Posted at: 04/03/2009 10:31 AM | WHEC.com
Updated at: 04/07/2009 6:14 PM
By: Berkeley Brean
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2009 ESL Jefferson Award Winner: Julie & Kathleen Buick
Everyone who wins one of our ESL Jefferson Awards volunteers their time for a number of different reasons. This mother and daughter team only had to look at their sons and brothers for their motivation.
Julie Buick’s six-year-old son Bobby has autism. His older brother Billy is autistic too.
Julie said, “I truly needed to make a difference for our community and I need to have a place where my children are going to grow up and be accepted for who they are.”
Buick volunteered for most of her life but when her sons were diagnosed, she dedicated her life to helping young people with disabilities. “I am a better person, I’m a better parent. I’m dedicated to my community now.” And she’s not alone.
Her daughter Kathleen volunteers and wrote a letter about her brothers, published in the book, voices of autism. “My brothers are special because they have touched so many people and helped people learn about autism. I wrote this to represent how my brothers are like everyone else and they should be treated like everyone else.”
The Buicks spend most of their time volunteering at Heritage Christian Services and the Advocacy Center in Rochester running dances, buddy programs - all for children with disabilities.
They do it because of Bobby and Billy; they don't do it for the awards but their work is Jefferson Award worthy.
“I couldn’t believe it actually. I just thought it was amazing,” Kathleen said.
Julie said, “I’ve always helped people. I've always had that inner need to help people, to make the world a better place.”
