Blog
Meet the Council…Jen & Carol Dabrowski
The Community Crossroads Family Support Council (FSC) is an advisory board to the Community Crossroads agency to support, educate, and empower families. Families helping families is the best way to describe this group of 12 volunteers.
About a decade ago, Carol Dabrowski joined the Family Support Council. One of her main reasons for joining was to better educate herself on resources and support in the community, particularly for her daughter Jen who experiences a disability and receives services through Community Crossroads.
Throughout her time on the Council, Carol has been a part of planning craft fairs, karaoke nights, ice cream socials, Halloween parties and other activities that those of all abilities can participate in. Carol notes the Council has also shown their appreciation for caregivers by hosting a Caregivers Cruise. They have also taken part in planning our fundraisers that go on to help families in many ways.
Carol noted she is proud of what the FSC does in terms of advocacy, in many instances they have spoken up at hearings to support legislation to benefit all families. She added, “joining the FSC has made me a stronger person, one that speaks up and realizes that experiencing a disability does not push limits on what you can accomplish with your life.” She believes participating on the Council has helped her in her own career, which is as a registered nurse for over 35 years, because she has become a stronger advocate for patients.
A little over a year ago, her daughter Jen decided to join the Council as well. She enjoys being a part of the planning for the events that are held. Jen said, “with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a greater need for all people to connect and I want to be able to work towards planning and participating in activities that bring people of all abilities together.
Recently, Jen was nominated for Vice-Chair of the Family Support Council. She hopes that by sharing her knowledge and stories, people on the Council and the community will better understand what life is like for those with a disability. Jen said she wants to be a role model for those with disabilities.
Both members have enjoyed planning events for the Council and look forward to the more fun events and new ideas.
