NLACRC Consumer & Family Stories
Stacie Franklin
- Living Life to the Fullest
If you ever visit or call the NLACRC Santa
Clarita Valley office, chances are that you will encounter
friendly staff member Stacie Franklin. Stacie is an adult
consumer who works at NLACRC part-time as a file clerk.
She also assists with answering phones and organizing monthly
birthday lunches
for staff.
"I have even gotten a few co-workers together and we
have gone to the Santa Clarita Dodger Day two out of the
last three years," says Stacie.
 |
| Stacie is presented with an autographed
jersey by Angels star Jose Molina. |
Her NLACRC service coordinator David Haskins says, ÒI’ve
been Stacie’s case manager for the last two and a half years
and I probably saw her with her job coach maybe three times
. . . and that speaks to how good Stacie is at her job.
By the summer she no longer needed the job coach. She’s
a ‘get it done’ kind of person."
Stacie remains positive despite some personal challenges.
In July 1987 she was hospitalized due to the disease Diabetes
during a visit to New Mexico."At this point, I had
to choose to let this take control of me, or to take control
of it . . . I changed my lifestyle and eating habits and
began exercising more. I have lost 35 lbs. and continue
to keep the weight off," says Stacie.
She’s been through other personal challenges with the loss
of her grandfather and a close family friend in 2000, and
her sister Diana’s constant battle with Lupus, a chronic
inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the
body. Stacie says that facing these challenges reminds her
how important it is to "live life to the fullest."
In her spare time, Stacie volunteers at a pet supply store
and participates in a social group for consumers called
WICS. She also likes to travel having visited Alaska, Hawaii,
Russia, Norway, and Washington DC. But one of her greatest
hobbies is watching the Los Angeles Angels play baseball.
 |
| Stacie with her service coordinator
David Haskins at the NLACRC Santa Clarita Valley office. |
"We have had tickets to 20 Angels games
in one season. Over the years we have been at a lot of Angels
games and other events. My parents and I have been on three
Angels Fan Cruises over the last three years.
After 9/11/01, the Angels held an online
auction with proceeds going to 9/11 victims. I won one and
got it presented on the field. My sister and I were at the
Angels Victory Parade in 2002. I am keeping my fingers crossed
that I will be attending another victory parade in about
a month."
When asked about her future goals, Stacie’s reply comes
as no surprise when she says, "I want to work for the
Angels."
To other adult consumers, she offers this wise advice, "Set
your goals high, see what you can do and keep working at
it."
If you are a consumer, family member
or service provider in our catchment area (San Fernando,
Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys), and have a story you’d
like to share, contact us.
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