Goodwill has many opportunities throughout the organization for volunteers to assist with carrying out our mission. Some of these opportunities are available in the Day Services department. Those who volunteer their time and talents within the Day Services programs directly and positively impact the lives of adults with disabilities! Assisting with group activities, engaging participants one at a time in conversation, or providing staff with an extra set of hands, are all ways that volunteers contribute to the success of the program.
Last month the Waukesha Day Services program was fortunate to host a week-long volunteer opportunity for Inspirio Youth Ministry students. We have had opportunities to work with students from other organizations such as Divine Savior Holy Angles and Marquette University High School, but this was our first time working with this local organization.Started in 1980 and sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, this Nashotah-based youth ministry organization provides faith-based mission experiences for middle and high school age youth. The week-long experience allows the students to build community relationships and give of themselves as stewards of their faith.
Alexis, Jaylin, Ashley and Amanda were extremely energetic, eager and willing to give of themselves. Each of these young women formed true bonds with the participants they worked with and were noticeably saddened when their time with us was up.
We heard back from the students about their experience and this is what they had to share with us.
“We wanted to thank you for the awesome experience you gave us last week at Goodwill. Your hospitality and cheerful atmosphere made us feel so welcomed and the positive spirit within your program made everything we did so fun. Most of all, we noticed the genuine love and respect everyone has for each other and the example you set really made an impact on us.”
From all of us here in Waukesha, we would like to thank all our volunteers including these four students for all their hard work and friendship. Without volunteers our programs would not be as successful as they are. We look forward to the next opportunity we have with this wonderful organization and hope to cross paths with these four ladies sometime soon.
To learn more about volunteering at Goodwill, contact Cheryl Axford, Volunteer Services Manager, at 262-832-3229 or email her at Cheryl.Axford@goodwillsew.com.
