Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Valentine.
Hi Stacy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
GRO for Change Foundation was born out of a need we saw in the disability community. Through our connections to the community through my daughter, who has Down Syndrome, I met amazing people who I could see were not provided with the rich, meaningful, engaging opportunities they deserved. We saw the traditional programs lacking (especially post pandemic) as well as being a “one size fits all”; the other option is self-directed which creates a 1:1 relationship. This 1:1 relationship didn’t have enough community engagement.
After starting a business to support a small group of individuals outside of the traditional model we learned what these individuals were craving, how many in the community were not connected and decided to try to fill this gap. GRO for Change Foundation was born. We offer Guidance, Resources and Opportunities to folks with disabilities. We plan engaging activities, learning experiences and strive to build a group of friends who can come together in various situations and have a great time. We have designed some crafts that are something others may want and sell them at local craft fairs giving a “job” to the participants which fosters a feeling of accomplishment. We also strive to plan activities that open up possibilities for new interests, independence and confidence. Our non-profit was started in 2025 and we continue to grow and adapt to the needs of this community with many long term goals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with any pursuit there are always various components to the path. The very beginning was an unfortunate situation that led to me being made aware of how massive the need is. My family and I discussed starting a non-profit but had no idea where to begin. On an outing with the friends I support I encountered someone who had just completed the process and graciously offered her mentorship. Each time things have looked like this may not go the way I planned someone has been placed in my path to remind me to stick with it. Through various activities and happenstance we have been assisted along the path. For example – how do you raise funds and a friend suggested crafting and craft fairs and then a restaurant manager offered that they are involved in the community and host fundraising nights. I truly feel there is a guiding force keeping me on this path and offering various experiences/encounters to remind me of the end goal.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The biggest part of my job is as a Mom to 3 amazing children. After many years behind a desk my daughter and her friends have led me to the most fulfilling career change anyone could hope for. I work as a support person for adults with disabilities. I am fortunate that these folks were friends before clients so the transition was easy. My goal for them (as has always been the vision for my daughter) is to have them find their interests, strength and meaningful things to do. I started with a few that I work directly with but have added many that join us on our adventures regularly. With my clients I have created a wonderful group of adults who have “bonus features” and love to spend time together. My husband likes to tease that my job is finding fun, meaningful things to do and then doing them. I am extremely grateful that I was encouraged to take this route and develop the relationships with the some of the best people around. The thing that makes this group special is I assume they are competent when others focus on differences. I know if given the right tools and opportunities the sky is the limit!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the diversity of cultures in Baltimore and how there is an activity for everyone. Trails to bike/walk, all sorts of music, art and lots of history. The thing that makes me sad is that the most historic and cultural areas are not kept up and often have people whose needs are unmet causing a rise in them making choices to do things that aren’t good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://groforchange.org
