Twenty years ago when Stacy worked in a County Medical Intensive Care Unit, she came across a developmentally delayed patient whom someone had sexually violated and beaten. In those days, fellow nurses often did not understand the specialized needs of patients with disabilities and could only give limited care to the victim. When Stacy inquired about what was being done to protect, educate, and prevent sexual assault of people with developmental disabilities, she learned that no agencies existed to provide preventative services. Stacy decided to act.

Stacy’s early exposure to people with disabilities -- her mother served as Director of Special Education in the 1970s, as well as Stacy’s working in Free Clinics/Women’s Clinics, and sexuality education training -- gave her the foundation upon which she began building what became Seeds Educational Services, Inc. (SEEDS), a non-profit organization. To do so, Stacy left a very promising career as a nurse in 1987 to turn her idea into a reality. Through the organization, Stacy created a personal safety curriculum for people with cognitive disabilities -- and those assisting them. The curriculum teaches relationship understanding, boundaries, and assertiveness skills. She lectures all over the country regarding abuse awareness, relationship building, and teaching abuse prevention/assertiveness skills for people with developmental disabilities.

In addition, Seeds helps patients integrate into broader society by reinforcing their social and interactive skills. For example, SEEDS hosts five parties a year for people with cognitive disabilities at various locations. These provide places for them to come together in a safe atmosphere to interact with their peers, learning and practicing social skills. These events also help build the patients’ confidence to interact with others, enhancing and developing lasting relationships within their own community.

Stacy has continually taken jobs as a Nursing Instructor over the years to keep SEEDS afloat. Her dedication never falters. Stacy’s efforts have gained attention; recently out-of-state organizations have begun to call upon her for her experience and expertise in helping formulate, develop, and implement curriculum and training programs. Stacy Everson works tirelessly to help the developmentally delayed among us, not only to teach them to protect themselves but also to take their rightful place in our society.

To learn more about Stacy Everson and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.seedseducation.org .

Read More Hero Stories >