s worked the commissary during Milton High School games, does line dancing, and cooks and cleans.
Carol is the primary music teacher at Vision of Hope and Simmons noted John Boone teaches martial arts. Simmons said, Victory Performing Arts also teaches some of the students dance. They have a recital coming up May 14 at Milton High School. The overall goal, Simmons said, is to integrate students into the community.
Following the dance recital, May 31 will have an end-of-term musical performance. Carol said the public is invited. The class formed a band called STRIDES band, she said. “They’re writing their own material and doing a cover song, hopefully outside in courtyard.” As the music teacher, Carol is teaching the band guitar, drums, keyboard, vocals and more.
McKinney’s father, Kevin, said “You have no idea how much this place helps parents like us.” The Navy man said, “Ms. Simmons is a godsend (and) she wants to do a lot more.”
Carol said Vision of Hope is not state supported and relies on community support. The organization, she said, serves families below the poverty line who can’t afford the special services their children need.
Simmons said individuals mostly support Vision of Hope, but they’ve also had help from Santa Rosa Medical Center, Gulf Power, and Santa Rosa Federal Credit Union.
The organization is looking for help for various needs such as improving the website at www.visionofhopefl.org and assistance with an upcoming gardening project. Simmons also noted Vision of Hope has students on a waiting list because the building itself is not large enough.
For more information on Vision of Hope, visit the website. Available there are more details on vocational training, employment placement, and Vision of Hope’s in-house Work Activity Program where students take on outsourced work such as packaging, folding, promotional mailings, shrink wrapping, and more.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Good character leads to monetary reward