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Partner Families
The Davis Family - 2009
My life
On July 29, 1969 I was born to the parents of Everett and Maggie Davis. My mother gave birth to me seven months into her pregnancy, due to me being born early. My weight was only two pounds at birth. Later my parents found out I was born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a birth defect caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. It affects everyone differently, but for me it affected my leg muscles. It is difficult for me to walk without using my crutches. I am the youngest of seven children. I have two brothers and sisters. My siblings didn’t cut me any slack because of my disability. For example, I had a leg operation to improve my walking. The doctor did not make it clear to my parents that I will have to learn how to walk again after surgery. It was hard for my sister and brother to help me walk, because they did not want to see me in pain. However, they made sure I did my exercises every day.
My parents taught me at an early age that regardless of my physical challenges I could do anything I put my mine to. They were right about that! When I was a junior in high school I wanted to try out for a sport. I wanted to earn a letter for my school jacket. Some of the school staff members did not want m e to try out for anything! They felt that I would not be able to perform the task that was asked of me. After talking to my mom and dad, I decided to try out to be a Mat-Maid. They were cheerleaders for the Wrestling Team. I was the star at the first meet of the season. All the school staff were in attendance, they wanted to see how I overcame what they thought was an obstacle for me. I sat down on the mat, like all the other girls, and cheered the guys on. I was able to be at Mat-Maid for my senior year as well. I thought the challenges I faced in high school were huge, but I overcame each one of them.
I had my first job working for Jobs for the Handicapped. I realized that life was always going to be filled with challenges for me. The biggest challenge I faced was when I worked for this company and explaining to the staff members I didn’t need their help all the time. After working for Jobs for the Handicapped, I found a job that can help me meet my full potential. I have worked at MCI Long Distance Company. This job was a great experience for me. It gave me insight on my ability. I worked for them for three years, until they relocated the call center. After leaving MCI, I started working for my current job, the Hyatt Regency of Indianapolis Downtown. I have worked for the Hyatt for the last fifteen years as a Switch Board Operator. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with about 240 associated and during this time I feel I have matured as an individual. For example, when I started to work here in 1995 I thought people were always looking for me to make a mistake because I was disabled. I soon learned that this was not the case. I have been recognized by the management committee many times for my hard work and dedication. I know I wouldn’t have received such an honor, if they didn’t like my work performance.
When I turned thirty I moved into my first apartment. This was a very exciting time for me. When I moved out on my own, I saw life in a different aspect. For example, I have lived with my parents the majority of my young adult life. The small things like buying groceries, household supplies, bills, etc. I had to figure out a way to go shopping for these things because of my handicap. I spent many hours shopping, waiting on the bus, and putting away food. I quickly saw that I was in for an adventure, but it was a great feeling for me to think outside the box and quickly become independent. For instance, I asked my housekeeper if she wanted to make some extra bucks by doing some of my shopping and to help me develop some problem solving skills. I had to be a responsible individual and make smart decisions.
In 2002, my life took a big turn around when I got pregnant with my daughter. My daughter’s name is Zoe Marie Daniels. The birth of “Zoe” was delightful, amazing time, it surprised everyone. I was nervous at first to have a child due to my disability, but my doctor told me that everything will be fine. I had to come up with clever ways to care for my unborn child to come, also more ways when she was actually here. I had to put “Zoe” in a small basket to put her in bed, because I could not hold her while standing. The fear that I would drop her was terrifying. Motherhood for me has been a fun, loving experience. My daughter has helped me keep a positive outlook on life. At this point in my life I feel that I’m ready for my next adventure. Owning a home for me and Zoe is one of my dreams come true. I want to be able to buy a home that Zoe can grow up and later say that is her childhood home.
This program has given me the opportunity to become a homeowner. Zoe and I are looking forward to our new home. It will allow us to have space that we need and privacy. We have moved back with my parents, and there is nothing like being in your own home. Every day of my life I strive to be positive and successful in everything that I do. My daughter feels that I’m her hero, and that means the world to me. I want her to know that if you set a goal, the sky is the limit to your success.
Joan Davis
The Davis Family - 2009
On July 29, 1969 I was born to the parents of Everett and Maggie Davis. My mother gave birth to me seven months into her pregnancy, due to me being born early. My weight was only two pounds at birth. Later my parents found out I was born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a birth defect caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. It affects everyone differently, but for me it affected my leg muscles. It is difficult for me to walk without using my crutches. I am the youngest of seven children. I have two brothers and sisters. My siblings didn’t cut me any slack because of my disability. For example, I had a leg operation to improve my walking. The doctor did not make it clear to my parents that I will have to learn how to walk again after surgery. It was hard for my sister and brother to help me walk, because they did not want to see me in pain. However, they made sure I did my exercises every day.
My parents taught me at an early age that regardless of my physical challenges I could do anything I put my mine to. They were right about that! When I was a junior in high school I wanted to try out for a sport. I wanted to earn a letter for my school jacket. Some of the school staff members did not want m e to try out for anything! They felt that I would not be able to perform the task that was asked of me. After talking to my mom and dad, I decided to try out to be a Mat-Maid. They were cheerleaders for the Wrestling Team. I was the star at the first meet of the season. All the school staff were in attendance, they wanted to see how I overcame what they thought was an obstacle for me. I sat down on the mat, like all the other girls, and cheered the guys on. I was able to be at Mat-Maid for my senior year as well. I thought the challenges I faced in high school were huge, but I overcame each one of them.
I had my first job working for Jobs for the Handicapped. I realized that life was always going to be filled with challenges for me. The biggest challenge I faced was when I worked for this company and explaining to the staff members I didn’t need their help all the time. After working for Jobs for the Handicapped, I found a job that can help me meet my full potential. I have worked at MCI Long Distance Company. This job was a great experience for me. It gave me insight on my ability. I worked for them for three years, until they relocated the call center. After leaving MCI, I started working for my current job, the Hyatt Regency of Indianapolis Downtown. I have worked for the Hyatt for the last fifteen years as a Switch Board Operator. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with about 240 associated and during this time I feel I have matured as an individual. For example, when I started to work here in 1995 I thought people were always looking for me to make a mistake because I was disabled. I soon learned that this was not the case. I have been recognized by the management committee many times for my hard work and dedication. I know I wouldn’t have received such an honor, if they didn’t like my work performance.
When I turned thirty I moved into my first apartment. This was a very exciting time for me. When I moved out on my own, I saw life in a different aspect. For example, I have lived with my parents the majority of my young adult life. The small things like buying groceries, household supplies, bills, etc. I had to figure out a way to go shopping for these things because of my handicap. I spent many hours shopping, waiting on the bus, and putting away food. I quickly saw that I was in for an adventure, but it was a great feeling for me to think outside the box and quickly become independent. For instance, I asked my housekeeper if she wanted to make some extra bucks by doing some of my shopping and to help me develop some problem solving skills. I had to be a responsible individual and make smart decisions.
In 2002, my life took a big turn around when I got pregnant with my daughter. My daughter’s name is Zoe Marie Daniels. The birth of “Zoe” was delightful, amazing time, it surprised everyone. I was nervous at first to have a child due to my disability, but my doctor told me that everything will be fine. I had to come up with clever ways to care for my unborn child to come, also more ways when she was actually here. I had to put “Zoe” in a small basket to put her in bed, because I could not hold her while standing. The fear that I would drop her was terrifying. Motherhood for me has been a fun, loving experience. My daughter has helped me keep a positive outlook on life. At this point in my life I feel that I’m ready for my next adventure. Owning a home for me and Zoe is one of my dreams come true. I want to be able to buy a home that Zoe can grow up and later say that is her childhood home.
This program has given me the opportunity to become a homeowner. Zoe and I are looking forward to our new home. It will allow us to have space that we need and privacy. We have moved back with my parents, and there is nothing like being in your own home. Every day of my life I strive to be positive and successful in everything that I do. My daughter feels that I’m her hero, and that means the world to me. I want her to know that if you set a goal, the sky is the limit to your success.
Joan Davis
Partner Families
• The Adam Family - 2010• The Allen Family - 2010
• The Brown Family - 2010
• The Davis Family - 2009
• The Davis and Goldman Family - 2010
• The Dominique Crittenden Family - 2010
• ShaDonna Crittenden - 2010
• Garrard Family - 2010
• The Ghebremedhin/Wurota Family
• The Gordon Family - 2010
• The Johnson/Winters Family - 2010
• The Lewis Family - 2010
• The Lynn Family - 2010
• The McCarter Family - 2010
• The McClure Family - 2010
• The Morton Family - 2010
• The Naing Family - 2010
• The Paicely Family - 2010
• The Parker and Turner Family - 2010
• The Pye Family - 2010
• The Short & Hernandez Family - 2010
• The Simmons Family - 2010
• Carla Jo Taylor - 2010
• The Danita Thompson Family - 2010
• The Webster Family - 2010
• The Winters/Johnson Family - 2010
• Partner Families Archive
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