Meet the Team – Holly from careerBOOST
Walton Options is very fortunate to have a wonderful set of individuals who daily contribute to the services and projects that we offer our consumers. Our staff and volunteers are at the heart of what makes Walton Options tick. Which is why we want to introduce the team to you!
This month, we sat down with one of our careerBoost Team members at our North Augusta office, Holly, to find out a little more about not only her work at Walton Options but also some of her favorite things.
Name: Holly Shuford
Department: careerBOOST
Work Title: careerBOOST Program Manager
Office you are based at: North Augusta
What’s your favorite …
Color: Green
Movie: “Hoosiers”
Song: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones
TV Show: Jeopardy
Pizza topping: Mushrooms
When did you start at Walton Options?
I worked with Walton Options briefly in the spring of 2017. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to return in November of 2017.
What is your role at Walton Options? How do you interact with consumers?
I manage the careerBOOST/OH YEA program for the South Carolina offices. This program teaches self-advocacy and work readiness skills to transition-aged consumers. I interact with consumers during classes, and occasionally I get to interact with walk-in consumers.
What drew you to work/volunteer with Walton Options?
I have always enjoyed working with and helping people, and can’t imagine doing anything else. After working with the special services department of several school districts for nearly two decades, I was looking for an opportunity to use the skills I had gained in a new and different way. Walton Options seemed to be the perfect fit.
What is your favorite aspect of working at Walton Options?
I enjoy the camaraderie amongst the staff, as well as the opportunity to work together towards a common mission.
If you could champion one aspect/focus/area of disability rights, what would it be and why?
Transition services for youth. Many students are not adequately prepared for what lies ahead when transitioning from high school to the workforce or higher education. More needs to be done to make students with disabilities aware of the services that are available to them in higher education settings, as well as what their rights are when it comes to applying for and obtaining employment. Hopefully the careerBOOST program can help foster this awareness.
Who inspires you and why?
Too many to list. I have met some remarkable people in my life. The people who inspire me most, are those who are met with adversity, and use that adversity as motivation.
If you are interested in learning more about what Walton Options has to offer persons with disabilities, give us a call at 706-724-6262 or 803-279-9611, complete our Contact Us form or submit a Self-Referral Form.