Blog

Meet the Council…Patricia Szweda

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. 

One of the newest members of the Family Support Council is Patricia Szweda. Patricia joined the FSC because she wanted to become more involved with our area agency and our fundraising efforts. After attending a few meetings, plans for in-person events were put on hold due to the current pandemic. Despite events being on hold, Patty has enjoyed being on the FSC and looks forward to the in-person events returning so she can utilize her expertise in fundraising and planning. 

A benefit of being on the FSC for Patricia is that it allows her to be in touch with people who live the same lifestyle that she does. Patricia’s son Josh is 23 years old and supported by Community Crossroads. Being in an environment with other people who have a loved one with a disability allows Patty the opportunity to ask for and receive advice, share stories, and relate to one another. She said before being on the FSC, many people she knew weren’t able to have those conversations and relate in the same way. 

Outside of being on the Council, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family and going on trips. Recently, Patricia trained Mikey, a service dog for her son Josh. She said her son and the dog have a close bond and the two of them are “so in-tune with each other”. 

A goal of Patricia’s once we can all gather in-person again is to help plan events and fundraisers that are fun for all.