VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Ability Center of Virginia is an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities lead productive, happy lives. The supportive and loving environment at the center makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated.
I stopped by their location in Virginia Beach to meet a very special volunteer named Stephanie Ipock.
Stephanie has been volunteering with the Ability Center for just over 12 years. She has a reputation for swooping in to fill any need, then stepping away quietly, never asking for so much as a thank you.
Ashley Hall, who works as Programs Director, told me, “Stephanie is such an amazing Everyday Hero. She does so many things for the Ability Center, for our participants, for the staff and she has such a big heart, but she never wants any recognition."
Stephanie is also a big help to the Ability Center’s Executive Director, Michelle Prendergast.
“Stephanie really is one of the most giving people, but she does it in a way where most people don’t know what she’s doing," said Prendergast. "It’s always behind the scenes and her heart just shines in everything that she does.”
Stephanie does do a lot: everything from summer camp lunches to Christmas gifts. She’s always thinking of ways to take care of Ability Center staff and participants.
Marvin Raby, a participant, was eager to share his thoughts on Stephanie: "One of the things that I love about her is that she helps us all no matter what we go through, even when things get kind of rough, she’s there to help us out.”
Cary Booth, another Ability Center participant, called Stephanie his best friend.
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On the day I stopped by to see Stephanie, she and her husband, Dave were bringing their new puppy, Vinny, to meet some of the folks at the Ability Center. She had no idea News 3 would be waiting for her.
When Stefan, a News 3 photojournalist, and I met her at the door of the Center, Stephanie was both surprised and confused. As the staff and participants cheered, I presented her with a well-deserved News 3 Everyday Hero Award along with a $300 gift certificate from our partners at Southern Bank.
Her response was reflective of her heart. Through tears, Stephanie told the group how much she loves them.
“You know, I started years ago with my husband, Dave, and you know, I just made friendships and lifelong friends forever, and they give me more than I could ever give them.”
Dave Kilby, who is also the Ability Center board president, chimed in as well and said, “Stephanie is one of those individuals that always is absolutely content sitting in the background. She prospers by seeing these individuals just have a lovely, wonderful life. For them to have purpose, for them to have meaning on a daily basis, and for her to contribute to that. That means more than any recognition she could have. That’s wonderful!”
It was our honor to highlight the selfless work done by Stephanie Ipock with the Ability Center of Virginia.
If you know somebody doing a lot of good behind the scenes when nobody’s looking, nominate them for an Everyday Hero Award!
News 3 Everyday Hero
