Today is such a special episode! Brittany is sitting down with long time friend, Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of the non profit organization, ESP: Extra Special People. ESP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to serving as a beacon of support for disabled individuals and their families.
ESP has SUCH a strong mission to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families - and it all starts with their heart-led leader, Laura Hope.
In this episode, you’ll hear Laura’s incredible story of how the non-profit organization was handed over to her at only 19 years old after the passing of ESP’s director and Laura’s mentor. Laura was just a sophomore in college at the time and began learning on the fly what it looked like to raise $50,000 for the ESP summer camps, hire her friends to help out, and provide care to the families…all while still trying to study for her Geology exams to make it to her junior year. It’s now been 20 years since then, and she still loves it just as much as she did from day 1.
As Laura likes to say: Sometimes you choose your job, and sometimes it chooses you.
Her inspiring story of stepping up to the plate when she didn’t feel ready reminds us that God uses the inexperienced, the meek, and the humble for His glory - that’s how He works! Don’t let Imposter Syndrome or lack of knowledge make you feel like you can’t go after that dream that God has dropped into your heart. He gave it to you for a reason - and the clarity on exactly why will typically present itself once you start taking ACTION.
In this episode, the duo is chatting about:
- Laura’s story of taking over the organization
- Finding the beauty in the fact that there is power in our weakness
- The Tom Holland event in London raising awareness for ESP
- What a Joy Exchange is, and
- All the ways ESP is serving families and the community in Georgia
From summer camps, to 360 family support, to employment, ESP provides multiple ways for families to participate. The organization is truly changing how children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disorders, and more are experiencing the world.
Laura’s story and the story of those in the ESP program will leave your heart warmed from joy and gratitude.
To get involved with ESP, check out their website and Instagram handles provided below!
Follow ESP on Instagram HERE.
Follow Laura on Instagram HERE.
Follow Java Joy on Instagram HERE.
Check out the ESP Website HERE.
Watch this episode on Youtube.