Client's perseverance inspires caregiver

Julie Flanagan of Mount Morris, who began pursuing a college degree in her 60s, said she was inspired by years of working with a disabled client.

Flanagan works with Justin Randall Jr., a high school athlete who suffered a debilitating injury in an alcohol-related care crash more than 30 years ago. Justin, who is unable to walk or speak with his voice, and Flanagan give an alcohol awareness presentation called "Think Before You Drive or Ride" at high schools across western New York.

"As a person who lives with serious disabilities, Justin is a true inspiration," said Flanagan, who returned to school to study social worker. "He has found ways to do what he thinks is important despite his limitations. I took that example to heart and made the decision to move forward with my education rather than allow my age or my own disability hold me back."

Also, by earning her degree, Flanagan will have the credential necessary to effectively continue sharing Randall's story if he is ever unable to do so.

Flanagan, who previously studied at Genesee Community College, is currently a senior at Keuka College where she was named to the fall dean's list. Students must earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average for a minimum of 12 credit hours to be eligible for the dean's list.

Flanagan, who is married to Micheal P. Flanagan, said Randall's perseverance in the face of adversity caused her to find hope in her social work courses as she supports his efforts and plans for future work community work and private practice.

Flanagan, who began her college education at 62, is planning to pursue a graduate degree in social work/rehabilitative counseling.

Flanagan began her studies at GCC's Dansville Campus Center. At the time had been married for four decades and a mother for many years.

She decided to go to college because she realized that she had accomplished many things that could be applied to her education. In 2014, her commitment was recognized with a Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education award. In 2015, she was chosen as a Coca-Cola Leader of Promise Scholar and received a $1,000 scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Flanagan, the first of her five siblings to go to college, has always had a passion for learning. She worked for 10 years as a religious educator in children's and youth ministry for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester. While there, she was certified in religious education at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry.

A fall while working a part-time job put Flanagan on permanent disability. She endured three back surgeries, a hip replacement and several other procedures. But she continued to pursue community involvement. She helped to found The Handiwork Ministry, a group that created handmade items of care and comfort for those in need and has volunteered with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Strengthening Families program.

Flanagan's own children, Arden and Nathan are GCC graduates, and a daughter Kathryn is a SUNY Brockport graduate.

"I had to make up my mind a long time ago that if I wanted a life with any quality, I would have to find a way either over or around the medical hurdles I faced," Flanagan said in a past interview with The Livingston County News. "I couldn't see myself just sitting in a chair for the rest of my life."

Randall's presentation, "Think Before Your Drive or Ride," is made possible through his relationship with New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, and gives an honest and sensitive look at what led him to make the decision to drink and drive. The program also helps some people to move beyond their own past negative drinking and driving experiences and make better decisions for the future.

More information about Justin Randall's programs can be found online at Justin's website, www.thinbeforeyudrive.vpweb.com.