My name is Pam Harris. I was born in Clanton, Alabama, but my parents moved to Montgomery when I was an infant and Montgomery is where I was raised. My parents are Doug Coggins (deceased) and Grace Coggins Veazey. I am married to Donny Harris and together we raised three boys and have 10 grandchildren. Donny and I along with our sons and their families currently live in Prattville, Al. I have a bachelors degree from Troy University in Business Administration/Accounting and worked for the State of Alabama for almost 36 years. My entire career was with the Department of Finance except for one year with the Department of Health. I served on the Association for Government Accountants Board as the meeting coordinator and Secretary/Treasurer during my career. I retired from State service on January 1, 2019, as an Accounting Director, from the Department of Finance.
I am excited about serving on the AMES board. Their mission and the Panda program hold a special place in my heart. My mother instilled in me that hard work and strong ethics were a requirement in life and that caring for and serving others, no matter of status in life, is an honor and reflection of who God created us to be. As a young woman I participated in nursing home and other care giving activities trying to bring a little sunshine to some of our most vulnerable and precious people in society.
At the age of 58 my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. For Daddy this disease progressed very slowly and for many years took his independence and all the things he loved away from him. Dad passed away from this disease in 2013 at the age of 77. My Dads life and ultimate death taught me the importance of having resources for not only people like him, but for the many caregivers that truly give their lives to help care for those suffering.
AMES and the Panda program, are some of those resources that look to help dementia patients and caregivers with the tools they need, mentally and physically. Our family found that learning more about this disease helped us to better understand how and why my Dad reacted in certain situations and to better care for him. It also gives caregivers a connection to one another for support and it helps to know you are not alone in this journey. Outreach, support and training are invaluable to caregivers and I believe it helps them get through some dark days they face and why I am passionate about AMES and the services they offer and why the Panda Program is so valuable.
I am excited to be a part of AMES and represent Autauga County. My hope is this program will help those that cannot help themselves, let caregivers know they aren’t alone and know that people in our community care and support them.