Easterseals participants volunteer at CHEER, learn valuable skills
It’s hard to find a group of people who bring not only dedication and a hardworking attitude with them, but also smiles. The CHEER Center, which serves Sussex County seniors, found all that in a group of volunteers from Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services. Participants at Easterseals love volunteering in the community, and thanks to this partnership, they are able to do that while learning valuable work skills.
“The participants from Easterseals have made a big impact here,” said Ed Miller, senior kitchen manager at the Cheer Center in Georgetown. “They’re a big asset for us. They’re very committed and have a great attitude. They’re always willing to learn new things. They are very reliable and dedicated. We depend mainly on volunteers, and they are really helping the community of older people who are in need. It’s great to see the community at work like this.”
Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services is a program for adults who need to build individual skills as they gradually work toward supported employment. Individuals in pre-vocational training take part in integrated community activities designed to promote employment readiness. This allows them to experience work-based learning, volunteer opportunities, and recreation and leisure activities that can help identify the job that’s right for them.
CHEER delivers about 1,700 meals a day and depends on volunteers, like the Easterseals group, to get them delivered. Easterseals participants help with about two to three routes each week at the Milton and Georgetown locations. They also help with plating and packing food, dishwashing and doing activities with CHEER members in the dining room such as Wii bowling.
“The participants get a lot of enjoyment out of volunteering here. Our members love them. I love it. A lot of the participants love that they can do things that they didn’t think they could do,” said Ricky Pitts, CHEER chef manager in Milton. “I would tell everyone that people with disabilities are part of our society; they want to work and volunteer like everyone else. They can learn these jobs. The group I have in here is just remarkable.”
In addition to pre-vocational job training, Easterseals helps businesses hire workers with disabilities through individual or group supported employment services. Employment specialists provide ongoing individualized training and coaching to ensure long-term success on the job. In group supported employment, small groups of participants work with on-site support and supervision by Easterseals staff.
“It feels awesome finding my place. I love what I do and helping the participants. I love their personality. Everyone has a uniqueness about them,” said Ja’Quasia Reid, Easterseals program support specialist. “It’s important for the participants to know they are capable of more. This trains them for all kinds of places. It’s a great partnership with CHEER.”
Terry Ross, also a program support specialist, agrees: “I love my group. They are a team. They work together very well and are willing to help each other. It means so much to them to be able to give back to the community. They talk about it all the time and how they enjoy what they do. I love coming here and giving a part of myself. I know it means a lot to the community.”
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, including: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, senior services, recreational camping, respite services and services for caregivers. To learn more about Easterseals, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit de.easterseals.com.
