Over the past several months, we’ve been proud to spotlight parents in our local community taking action to make a difference in other people’s lives. In today’s often tumultuous world, nothing makes us happier and more inspired than to be able to showcase examples of people doing good for others.
This month, we are thrilled to feature Bethel resident, Sally Ajello, who left a career in marketing to pursue her true passion as an advocate for adults and children with disabilities.
Sally has had a passion for helping others from a very young age. “After graduating from college, I really wanted to apply to grad school for a masters in social work, I dreamed of joining Americorps to work with at-risk youth. Instead, another opportunity knocked and I took a job in public relations. Even so, I still managed to feed my passion to serve and worked part-time every evening at a residential women’s group home. I loved helping these women who many didn’t have a voice to express their needs. It was a humbling and fulfilling experience I’ve carried with me my entire life,” said Sally.
After becoming a stay-at-home mom and having some time to evaluate where she felt she could truly make a difference, Sally decided to actively pursue Advocacy. “I had personal experience that motivated me to chase this dream. I have witnessed firsthand how early intervention can change a child’s life for the better and unfortunately I’ve also watched so many families get lost in the special education system, so I made it my mission to learn the special education process so that I could once again be a voice to those that needed it,” says Sally.
Throughout the years Sally became extremely knowledgeable in this space, and has learned to navigate the system, becoming a trusted and reliable resource for friends and acquaintances along the way.
Sally explains, “For the most part, the special education laws remain consistent. Every child’s situation is unique so as an advocate you need to have a deep understanding of the law to protect each child’s rights and also be familiar with the appropriate programming for each specific disability. There are so many resources out there, but it’s a matter of parents being able to access the information and knowing where to look, which is not always easy,” says Sally.
Sally has recently joined the WeCAHR (Western Connecticut Association for Human Rights) staff as an Advocate. WeCAHR is a non-profit, grant-based organization that has been advocating for people with disabilities and their families since 1977. Its mission is to create and promote personal success, independence and community involvement for children and adults with disabilities.
Through her work at WeCAHR, Sally continues to fight for the rights of children with special needs and serve as a trusted guide for their families. Her main responsibility as an Advocate is serving as an unbiased, emotionally unattached person protecting the rights of the child to ensure they are receiving an appropriate education.
“Working for a non-profit is a totally different experience. Knowing that I have the opportunity to help children and their families set the framework for their future is life-changing. This is hands down the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Sally continued.
In addition to her work with WeCAHR, Sally serves her community as a director for the Bethel Education Foundation, primarily focusing on fundraising and is an active participant in her children’s schools, involved in Junior Achievement and the Bethel K-12 Annual STEAM Expo.
Sally and her husband, Tom, live in Bethel with their three children.
Click here to learn more about WeCAHR and how you can support its mission.
More about this month's sponsor, Pour Me Cofee & Wine Cafe:
Pour Me Coffee & Wine cafe is located in the heart of Downtown Danbury at 274 Main Street. As a fast-fine eatery, Pour Me'sinnovative, energetic and visionary team members fulfill the company's mission by serving best-ingredient food & drink to fuel & fortify people to go out and do good their in the world! Pour Me provides breakfast in the morning, lunchtime quick-serve, and is a full-service neighborhood bistro by night. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available. In addition to locally-roasted Sacred Grounds coffee and SerendiTea selections, come and enjoy beer, wine, draft kombucha, cold brew coffee and spirits. A full menu is available online at www.PourMeCT.com. Parking is easily accessible on the street or around the corner on Library Place at Bardo Garage. Come join in the resurgent energy happening in Downtown Danbury by stopping by and enjoying Pour Me Coffee & Wine Cafe soon!
Macaroni Kid Danbury-Bethel-Ridgefield is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the Greater Danbury area specifically Danbury, Bethel, Ridgefield, Redding, Brookfield, New Milford, New Fairfield, Sherman and Bridgewater. We pull together and publish local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more. Subscribe for free at danbury.macaronikid.com/subscribe/.
