Sara Ann Conkling
Parrish Medical Center
Titusville, Florida

For over 30 years, Sara Ann has given more than 20 hours a week to her volunteer work. She considers this a very rich and rewarding life.

Sara Ann founded Brevard Ecumenical AIDS Ministry, an organization that provided over a dozen different programs for people living alone with AIDS and HIV. The cornerstone program was the buddy program, where volunteers were trained to spend several hours per week helping clients in their homes.

Sara Ann serves on the advisory board and the auxiliary of Country Acres Children's Home, a residential home for children who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment.  She raises funds for them, maintains the donor database, does grant writing and builds relationships in the community.  Currently she is running a campaign to replace worn out and broken bedroom furniture.  

Sara Ann is a driving force to keep Country Acres Children's Home under the control and financial responsibility of Brevard County. To honor her advocacy, the Home's new cottage for young women who have grown too old for foster care bears her name.

Of her work for the children of Country Acres, she says, “I get way more than I give.  Recently I was helping one of our young ladies shop for her prom dress.  It was a blast for me and also heartbreaking that her own family has abandoned her and all of the joy that this child brings.”

Sara Ann is the founder of the Brevard Transportation Advocacy Coalition, a grassroots organization that advocates for specific improvements for her local public transportation system, including increased bus routes.  Sara Ann feels that public transportation is key to many of us being able to access essential services, especially health care. Sara Ann serves on the Local Coordinating Board for Space Coast Area Transit, helping to ensure public transportation for disabled, senior, and economically challenged citizens.

She serves as a member of the North Brevard Coalition of Human Services, which annually provides a community Christmas Day dinner. Last year, Sara Ann organized a drive to gather new undergarments for the attendees.  This humble gift was appreciated by the adults while the children all received their gifts from Santa.

Sara Ann has served the board of the Friends of Titusville Public Library for many years, helping to raise money for children’s and adult literacy programs.  

Currently, Sara Ann is the caregiver for her aging mother, helping her to age at home.  Sara Ann considers fulfilling her mother's wishes her most important commitment.

Sara Ann has worked continuously – even since her childhood - to better the lives of people around her.  She fights for those who aren’t strong enough to fight for themselves.  She operates out of shared humanity, and a conviction that there is no "them", there is only "us.”