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Anthony S. 6-06
David M. 6-08
Kelly C. 6-14
Chris S. 8-07
Kurtis S. 8-26
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Volunteering in the Community
We
believe that our consumers have a lot to offer their communities. We
also believe that greater community involvement leads to greater acceptance.
True inclusion is dependent on the development of meaningful and reciprocal
relationships between our consumers and other members of the community. So
often the folks that we serve are the receipt of community services and
support. Many times our consumers are not offered the opportunity to make a
contribution back to their communities. The general expectation that persons
with disabilities should only be the recipients of benevolence often
leaves the people we serve feeling devalued and under appreciated.. Providing
our consumers with the support and encouragement they need to contribute their
volunteer services not only supports the consumer's local community, but
also demonstrates to others that all members of the community have value. Our
consumers have proven themselves to be responsible, valued and much needed
community volunteers. Together, our consumers have put in numerous hours
supporting and volunteering at such agencies as the Orange County Food
Bank, the Boys and Girls Club, Meal-on-Wheels, the Orange County Animal
Shelter, as well as, political organizations, local community centers and
senior day health centers. As a result of such community involvement we have
seen our consumers grow socially as natural and real friendships develop
between the people we serve and other members of the community. We have
seen an increase in confidence among our consumers as they realize the
importance of the volunteer work they do. Finally we have seen community
members positively change their attitudes about how a person with
disabilities, often severe disabilities, can successfully contribute to his or
her community.
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