VINCENT — Helping others can be very rewarding, which is something Kelly Sewell, founder of S.U.C.C.E.S. Services in Vincent, figured out early on in life.
Sewell was featured in the newest season of “Small Business, Big Heart,” an inspirational online series by Deluxe, a payments and business technology company, in partnership with Truist Financial Corporation. The series showcases small businesses that give back to their communities.
In Episode 12, Sewell discusses her passion for helping those with disabilities and how her clients’ experiences inspire her each day.
During the episode, Sewell tells the story of how she found her passion and was inspired to start S.U.C.C.E.S. Services by helping a family friend’s disabled daughter.
“I used to care for Michelle while her mother worked,” she said.
She did this for more than two years, then started into caregiving full time after graduating high school.
“For 17 years, I worked with area companies, but after a while I was encouraged to get my own agency license,” she said.
S.U.C.C.E.S. Services began in 2005 to provide care, compassion and support to people with disabilities. The organization’s staff of 27 serves 23 people locally with support that ranges from a few hours a week to 24/7 assistance.
“Clients may gain something from us, be we get so much more,” Sewell said. “It is completely self-rewarding … I love to see the joy and progress in clients and over the years it has inspired me to keep going.”
Sewell explained that disability or not, everyone struggles with something.
“I was never able to have children due to medical reasons, but caring for clients has made me feel complete and not dwell on that fact over the years,” she said.
Getting to have the full experiences helping others is something Sewell said she wishes more people got the chance to do.
“When people see the difference in someone else, I think that changes them as well.”
Deluxe worked with Truist to select small business owners who were Truist clients known for giving back to their communities.
“Deluxe was grateful to partner with Truist in Season 2 of ‘Small Business, Big Heart’ to showcase the passion and perseverance of their clients,” said Erica Adams, director of communications for Deluxe. “This content helps to educate small business owners anywhere in the country who are looking for inspiration and insight into the life of a small business owner.”
Adams said Sewell is one of many inspiring examples of a small business owner whose investment in their community is fueled by compassion.
Madeline Scarborough can be reached at [email protected]