Read, Watch or Listen
Stories were sent to us in different formats—Audio, video and written. If you’d like to view stories for any of these formats, use the links below.
Written Stories
Video Stories
Recorded Stories
Share A Story
Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Share A Story NowJason's Vision
Jason is a man with vision. He lives in a rural Levy County area and saw a need. People with disabilities in this community had limited choices and not much of a chance of reaching their goals or fulfilling their dreams.
He began by opening a gift shop, and has not only created a place for his friends and family with disabilities to craft and create, but also formed a strong networking resource where he can be an advocate for them.
You see, Jason, too, has disabilities. He was born with Down Syndrome, a hearing deficiency, and is legally blind. At six weeks old, it was suggested that he be placed in an institution. He was later diagnosed with over 300 airborne and food allergies and had to undergo aggressive medical therapy until the age of five. In 1999, he was diagnosed with auto-immune liver disease and diabetes.
Through all of this, he perseveres. He has been working at various locations of Regal Cinemas, Inc. since 1998, and has used that money to finance the Angels are Forever gift shop, which he opened in 1999.
He has created positions and jobs within the shop for his friends with and without disabilities, such as clerical work, building maintenance, and landscaping. His positive work ethics and long-standing position with Regal Cinemas, Inc. has also assisted him in networking jobs in the public sector with a variety of businesses in the communities of Levy, Alachua, and Gilchrist counties.
Jason was not given much of a chance when he first came into this world, but without the small chance he was given, the people in our community would have missed out on all of the opportunities they now have.
Story was submitted anonymously
Read Another StoryGet Connected
Pass It On DownloadsSign Up For Emails
Request Posters & DVD
Build Your Own Billboard
Start Something
Values on Campus! Start something on your College or University campus.
Awards + Recognition
See the awards our TV spots and billboards have received.
| VALUES.COM |
Main Sections |
|
About Us |
Follow Us |
Your Comments
Your a good person Jason!
Posted about 3 years ago by from Gilbert, Arizona
Jason:
We all need role models in our lives, to make us better in so many ways. Thank you for being that model to those in your community and the world, through this website.
Posted over 3 years ago by Holly H. from San Diego, California USA
Jason, You are an inspiration to all! Aim high and the possibilities are endless. Pass it on...Keep the faith.
Posted over 3 years ago by Alysia S. from Hatfield, PA
Over the same sea on the same winds, a ship sails in one direction , another in opposite. It is not the winds that decides which direction the ship goes it is the sails, how they are tied and maneuverd. It is not the fates that decide where your life is going.. its all about how you take life and where you take it to.
Posted almost 4 years ago by KIRTHISHRI M.V. from India, Bangalore
Simply DIVINE. Thanks Jason.
Posted about 4 years ago by Vernetta from Atlanta, Georgia USA
One person like you with vision who captures opportunities without excuse in order to make a difference, is influencing people around the globe. I would love to meet you and the founder of the Foundation!
Posted over 4 years ago by Chad F. from Layton, Utah USA
This has shown me a way.
Posted over 4 years ago by Anil S. from India
It is people like Jason who inspire us and make us realize that no hurdle is too big to be overcome with hard work and dedication.
Posted over 4 years ago by Armaan V. from Delhi, India
Never to give up! And just try to make your horizon as bright as you can, because it's all about what you can make and create!
Posted over 4 years ago by Amal from Kuwait
Despite the fact, press on.
Posted over 4 years ago by Tony O. from Malaysia
This is wonderful inspiration for all of us, to do our very best! Always. And we will be lifted up!
Posted over 4 years ago by Dorothy R. from Arkansas, USA
Wow, definitely inspirational.
Posted over 4 years ago by Chuch from Arizona, USA
This story has made me think about my own potential and the opportunities which I've been presented with..If he can do so much with so little, then the rest of us who are blessed with better health can do so much..Thanks for the story...Glad to know there are people like Jason around..
Posted over 4 years ago by Moses S. from India
We become what we set out to be. Get rid of self-pity you can do a lot.
Posted over 4 years ago by Aradhna S. from India
You're one of a kind. I hope that everybody, not only those with disabilities, could have the guts and strong will that you have. All the best.
Posted over 4 years ago by Rufina D from Hong Kong
Life is like a blank page, how we fill it, depends on us.
Posted over 4 years ago by Nirmal s from India
Keep on going and reaching your goal of life!!!
Posted over 4 years ago by Joven P. from
hats off on you!
Posted over 4 years ago by Cleofe A. from Cayman Islands
Keep it up, sir!
Posted over 4 years ago by Jeffrey G. from Philippines
Life is our hands we either make it or destroy it, after all you are conquerer!
Posted over 4 years ago by Claire K from Nairobi, Kenya
"Remember to smile, and why!
Posted almost 5 years ago by from
I salute you!
Posted almost 5 years ago by Flor A. from Singapore
I am a person with a disability and I am also a highly creative being. This story has inspired me. Thank You, Jason. Namaste
Posted almost 5 years ago by Patricia S. from Santa Fe, NM
I always used to read and say "it's not what you do, it's how you do it" but the story tells us, "it's not what you are gifted with, it's how you gift it to others."
Posted almost 5 years ago by Hiba-tu-Saboor from Pakistan
A live without pains is like a tree without root. we ought to be bold in everything we find ourselves and give our best to learn from it
Posted almost 5 years ago by nelson benjamin from nigeria
Incredibly inspirational. Shows us how we can do anything we put our mind too.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Aimee from Japan