1. Alex Giobbi
3/2/15
Project HOPE
Adults with disabilities are often viewed as less than capable of being contributing
members of society. Truthfully, they are rarely, if ever, given the chance to disprove
that notion. In fact, 80% are deprived of the opportunity of meaningful employment,
denying them the quality of life that any other adult would take for granted. To use a
baseball analogy, it’s almost as if they are stuck in the minors, toiling in A-ball while
those around them have the opportunity to play in the big leagues. How does one
level the playing field and give them the opportunity they wish to have?
Every time a patron visits the Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, they see a very
convincing case that adults with disabilities want to work, can work, and are very
effective at doing their jobs. The brainchild of Ridgefield native and longtime
advocate, Valerie Jensen, is the answer to the question of- “What if we gave them a
chance?”
Valerie Jensen had many goals in mind when it came to opening the Prospector
Theater, but these goals can be boiled down to one simple idea: adults with
disabilities can work, provided they are given the right arena, supportive coaches,
and appropriate tools to succeed. Teach them how to work in a certain area, like box
office, concessions, or ushering, and not only will they have the necessary skills to
succeed, but they will also utilize those skills in their daily life.
Valerie is beloved, not only by the people who work in the theater, but also by her
hometown. Before the theater was built, Ridgefield residents had to go as far as ten
miles to see a first-run movie. When the project was initially announced, the
reception was more than enthusiastic, and since the theater’s grand opening, there
has never been an empty night.
Valerie’s devotion to adults with disabilities is based on the relationship she has
with her sister, who has Down syndrome. It is because of her devotion and
compassion that she views those that work in the theater as equals. She will listen
to the ideas that her employees, known as “Prospects”, have and she is always
supportive, regardless of whether a Prospect is having a good or a bad day.
Valerie’s enthusiasm for the theater makes her a very accessible individual; she is
often seen interacting with patrons, explaining the symbolism of the art that adorns
the theater walls, or promoting the latest addition to the Heads Up Café menu.
Because of the enthusiasm that she has in her work at the Prospector, she inspires
people to take pride, not only in their community, but also in their fellow person.