Sheryl Goes on Vacation

Vacations look different for everyone, as we each choose what would be the most meaningful, or relaxing, to us as we plan to take time off work and away from home. For some, the perfect vacation is a beach getaway in the sun, skiing in the snowy mountains, fun-filled trips to theme parks, or cultural exploration in a different country.
 
For Sheryl, a person supported by InVision’s Community Supports program, vacations are dedicated to exploring county or state fairs and zoos in different states. For the past few years, Sheryl has taken annual trips, accompanied by Direct Support Professional (DSP) with InVision, Vicki Fountain.
 

Sheryl’s and Vicki’s Close Bond

Over the past four years, Vicki has supported Sheryl on her annual vacations—as Sheryl experiences high-functioning autism and has worked closely with Vicki in years prior. While in the role of Program Supervisor earlier on in her tenure, Vicki worked with Sheryl through Community Supports. At the time, the program was understaffed, so Vicki would fill in and work one-one-one with Sheryl to ensure she had the opportunity to attend outings in her local community.
 
Upon leaving the supervisor position, Vicki became a DSP, a position she currently holds with InVision today. Staying in close touch with Sheryl while she transitioned into this new role, Vicki continued to work with Sheryl weekly on top of a full-time caseload as a DSP. Now, Vicki is Sheryl’s dedicated travel companion, as the two have formed a bond that has allowed Vicki to learn the ins-and-outs of Sheryl’s specific needs—strengthened by working so well together over the years.
 

Sheryl’s Vacation Funded by Achieva

In 2024, Sheryl and Vicki went on not one, but two vacations to partake in Sheryl’s favorite activities, thanks to grant funds provided by Achieva.
 
Achieva is an organization, and member of The Provider Alliance (TPA) and various other coalitions with InVision, that is dedicated to “helping people with disabilities lead lives with personal significance.” As affiliates with The Arc of Pennsylvania, Achieva organizations offer services such as employment supports, housing, early intervention, special needs trusts, and family support. Similarly to InVision Foundation, Achieva offers a variety of programs and grant awards to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD); stepping in to break down financial barriers.
 
Earlier this year, Sheryl went on a vacation to Kentucky funded by Achieva’s “Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund,” dedicated to the memory of Cecil and David Rosenthal who were victims in the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Family members of the two men identified Achieva as a recipient for memorial donations, and donations to this fund are used to provide people who experience I/DD with community engagement activities. The funds cover expenses for community involvement ranging from amusement park passes and gym memberships to sign language classes and vacations, and more.
 
For the past few years, Achieva has funded a few of Sheryl’s vacations, awarding her grant money for her trips every other year. On off years, Sheryl saves up money of her own, as her exploration of new states is an experience that is beyond meaningful to her.
 
This year, upon returning from her vacation to Kentucky, Sheryl had leftover funds from the awarded grant. With these funds, and allotted funds she had saved up, Sheryl was able to take a second mini vacation to Lancaster, PA.
 

Sheryl’s First Stop: Kentucky

Throughout her time supported by InVision, Sheryl has expressed her great love for animals, noting that animals are far less judgmental than people. Sheryl has even written and illustrated a children’s book titled Emma Goes to the Doctor. The book was published in April of 2023 as a sequel to her first book, Emma the Giraffe, telling a story loosely based on her own experiences—discussing themes of disparities faced by people with disabilities within their healthcare. And of course, the book features animals and friends!
 
All this to say that Sheryl’s vacations are naturally filled with visits to county or state fairs and zoos. Toward the end of the summer this year, Sheryl and Vicki set out on a five-day trip to Kentucky, where they attended the Kentucky State Fair, the Louisville Zoo, and a Noah’s Arc encounter.
 
“I like to travel each year to see new things in different states,” Sheryl said. “I really like to see county and state fairs and have gone to amusement and water parks in the past.”
 
While visiting the Kentucky State Fair, Sheryl had the opportunity to interact with various animals—such as horses, cows, and sheep. The pair also had the opportunity to watch the horses practice for the horse show, which Sheryl described as a great experience.
 
“Sheryl loves animals,” Vicki shared. “She is not one to smile often, but when she is in the presence of an animal, and if she can pet them, a smile instantly comes to her face.”
 
In visiting the state fair multiple times throughout their stay in Kentucky, along with their other activities, Sheryl was able to enjoy looking at the art galleries displayed for art contests, lots of ice cream and delicious food, swaying along to bluegrass music, and shopping.
 

Sheryl’s Second Stop: Lancaster, PA

Recently, Sheryl and Vicki went on a second trip to Lancaster, PA. During their stay in Lancaster, the duo attended a play called DANIEL at Sight and Sound Theater featuring biblical themes. As someone who is passionate about their faith, and overjoyed to see animals portrayed on set, Sheryl loved the production—saying she would go back to see more performances at the theater.
 
Additionally, Sheryl and Vicki spent some time shopping around the outlet malls, where Sheryl was able to locate and purchase a few of her favorite style of clothing items.
 
“Sheryl is very private and doesn’t often like company outside of her supports,” Vicki said. “My absolute favorite moment from going on these vacations with Sheryl is one day, after spending the whole day together, she asked if I would like to come visit with her in her hotel room. And it just made me feel so good, and we sat there and talked for another hour. It warmed my heart. I think seeing the side of Sheryl that shows she appreciates you is huge.”
 
Thank you to Achieva and the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund for making this trip possible for Sheryl, and for all the incredible work they do in the human services industry! We are overjoyed to hear about the experience and are thankful that Sheryl has such experiences that bring her joy and help build her life around what she finds meaningful.
 
For more information, donations, and ways to apply, please visit Achieva’s website.