The Community Based Day Supports (CBDS) program model fosters community membership, independent living, and supports participants to achieve their self-determined goals. One of the ways The Arc of Opportunity’s CBDS program executes its mission is through meaningful volunteerism in the North Central Massachusetts area. The Arc has an average of ten volunteer groups weekly across an array of sites from the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels to Worcester’s Ecotarium. This presence is making a big impact in the lives of the participants in our program and community!
Why Volunteer? - Volunteerism provides a fulfilling forum for individuals to sharpen social skills, make connections and practice vocational skills for a pathway to employment. While personal development is one of the core reasons to participate in volunteer activities, there is also a bigger picture The Arc is trying to achieve – societal change. The Arc is constantly challenging the societal perception that persons with disabilities are “less than” their community members without disabilities. As people make connections with persons with disabilities and see them as valuable peers in the community their perceptions are challenged.
Ginny’s Helping Hand Inc. is a non-profit organization The Arc began collaborating with this year. Ginny’s Helping Hand has a mission to help the citizens of Leominster by providing a “hand up, not a handout.” Participants in The Arc’s CBDS program offer support with various tasks throughout the consignment and food pantry areas; tasks range from sorting food items to hanging new clothing. Kyle, a volunteer, commented on what he values most about this volunteer connection is “all the new people I [Kyle] get to meet!” Each group is met with a supportive smile and with a thoughtful delegation of tasks that meet the unique abilities and skill set that volunteer crew has to offer. It truly is a win-win for both The Arc and Ginny’s Helping Hand.
The Arc’s Day Services support an array of men and women to be the best versions of themselves. Community members, as you see The Arc's groups in the community hard at work, feel free to say hi, make a connection and, of course, keep us in mind for any of your volunteer-driven needs. You will not find a more committed crew to get the job done!