Annie Gives Possibility

Annie Plassman certainly is no stranger to Turnstone and the possibilities that are created here. Being born with Cerebral Palsy, her parents knew early on that Annie would need therapeutic services. They were told about a tiny house on Fairfield Avenue, known as the Allen County Society for Crippled Children & Adults, where Annie was one of the first participants in the Infant Stimulation program. She began receiving speech, physical and occupational therapies and that is how, as Annie said, “this beautiful friendship started!”

“Turnstone has made a huge difference in my life,” said Annie, “When I started going to therapy, I learned how to do the developmental things I couldn’t do before, like have head and trunk control, sit, roll, etc.” Therapy might not have been her favorite activity as a child, but Annie attributes the services she received at Turnstone early on to the success she is experiencing now.

Annie also attended preschool at Turnstone where she met the teacher who changed her life. Because of this teacher, Annie would light up with excitement and couldn’t wait to go to school every day. “[The people at] Turnstone gave me the confidence in myself to grow as a person, both physically and emotionally,” Annie said. The support she received at Turnstone throughout her childhood gave Annie the courage to move away from home on her own and live life to her fullest potential as a Special Education faculty member at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Annie knows she is lucky to not only have teachers and therapists who inspired her but two parents who instilled the importance of giving back to the places and people who are making a difference. Annie was so proud of her parents for becoming the driving force behind the construction and opening of the Plassman Athletic Center in 2015. And, after her father Ron’s passing in January 2022, Annie knew she had a legacy to uphold.

Not wasting a moment, Annie was honored to help establish the Ronald W. Plassman Gold Standard award. She was able to present the first annual award alongside her brother, Mark, in the fall of 2022 to the US Women’s Goalball coach, Jake Czechowski. This award was established in memory of Ron, whose passionate support for people with disabilities truly set a “gold standard” for many, including Annie and Mark, to continue living by.

She says one of the best days of her life so far has been receiving a phone call from Turnstone CEO, Mike Mushett, asking her to join the Turnstone Board of Directors. Unsure of what she would be able to contribute at first, Annie realized that her time spent as a Turnstone client and professional experience in the Special Education field made her a valuable asset to the organization.

Because of all Annie has been able to accomplish so far, her biggest wish is to see more families and individuals with disabilities come to Turnstone so they can receive services and support to reach their goals and pursue their highest potential.

Turnstone might have provided a great start to Annie’s life, but it’s because of people like her and the rest of The Plassman Family that Turnstone can continue providing support and resources to those who need it most. We are thankful for Annie - she understands and demonstrates the importance of “Giving Possibility” to places like Turnstone that provide life-changing services for children and adults with disabilities.