Breaking down barriers

Times Reporter

 

Walking into Katy’s Consignment Boutique is like being greeted by an old friend. Katy herself is often there smiling and happy, everything is neatly displayed; it’s almost like walking into a well-organized, giant closet. 

It was just over a year ago that Katy and her mom Betty partnered to buy the store, which was formerly known as Audrey’s Consignment. Buying a store doesn’t sound like much of a feat but when you realize that Katy, who has special needs, co-owns her own business it’s something pretty special. 

On June 28 Katy was awarded the Individual Leadership Award by the Calgary Region Community Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Program. 

“The award is for individual leadership and the reason she won is because she took the initiative, with me of course, she’s co-owner, and took on this venture of this business in town which is a very busy store,” said Betty. 

“She’s made a lot of friends in the last year, a lot of new acquaintances. This award basically validates Katy’s willingness to get out into the community and interact with people. We have a lot of regular customers.”

Both mom and daughter are board members of the Hope Bridges Society. It was Hope Bridges who initially nominated Katy for the award. 

“Hope Bridges believes that every person contributes to the well-being of the community in which they reside,” said Hope Bridges Chairman Marvin Hilton in his nomination request letter. 

“The organization exemplifies respect for all individuals, inclusion of all peoples, and the worth of every citizen in all areas of community life regardless of age, ability or nationality.”

At the beginning of opening the boutique Katy had been helping with pricing, re-organizing things, and with the customers. A dream of Katy’s had been learning how to work the cash register and handling transactions, something she now does fairly regularly. 

“Katy has shown leadership by working hard to pursue her dreams and create her life path. Her actions, both in her professional life and as a volunteer, are inspirational to all members of her community,” Hilton continued in the nomination letter. 

“Katy is influencing community views by breaking down barriers, and challenging the norm. She is leading a life of purpose, and serving others through her dedicated volunteer work.”

“It was really nice having people nominate her and people in the community giving her references,” said Betty. 

In the fall, Katy will have a chance to win the Provincial Individual Leadership Award with the PDD.