Thanksgiving traditionally marks the start of a season of charity – a time of giving back and giving thanks. We love this time of year! But we also know that this spirit is very much alive and well throughout the region, 365 days a year. We recently sat down with one organization doing some outstanding service work right here in Fairfield County.
Fairfield County-based nonprofit Ability Beyond is a truly incredible organization that provides supports to individuals with developmental disabilities in Fairfield County and beyond. The agency provides a wide array of services – from residential to job support and career development to enrichment and recreational activities.
Our friends at the Ability Beyond’s new Norwalk-based day program are also particularly committed to finding opportunities for their clients to get involved in community service.
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As part of its Norwalk-based day program, young adults ranging in age from 21 to 29 spend significant amounts of time each week volunteering with local nonprofit agencies. They help rescue food with Norwalk-based Community Plates. They volunteer in the office at the American Cancer Society in Norwalk. They help at Weir Farm clearing trails and more in Wilton. And they also lend a hand at Darien-based Person-to-Person sorting clothes and food donations.
Director of Volunteers at Person-to-Person Janet King says the Ability Beyond volunteers make a real difference.
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“They are a welcome addition to Person-to-Person's family of volunteers,” said King. “They are dedicated, hard-working and contribute to our mission. We are delighted to have them on board!”
Rebecca Cosgrove, Day Program Manager at Ability Beyond, says it’s really important to the organization to empower their participants to give back to the community through volunteering.
“Often our participants are viewed as being the ones to need help but there is so much they can do to give back,” said Cosgrove. “Volunteering here in our backyard is a real cornerstone of our program and we are so grateful to our community partners who have welcomed us with open arms.”
Cosgrove went on to say that volunteering is a powerful way for the program’s participants to make new social connections and feel a sense of accomplishment in the community. How awesome is that?
Right now, Ability Beyond is looking for volunteers of their own to help run enrichment programs like art and music classes. If you’re interested you can learn more here.
Remember to sign up for our free, custom e-alerts so we can keep you in the loop on volunteer projects here in Connecticut that matter to you. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter, too!
