Stacey Sparks is the Community Work Incentive Coordinator under the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Project and is the Project Coordinator for the West Texas Youth Leadership project.  Ms. Sparks joined the Imagine Enterprises team in October 2001.

The Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA), is a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration.  This grant is a product of the 1999 Ticket to Work and Work Improvement Act of 1999. As the Community Work Incentive Coordinator, Ms. Sparks travels throughout a 104-county region in West Texas explaining Social Security Work Incentives that promote employment for individuals who are receiving SSI and SSDI benefits. Her audience ranges from beneficiaries/recipients, professionals, family members, and anyone else interested in learning more about work incentives. Ms. Sparks provides free and accurate information on how employment will affect Social Security cash benefits and medical coverage.  She assists individuals to identify, request, and submit the appropriate work incentives with the SSA; as well as providing long and short-term support and follow-up services.

The West Texas Youth Leadership project is funded through a grant with the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and through the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Stacey and other Imagine staff members teach students with disabilities show to advocate for themselves and how to become future leaders in their communities.   

Stacey Sparks has 20 years of experience assisting people with disabilities to become a part of their community. Ms. Sparks spent several years assisting people with mental health concerns secure safe affordable housing as well as educating them to access various community resources. The majority of her experience has focused on developing community employment opportunities and assistance for people with a wide range of disabilities.

Ms. Sparks is a dedicated advocate and is committed to assisting people with achieving their personal and professional goals.  She loves working for Imagine because we get to make a difference in the lives of the people we work with everyday. I got into this type of work because I wanted to make a difference in the world and make life better for people with disabilities. In the past when I worked for other agencies it seemed to be more about programs and meeting numbers and less about really helping people. At Imagine it's always about putting the person first and helping people reach their goals and realize their dreams. I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people through my work and I am inspired by their strength and determination.