CHESTERFIELD

Sponsor Bio Shelia Scott - A Passionate Advocate for Growth and Connection Sheila Scott is a dedicated individual who believes that life is about more than just oneself. As a real estate agent and sponsor, she is committed to helping and educating others, working closely with her husband, Ben. Driven by the desire for a more fulfilling life, Sheila prioritizes time management, allowing her to balance her real estate career with her role as a sponsor. Sheila's strong bond with her 23-year-old client exemplifies her ability to nurture meaningful relationships. She treats her client like family, creating a warm and supportive environment that fosters growth and empowerment. Sharing experiences with her client brings Sheila pure joy and reminds her of the positive impact one can make in someone's life. Over the years, Sheila's work as a sponsor has also enabled her to develop greater patience, particularly in supporting her client through anger issues. The client appreciates the space Sheila gives her to make her own decisions, further strengthening their connection. With her unwavering commitment to personal growth, Sheila Scott continues to be an inspirational figure in both her professional and personal life.

Sponsor Bio Jennifer Kessler - A Committed Advocate for Special Needs Care and Community Support Jennifer Kessler is a devoted mother and experienced professional in the field of special needs care. Driven by her personal journey with her son, who has Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and is non-verbal, Jennifer has dedicated herself to creating a nurturing and supportive environment both at home and within her community. The sponsorship program has provided Jennifer with a unique opportunity to receive financial support for the care she was already providing to her son. This has allowed her to balance her responsibilities and continue offering the best possible support to her family. Prior to relocating to Virginia, Jennifer served as the supervisor of a care facility for individuals with special needs and disabilities. This experience, which involved overseeing the care of 80 individuals, has proven invaluable in her personal life as she applies her professional knowledge to her son's care. Jennifer's son attends a day program from Monday through Friday, which gives him the opportunity to engage in various activities and socialize with others. In his downtime, he enjoys relaxing, listening to music, and watching TV. On weekends, they take advantage of nice weather to venture out and spend quality time together. Despite the demands of her role as a caregiver and professional, Jennifer still finds joy in personal interests such as traveling, gardening, and tackling DIY projects at home. Although travel has been limited since the pandemic, she hopes to embark on new adventures in 2025. Jennifer deeply appreciates the sense of community provided by HOU, as caring for someone with special needs can be both rewarding and tiresome. The support and camaraderie within the sponsor program have allowed her to maintain a balance and find solace in shared experiences. With her unwavering dedication to special needs care, Jennifer Kessler serves as an inspiring example of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of community support.

Sponsor Bio Ms. Ransome – A Compassionate Mother and Committed Advocate Creating a Life of Support and Growth Ms. Ransome is a dedicated mother and caregiver who has spent years ensuring the well-being of her daughter, who is hearing impaired and has ADHD along with other mental health challenges. Through Hands of Unity (HOU), her daughter was able to secure meaningful employment, and Ms. Ransome continues to collaborate with her daughter's caseworker to integrate her into community activities that enrich her life. With 25 years of experience as a nurse, Ms. Ransome has worked in hospitals, senior homes, and various healthcare facilities, bringing compassion and dedication to every role. Her caregiving extends beyond her profession, as she and her daughter share a love for gardening, using homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes in their meals. They also enjoy nature walks, working out at the gym, shopping, attending church, and dining out—especially at Texas Roadhouse, her daughter’s favorite restaurant. Ms. Ransome's husband works in the reentry field at RUMI, further reflecting the family’s commitment to serving their community. As a sponsor with HOU for about a year, Ms. Ransome has found a strong sense of community within the organization. She values the support and knowledge she has gained through HOU, which has helped her grow in her role as a caregiver and advocate for her daughter’s success.