#GenerationG in the 843 – Inclusive Faith  

#GenerationG is a worldwide movement that goes beyond Down syndrome and sends a global message of ACCEPTANCE for all. The core values of the #GenerationG movement are to be ACCEPTING, be GENEROUS, and be KIND! Each month, we will feature a story about individuals in our local Charleston community who represent those values.  

Our March 2024 story is about a member of a church who has gone above and beyond for one of its extra special church family members.  In fact, the story starts before this extra special member was even born! Elizabeth Willis, a speech language pathologist, and member of First Baptist Church Charleston immediately took action as soon as she heard about a little girl named Charlotte who was going to be born with Down syndrome to a fellow church family member. Elizabeth hand selected an early interventionist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech therapist to serve Charlotte upon birth. Charlotte’s mom recalls, “I remember talking to Elizabeth in the church parking lot one day after the service got out. I told her about Charlotte’s prenatal diagnosis, and she told me she knew exactly who would be on Charlotte’s team of therapists. She had no idea that in that very moment, that was the largest source of stress for me because I did not know anyone in the therapeutic industry! Each of those people that Elizabeth connected us with has ended up playing a huge part in Charlotte’s development and most are still working with her today.” 

Elizabeth’s kindness did not stop there. Now, Charlotte is 4 years old, and while she does great attending Sunday school and preschool praise with her typically developing peers, she does do best with a buddy assigned to her every Sunday. Their church is low on volunteers, so when Elizabeth heard of this need, she offered to be Charlotte’s buddy without hesitation. Each week that she serves as Charlotte’s buddy, she is selflessly giving up the opportunity to experience church with her own family! She has been instrumental in helping train the church staff and volunteers to best serve Charlotte so that Charlotte can be immersed in the preschool program and hear the word of the bible each week.  Elizabeth stated, “It has been an absolute joy to watch Charlotte grow these past 4 years. She and her family have blessed me beyond measure, and I feel very fortunate God put me in their path. To see her smiling face each Sunday I am with her brings so much joy to me. Charlotte is a true gift from God and such an inspiration to everyone she meets. She continues to amaze me with her progress and growth.  This family is so amazing, and I am blessed to call them friends.” 

Thank you, Elizabeth, for being ACCEPTING, GENEROUS, and KIND! You are a #GenerationG hero and are changing the way the world views Down syndrome! If you would like to recognize someone in our #GenerationG in the 843 monthly blog, please email submissions to Charleston@gigisplayhouse.org.