Julia Roberts of Owensboro has been named the new Executive Director of the Green River Area Down Syndrome Association, known locally as GRADSA. She will begin transitioning into her new role over the coming weeks.
Roberts is presently the Aquatic Supervisor at the Owensboro Health Park, where she has worked since 2012. According to Roberts, she first became aware of the work of the GRADSA organization when she was asked to serve as the Program Coordinator for the GRADSA “Fit with Friends” program sponsored by Owensboro Health in 2014. Following the “Fit with Friends” program, Julia coordinated a summer day camp in 2015 for individuals with Down syndrome and has continued to serve as a GRADSA volunteer since. Mrs. Roberts states, “My heart and passion for individuals with Down syndrome has always been there, but being where we are in the organization and where I am in my personal life I feel like now is a perfect time and GRADSA and I are a perfect fit.”
In announcing Roberts’ selection, GRADSA Board President Jonathon Estes said, “We’re quite happy that we were able to find someone with Julia’s personal and professional background to lead our organization in the coming years. Up to this time, GRADSA’s staff support has been provided by contracted workers. According to Estes, Roberts’ employment represents the next steps in implementing the organization’s strategic plan, which calls for organizational growth and the employment of a full-time executive director.”
The Green River Area Down Syndrome Association is a non-profit charitable organization that serves families and individuals with Down syndrome in a ten county area including the Green River region of Kentucky. Its mission is “to enable families enriched with the Down syndrome connection to share resources, build friendships, and advocate together for the future of people with Down syndrome.” For further information, go to the organization’s website at: gradsa.org.
