Allentown Rescue Mission Names Arc Volunteers of the Month of December!
We have Valued the Partnership for more than 25 years!
The ARC of Lehigh and Northampton Counties has partnered with the Allentown Rescue Mission for almost 30 years! The Arc’s day program, SPARC, provides Community Participation Supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. Robin, a SPARC Direct Support Professional, typically leads a group of 3 SPARC volunteers on Thursdays and Fridays to help with the Allentown Rescue Mission’s pantry organization as well as serving and/or packing meals for its residents.
Robin, who adopted a child with special needs 27 years ago, has worked for The Arc for 13 ½ years. She likes baking, seeing plays and planning parties, but most of all she really enjoys leading the group at the Mission, as it gives her a “good feeling to help others.”
Wael has been volunteering at the Rescue Mission for several years. He has attended SPARC for 11 years after graduating from the Scranton School for the Deaf. Wael is originally from the country of Jordan. He loves going out in the community and volunteering his time at the Rescue Mission. Volunteering gives Wael a sense of belonging and recognition, as he feels appreciated by the staff and community for his efforts. At home, Wael’s favorite hobby is building LEGOs and he has a vast collection of various models he has assembled over the years. Wael enjoys family time, shopping, dining out, cleaning and assuring everything around is organized. Wael’s fantastic organizational skills makes him a true asset in the Rescue Mission’s pantry.
Jessica is also a regular ARC volunteer at the Allentown Rescue Mission. Jessica, who is from the Slate Belt Area, has attended SPARC for 22 years. Jessica likes the color purple and shopping at the mall. Jessica really enjoys folding towels at the Mission and serving food to the residents, she says it helps her “feel nice.”
Nikki, of Whitehall, is an ARC volunteer at the Allentown Rescue Mission. Nikki has attended the SPARC program for 9 years. Nikki likes visiting her family, Chinese food, the color green and spending time writing and coloring. Nikki’s favorite tasks at the Rescue Mission are working in the Pantry, feeding the men and sharing a delicious lunch with them. Nikki says, “it makes me feel great!”
The wonderful relationship between The ARC and the Allentown Rescue Mission provides great reciprocity between the groups. Volunteering at the Rescue Mission provides an opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to give back to their communities, while offering acceptance and compassion to men who are homeless. Facilitating valued community roles is paramount in helping people with intellectual disabilities to achieve full community inclusion. This partnership is a perfect example of how volunteerism can have a significant and positive impact on all who are involved.
The ARC is very grateful for its long-standing relationship with the Allentown Rescue Mission and this opportunity to be involved in the holiday campaign.
