We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Fledderjohann recently and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
In my line of work there are moments of heartbreak, and there are days of complete and utter joy. On those days, I get to watch massive barriers come crashing down.
Each time we kickstart a new program and get see needs met in a different way or get to see a new demographic of those with special needs come out and find joy in what they can do, that’s about as motivating as it gets!
Samantha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve worked with those with developmental disabilities for several decades. I started volunteering with Special Olympics nearly 20 years ago and am now the Special Olympics Coordinator and Peer Support Coordinator for Mercer County.
What I find the most challenging, and what I enjoy the most is finding a need that isn’t being met and then researching and putting together programs that benefit each individual.
These programs not only benefit our athletes, but they are also so important to their families and supporters. Often times this is the first time parents get to sit back and watch their child (or adult child) compete and see success the way many typical children do.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When I first took over this program, there was only one or two consistently offered programs. As I began to put together new programs, I used a significant amount of time planning how to ‘sell’ each of these programs to potential donors, volunteer coaches, and facilities. It quickly became clear that I was wasting precious time. The goal and outcomes all but sold themselves. Finding coaches, volunteers and gym space willing to work with us wasn’t the chore I imagined it to be. As one program became successful, others WANTED to be involved in something so special. The domino effect has truly come in to play here in the most beautiful way.
When your work brings joy, community, and an array of positive outcomes, it really will sell itself.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
You have to believe in what you’re doing. If you aren’t 100 percent sold on what you are offering, then you can’t expect others to be. Do your research. Where is the need and how is the best way to go about meeting that need?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercercountyspecialolympics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MercerOHSpecialOlympics
Image Credits
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