Val Sutton is the “Queen of Dad-Jokes,” crowned so by her sister Michele. She took the stage at the Athens Big Hearts Talent Show as “Val the Gal,” a nickname lovingly given to her by friends at esp. Having workshopped her stand-up routine at the local community center, Val also purchased a costume—a shimmery suit with an accompanying cape designed to make her look like a disco ball. Her bright and shiny outfit could not match the twinkle in her eyes Val gets when she wrinkles her nose and laughs in anticipation.
Four years ago, Val moved to Georgia to live with her sister’s family after their mother died. Michele and Garth Scott discovered esp right away and became active members of the community alongside Val. As a special education teacher, Michele recognized the importance of giving Val a place to feel connected. “esp is a place that I wish the whole world was like. It is inclusion. It is joyful. It is providing what every individual needs to be successful without a one-stop-fits-all approach,” says Michele. What Val needed for success was friends and activities that encouraged her to grow, and grow she has! One of Val’s favorite esp programs is Miracle League Baseball, where she plays first base. Last year, she set a goal to run all of the bases without a walker. When she achieved that goal, the celebration on the field included both teams and everyone in the stands. “Val gets celebrated A LOT,” says Michele. “As a family member, I adore celebrating Val. But this organization expands the community for Val as they see the things I see in Val. When she hears it from other people, it becomes part of her story and she can believe it.”
Val’s confidence has enabled her to try many new things with esp, including riding a mechanical bull. Her social calendar could rival that of a celebrity, including dance parties and weekly classes in cooking, music and art. “She believes she can do anything now because she HAS done anything and everything with esp,” said Michele. The benefits of esp are not limited to Val – Michele has found a place where she can give and receive support. Online forums provide everything from topic discussions to requests for specific resources.
If joy is a measure of success, then esp is surely excelling. Val and Michele agree that with esp, every day feels like a parade.
Get in on the Fun!
Val’s story reminds us of the importance of having a place that builds your confidence and celebrates your success . Her life has been improved by the people at esp, who provide a variety of engaging programs with consistent touchpoints to inspire her growth and lift her spirits. Creating these transformative experiences requires dedicated staff, volunteers, and funding.
If the idea of fostering love and belonging in your community resonates with you, connect with esp today. You can cheer on players at the Miracle League Field, walk the red carpet with a new friend at the Big Hearts Gala, work as a summer camp counselor, or simply share a smile over coffee served by one of our Java Joy Joyristas. Every act of service contributes to a brighter future for esp participants and their families.
📣 Join the Movement
- Volunteer: Cheer, serve, and celebrate with us—Sign up today
- Sponsor: Make a lasting impact as an esp corporate partner—Explore opportunities
- Donate: Your gift fuels inclusion and joy—Give now
Together, we can transform lives—including our own—in extraordinary ways.
