In Sussex County, Delaware, the CHEER Center offers seniors vital services, including meals and recreational activities. A remarkable partnership between CHEER and Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services is helping both the senior community and adults with disabilities. Through volunteer efforts, Easterseals participants not only provide support to the center but also gain valuable skills and experience to prepare for future employment.
Key Takeaways
A partnership between Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services and the CHEER Center in Sussex County, Delaware, benefits seniors by providing essential support while helping adults with disabilities develop job skills.
- Easterseals volunteers assist with meal preparation, delivery, and recreational activities at the CHEER Center, supporting over 1,700 daily meals for seniors.
- Through volunteer work, Easterseals participants gain valuable job readiness skills and experience in a real-world setting, preparing them for future employment.
- The collaboration fosters community bonds by creating an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive while contributing to the well-being of senior members.
Building skills and providing community support
Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services helps adults with disabilities develop the necessary skills to enter the workforce. Through volunteer work and work-based learning, participants engage in meaningful activities that teach them job readiness while benefiting their local community. This mutually beneficial relationship has become a cornerstone of the CHEER Center’s operations.
Ed Miller, Senior Kitchen Manager at CHEER Center in Georgetown, describes the positive impact of Easterseals volunteers, noting that they are a valuable asset to the team. He emphasizes that the volunteers are dedicated, reliable, and eager to learn new skills, and their efforts play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the senior community.
CHEER delivers about 1,700 meals daily to seniors in the area, and Easterseals participants play a significant role in this process. They assist with meal preparation, dishwashing, and packaging, as well as help with meal delivery routes in Milton and Georgetown. Their assistance ensures the CHEER Center can continue providing essential services to the seniors who rely on it.
Ricky Pitts, Chef Manager at CHEER in Milton, states that the participants gain great enjoyment from volunteering, and the members appreciate them. He also finds it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
A commitment to ongoing growth
The Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services program isn’t just about volunteerism—it’s designed to help participants develop long-term career skills. By engaging in various community activities, Easterseals participants receive work-based learning that builds their resume while developing social and professional skills.
Through Group Supported Employment Services, Easterseals provides small teams with on-site supervision, offering training and support in a real work environment. Participants work in the community and receive individualized coaching to help them grow into reliable employees. This creates an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive.
Ja’Quasia Reid, Easterseals Program Support Specialist, finds it rewarding to help participants recognize their potential and witness their growth. Easterseals also supports local businesses by assisting them in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities, ensuring mutual success.
Strengthening community bonds
The Easterseals volunteers at CHEER play a key role in the social life of seniors. They engage with members, participate in activities like Wii bowling, and build meaningful connections.
Terry Ross, a Program Support Specialist, says, “I love my group—they’re a team that works well together and enjoys giving back to the community. It means a lot to all of us.” Through their work at CHEER, Easterseals participants gain valuable job skills while also strengthening the community’s social fabric, fostering inclusivity and respect.
Mutual benefits for volunteers and seniors
The partnership between Easterseals and CHEER has proven to be a vital resource for both parties. Volunteers gain essential job skills and confidence in their abilities, while the senior community receives the support and companionship it needs to thrive. Volunteers help deliver meals, assist with kitchen duties, and interact with members—creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with mutual respect and encouragement.
By volunteering at CHEER, Easterseals participants gain insight into various roles in the workplace and build transferable skills that will serve them well in future employment. The sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community is a key element of the program’s success, offering a deep sense of purpose and connection.
Encouraging future volunteerism
This collaboration also serves as a model for other organizations to explore volunteerism as a means of fostering community engagement. The Easterseals volunteers at CHEER provide a reminder that people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to their communities, learn new skills, and be valued for their efforts. Easterseals also encourages individuals interested in volunteering or seeking services.
By creating inclusive spaces for both volunteers and recipients, programs like this are building stronger, more connected communities.
