Thank you students!

As a non-profit agency not only do we rely on donors for their generous financial assistance, we also count on the incredible support we receive from volunteers across Ontario County.  Each year, hundreds of local residents approach the agency to see how they can also make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.  It is truly amazing.

This past semester, the agency's College Experience program at HWS Colleges had quite a few students volunteer and assist with different activities going on at the site.  Three of those students -- Jennifer Evans (major: psychology; minor: health professions), Sarah Lubeck (major: psychology; minor: sociology / child advocacy), and Matthew Laycock (major: psychology; minor: child advocacy) -- will be graduating next week...

HWS students and College Experience participants enjoying pizza together.

 

Their time, kindness, talents, and hard work was much appreciated by the entire agency -- especially by the HWS College Experience staff and participants.  Everyone wishes them the best of luck as they begin this new, exciting chapter in their lives.

Here is a little piece written by Jennifer, Sarah, and Matthew about their time volunteering:

When working with the students in the ARC College Experience Program, we have helped the students with their academics, social skills, overall life skills, as well as providing each student with out full positive attention and support.  We constructed a calendar for the month of April with the students, which listed all of the activities or events that were to take place.  We also worked on the students monthly newsletters, math problems, writing checks, resumes for future internships/jobs, and other homework and in-class assignments.  One a more playful note, we constructed spring-themed greeting cards with the students for people living in the nursing home to brighten their day.  Most recently, we revealed our creative sides while decorating Easter eggs as a group.  For the remaining time we have left with the ARC College Experience Program, we plan on creating a cooking video with the students, in which they will be making a pizza.  We have really enjoyed our experience with the ARC College Experience Program students and faculty and are thankful for being able to be given the chance to get involved.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Donna Auria -- the agency's director of development -- via e-mail or at 585-919-2191.

Thanks to Ryan Smith and Becky Castano for the information and pictures!!