11/05/2024
🌟 Team Spotlight: Stephanie Bridges 🌟
Today, we're excited to spotlight Stephanie Bridges, a dedicated and compassionate member of the Gracie Lane family. Stephanie's journey with us began when she witnessed Myrtle, Missy, and Shelia build Gracie Lane from the ground up. Inspired by their vision and hard work, she joined the team to help expand and grow our mission. "I love watching their hard work come alive," she says, and her dedication has since become an essential part of our organization’s success.
Stephanie's role goes far beyond a job—it’s her calling. Her favorite part about working at Gracie Lane is the meaningful relationships she’s built with our individuals and staff. She feels honored to make a difference in their lives and shares that the appreciation she receives here makes every effort worthwhile. Stephanie has many cherished memories, but one stands out: years ago, she met a young man she was told would be "too much" to support. Fast forward six years, and she was able to bring him to Gracie Lane, where he’s now thriving. "I met him for the first time before I even worked for Gracie Lane," she recalls, “and he found his way back into my life. It’s been incredible to see his progress.”
Outside of her work at Gracie Lane, Stephanie is a host family, which keeps her busy and fulfilled, spending most of her time with her loved ones. Family is everything to Stephanie, and her favorite place is simply "anywhere with my family." She’s also a proud Airbnb host and enjoys time on the river and working on her farm.
Stephanie’s drive to help others began long before Gracie Lane. She was inspired by a cousin who always needed a little extra support, yet has thrived and even found love. She realized early on that she wanted to help others achieve the same—living with independence, dignity, and joy. Over the years, Stephanie has found herself supporting people with disabilities in every part of her life, from babysitting a young girl to working in schools and even in public, where she’s always ready to help a child or adult in need. "My why is very personal," she explains. "It doesn’t stop at work. They find me everywhere, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Stephanie’s goal is to keep gaining knowledge in her field, knowing that the needs and best practices in her work constantly evolve. A recent personal dream of hers also came true: owning a home on the river—a place where she and her family can make beautiful memories.
One word that describes her role? Personalized. Stephanie values the importance of meeting each individual's unique needs and tailoring support to fit them. Her pride shines brightest when she reflects on the young ladies she supports at home, helping them grow into strong, confident women who know their rights and are encouraged to stand up for themselves.
Stephanie’s favorite quote says it all: "I never dreamed about success, I worked for it." And every day, she wakes up with the intention of spreading joy, starting her morning with a mindset of positivity and helpfulness.
We’re grateful to have such a remarkable team member at Gracie Lane. Thank you, Stephanie, for all that you do to make a difference! 🌼💛
