Visually Impaired Texarkana Realtor Earns Achievement Award
Salena Pruitt of Texarkana has been named the area’s outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services; Division of Services for the Blind (DSB).
She has worked over 2 years as a realtor at CENTURY 21 All points Realty in Texarkana TX. Prior to this she was a college student.
DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Angela Gray nominated Salena Pruitt for the achievement award because of her determination to overcome adversity and succeed at her work. She was selected from an area that includes Miller, Little River, Hempstead, Sevier, Lafayette, Nevada, Pike, Polk, and Howard Counties.
The award presentation was made at the noon business meeting of CENTURY 21 All Points Realty on Richmond Rd. in Texarkana, TX. Friday, August 10, 2018. Lunch was provided by Naaman’s BBQ of Texarkana, TX.
Mrs. Pruitt’s employer, CENTURY 21 All Points Realty, was recognized by DSB as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment.
Present for the award ceremony was Pete & Claudia Snow- Broker/Owner/Agent Century 21 All Points Realty, Jared Horton-Broker/Owner Century 21 All Points Realty, Carol Dalby/Arkansas State Representative District 1, Salena Pruitt/ DSB Consumer of the Year/Century 21 All Points Realtor, Angela Gray/DSB Vocational ReHab Counselor, Brady Talbot/Texarkana Lions Club President, and a number of other Century 21 All Points Personnel.
Mrs. Pruitt said she had been diagnosed with congenital nystagmus upon birth; and soon after developed retinopathy of prematurity, causing her to lose most of her vision. After moving to South Arkansas, Mrs. Pruitt referred herself to DSB, where she wanted to pursue college in order to enter into the working world. Upon eligibility, DSB assisted Mrs. Pruitt with college tuition and training. Mrs. Pruitt received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Little Rock.
“I appreciate DSB. Without these services, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to go back to school to pursue a career,” Mrs. Pruitt said. DSB also provided counseling and guidance, college training, supported employment, and job services.
Mrs. Pruitt is a member of Kern Heights Baptist Church where she teaches bible study in the children’s ministry. Mrs. Pruitt is also an active volunteer at her local nursing home where she visits with the elderly there. She and her husband Rick have one daughter, Mazie. They all enjoy watching movies together, and playing chess and super Mario cart. Mrs. Pruitt and her daughter are also active in Taekwondo, where Mrs. Pruitt is a 4th degree green belt.
This is the 11th year that DSB has given Consumer of the Year awards to recognize individuals who have managed their rehabilitation plans, gained marketable skills, secured good jobs, and become role models for others. An overall state winner will be selected at the end of the year.
DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or severely visually impaired and whose goal is successful employment. The division also serves youth and older blind individuals.
For information about DSB’s programs and services, visit the DSB website or call 1-800-960-9270, 501-682-5463, or deaf relay 711.