Cody Bowman is taking huge steps on making her dream of becoming a publicist for organizations that advocate for people with disabilities. The 28-year-old, who has Spina bifida, a disability of the spinal cord and backbone, receives services from Loveland's Community Opportunities program.
Bowman started working with Chris Meyer, Community Opportunities Program Manager, and Susan Georgi, Employment Specialist in early 2013 trying to find employment that fit her skills and in March she was offered a job at Goodwill Manasota.
Job coaches from Loveland Center help support participants from the initial stage of finding employment to the day they get hired, helping them become oriented to the new workplace and ensuring they are positioned for success.
"I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments Cody achieved throughout this year. She's our first Supported Employment participant to graduate with an associates degree." said Ms. Georgi, who supports Bowman on the job and makes sure she meets all of her responsibilities. "Cody is a determined young woman who has inspired lots of people with her can do attitude."
A 2014 December graduate of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Bowman is ready to put her Associate in Arts degree to use as she pursues a bachelor's degree in social work at University of South Florida, Sarasota.
Aside from attending school and working at Goodwill Manasota part-time, she is a Loveland volunteer who has built her path to success one small step at a time. In April of 2014, Bowman participated with seven other Florida women in Ms. Wheelchair Florida, a competition that emphasizes strong speaking and communication skills.
Bowman says she doesn't let Spina Bifida keep her from her accomplishments.
"I don't think of it as a disability," she explains. "I use it to my advantage and just because I can't walk doesn't mean I'm not valuable to society. I have to figure out different ways to do things, but it makes me stronger."
