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Four years ago, when Vicky Starling heard about ACCESS, the news proved to be a lone star of hope in a dark sky of desperation. “My son, Walton, was 2 and a half years old and not talking, literally not even saying ‘mommy.’ He was also throwing such tantrums that he couldn’t continue Mother’s Day Out,” she explained. “We heard about ACCESS from a friend and went in to have him tested. He was diagnosed with severe apraxia of speech, which is a motor speech disorder. A few months later, he was submerged in therapy and adoration at ACCESS’ preschool, and within three months he could say ‘no’ and ‘mommy.’ At that point, ACCESS officially had a special place in our hearts.

“I will never forget my first parent/teacher conference at ACCESS,” Starling said. “I walked in prepared to visit with Walton’s teacher, but there sat a table full of people. They turned out to be Walton’s team. His preschool teacher, who, God love her, got him off his pacifier; speech therapist; occupational therapist; and an ACCESS co-founder, who talked me off many a ledge and pushed me to raise my expectations of him. All walked with Walton as they set objectives and goals for him. They also walked with our family as we continued his progress at home.”

Starling said there is no doubt in her mind that the early diagnosis, extensive speech therapy and fulltime education at ACCESS changed her son’s life. “It is extraordinary that this one organization can offer those with developmental delays and disabilities, from birth all the way through adulthood, such comprehensive services,” she said. “ACCESS uses a nationally recognized curriculum, and they provide full services, like diagnostics, therapy services and full-time education. In fact, several families have relocated to Arkansas specifically for this program.”

But ACCESS’ resources do not stop at evaluation and treatment; they also have specialized tutoring for students who struggle with reading, reading comprehension and written expression. “They have also recently established an endowment fund,” Starling explained. “That will provide financial security for many decades to come, as well as a much-needed young adults’ program that offers an unprecedented level of community integration for participants. For a small nonprofit organization, this is tremendous.”

Starling and her husband, John, are co-chairs of ACCESS’ 14th annual Starry Starry Night fundraiser, set for Thursday, March 8. Guests can look forward to a fun, upbeat celebration at the Peabody Hotel Grand Ballroom in Little Rock. The event began fourteen years ago as a small outdoor party on the ACCESS campus and has since grown into a special event where families and the community can come together to raise awareness and funds for ACCESS.

“My hope is that, through this article future sponsors and attendees will see an opportunity to step up their commitment to ACCESS,” Starling said. “I’d love it if people who are unfamiliar with ACCESS would join us at Starry Starry Night to learn more about this remarkable asset and the extraordinary work they do.”

The Starlings’ experience with their child is just one of many. Vicky said, “if one single, concerned and scared parent reads this and reaches out to ACCESS and begins to get help for their child, my goal as Starry Starry Night’s co-chairman will have been achieved.”

The Starlings would love for you to join them at Starry Starry Night to celebrate ACCESS and the work they are doing. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Callie Gutierrez at (501) 217-8600 or visit ACCESSGroupInc.org.

Hometown: I was born in Union City, Tennessee. It’s a little town northwest of Memphis, and my entire family lives there.

Hero: My mom is, without a doubt, the most selfless, giving and inspirational person that I have ever had the honor of knowing. She demonstrates to me everyday what a terrific mom should be like. That is why she would be my real life hero.

Education: I was raised in Little Rock, the only child of Carl and Kathy Pierce. I went to Miss Selma’s School, then Forest Heights Junior High, Hall High and then the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. I graduated with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice.

First Job: My first real job was at a card shop called Scribbles, at Pavilion in the Park. It was a ton of fun mixed with a little work, but I learned from this early experience the importance of accountability and responsibility.

Spouse: My husband, John Starling, is the president and owner of JTS Financial Services, and he is the most amazing person. He embodies energy, and in everything he does he gives 110 percent. John’s “do right” and “do your best” mentality molds our family.