We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Pope. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Hi Sarah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Over four decades ago, my purpose began to take shape within the halls of the National Autistic Society, where I uncovered a profound passion for transforming lives. It was there, amidst the diverse experiences and challenges that I discovered the deep fulfilment derived from supporting and advocating for individuals within the autistic community. This pivotal moment ignited a flame within me, propelling me on a journey dedicated to making meaningful difference in the lives of others. From that day forward, my purpose became clear: to dedicate myself to fostering understanding empowerment, and inclusion for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities and paving the way for positive change and brighter futures.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the visionary behind SOS Care, I’ve been instrumental in creating innovative programs and forging strong relationships with collaborative partners and donors in the community. The creation of Oak Tree Farm, an affordable housing neighborhood tailored specifically for individuals with autism and Intellectual disabilities, represents a significant milestone on my journey. This project showcases my commitment to addressing the unique needs of this community by providing them with a safe, supportive, and inclusive living environment. By spearheading initiatives like oak Tre Farm, I’m not only transforming physical spaces but also enhancing the quality of life and promoting greater independence for those I support.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Leadership and Visionary Thinking: The ability to inspire and lead a team toward a common goal is crucial. As the visionary, effectively communicating vision for the organization and Oak Tree Farm project, motivating others to share in the passion and commitment.
Community Engagement and Partnership Building:
Developing meaningful relationships with collaborative partners, donors and community stakeholders is essential for the success of the initiatives. By cultivating trust and fostering collaborating, you can leverage resources, expertise and support to advance your mission.
Expertise in Autism and Intellectual Disabilities:
A deep understanding of the disabilities is fundamental for creating impactful programs and services tailored to the needs of individuals in the community.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
To expand our network of collaborative partners and establish SOS Care as a leader in housing for individuals with disabilities in South Carolina, we would love to have partnerships with the following types of organizations, self-advocates, and families. Self Advocates
Families
Local Disability Organizations
Housing Authorities and Developers
Healthcare Providers and Service Providers
Educational Institutions
Government Agencies
Financial Institutions
Philanthropic Organizations
Contact Info:
- Website: soscaresc.org
- Instagram: @soscaresc
- Facebook: SOS Care, Disability Housing Options, SOS Oak Tree Farm, SOS Care at Charleston
- Linkedin: SOS Care
Image Credits
Mayor Barbara Blain- Bellamy, Sarah Pope, Nancy Torcivia Oak Tree Farm
