Asheboro Magazine Issue 122

knows all too well that a person with special needs requires not only an education, but also a job.

“I always make sure to tell the students, ‘We’ll find a job that matches what you’re capable of doing,’ ” she said.

“We go and talk to that employer. Everybody deserves a chance. I want to make sure they know they have a space because once you feel like there’s no purpose, you give up.”

Hiring Pizzola was an easy decision for Crowfoot, whose first friend growing up had special needs and who volunteered with the special needs class at her high school.

“Lindsey is really interested in fashion and art,” Crowfoot said. “She wanted to work here.”

“Lindsay is the type of person who brings joy,” Eubanks said. “When Lindsey came through [The Preppy Possum] door, they fell in love.

After Lindsey visited The Preppy Possum a few times in 2017, she started working every Tuesday.

“Those are things that take a lot of time that she can help us with,” Crowfoot said, “and pre-COVID we’d have big groups and it was a huge help to have all of that done.

“Lindsey will tell me if she likes a painting. If I’m working on something, she’ll say, ‘Oh, I like that!’ and then sometimes she doesn’t say anything.’ ” During the holidays, Pizzola was particularly fond of the Olaf and Cindy Lou Who paintings.

While Pizzola folded and unwrapped, she and Crowfoot would talk about life and love — or sneak in a movie like “Dumplin’.”

“We work better together; we have a connection,” Crowfoot said. “We’re the work team here.”

When the pandemic hit, it was not only tough on the business, but also on its employee. Pizzola stopped by more than once to see when she could start working again — and bring the Crowfoot’s baby daughter, Ruby, a present. After a year-and-a-half, the door opened again, and Pizzola and Crowfoot were back into their routine, painting, folding, watching their shows, and talking about Pizzola’s boyfriend at school. (“Is he going to break your heart?” Crowfoot jibes.)

During a 2018 ceremony for National Disability Employment Awareness Month at Asheboro’s Bicentennial Park, Mayor David Smith presented The Preppy Possum with the Jim and Audrey Harriman Employer of the Year Award for their work with Pizzola.

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