Back to School Carnivals 

In celebration of school beginning full time each year in the fall, volunteers bring a carnival of fun for the students and families. Each school has students with different abilities so a carnival is tailored to their unique needs.

Classroom Support 

Throughout the school year, there are opportunities to provide support to teachers and students by donating various items that are needed to help in the classrooms. Items not covered by the school may include applesauce for medication, replacements for soiled clothing, school supplies, or weighted blankets.

Sewing Group 

To promote dignity by keeping students’ clothing clean during mealtimes and crafts, clothing protectors are used each day. Local elementary schools and businesses donate new, terrycloth towels for the volunteer sewing team to make about 450 large covers each year. 

Community Classroom Volunteers 

Volunteers can build rewarding relationships and support teachers and students by helping in classrooms, going on field trip outings, assisting with adaptive physical education, and playing games with students. (Pilot Program – training provided)

Staff Appreciation Luncheon 

All teachers are exceptional, but teaching at a school where every student has cognitive impairments holds a distinctive role. Each year a luncheon to honor the invaluable service of the over 250 dedicated teachers, education professionals and support staff at the school is held. It is an event that the staff looks forward to every year and shows appreciation for the work they do in this special community.

Grounds Beautification 

In the spring and fall there are opportunities for large groups to work together on projects designed to improve the landscaping and maintain the grounds surrounding the schools.

Material Assistance 

By working with school staff, students who are at the most risk are identified to provide tangible assistance. Common items include adaptive clothing, medical devices or helping with bills. Larger expenses such as a wheelchair ramp or a washer and dryer have also been provided.

School Celebrations 

We partner with the schools to assist with special events and parties throughout the year to give students, their families and staff a chance to enjoy their vibrant school community.

Sponsor-A-Family at Christmas 

During the Christmas season, we engage our network of volunteers to sponsor families from the school, ensuring that the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, not hardship. Families are selected with the help of the school social workers, who work with them to put together a wish list. We match families with volunteers, who purchase, wrap and if needed, deliver the gifts. This program brightens the holidays for over 30 families each year and in several cases exposes more dire needs in the family to be met.

Tea for Two

This cherished event is a small group gathering in a volunteer’s home between girls with special needs and the women in their lives who have had a positive influence on them. They spend an afternoon together doing a craft, activity, and having tea. During the tea, each woman reads a letter expressing qualities she appreciates about her young friend. This is a very precious time together.