Attendees of Allies’ day habilitation programs in Flemington and Salem County love to be involved with efforts to give back to their communities through food bank donations and volunteer initiatives.
In Flemington, the day habilitation program works with the Hunterdon County Food Bank, as well as the Hunterdon County Meals on Wheels program. The volunteer opportunities are available for every attendee of the day program.
On a weekly, rotating basis, about 15 day program attendees are involved with the programs. Each program has a designated leader who is always present on the days of those volunteer opportunities. The leaders help and guide their fellow volunteers.
“The idea of giving someone a lead-type role is that it is the natural progression when someone is doing well in a given job,” Joe Gleason, director of day habilitation services for Flemington and Green Brook day habilitation programs, said.
The food bank and Meals on Wheels programs have been very satisfied with the volunteer efforts offered by Allies participants. The folks who volunteer look forward to it and are very excited when they get the chance to give back.
“Our individuals connect not just with the staff at these institutions, but also with the other volunteers,” Gleason said. The opportunity to participate in these programs while forging bonds of connection is invaluable.
Meals on Wheels specifically gives participants the chance to get to know the folks they are delivering meals to, because volunteers deliver to the same route each week.
Throughout his career, Gleason has been a big advocate for volunteer opportunities like Meals on Wheels and the Hunterdon County food bank.
“Helping people to give back, and teaching them ways they can, has always been a major goal of mine,” Joe said. “It is an empowering feeling.”
In the southern portion of the state, Salem Day Habilitation is involved with the Meals on Wheels of Salem County. The program has been involved with the charity since moving to the county about 4 years ago, according to Dominique Lawton, activities coordinator for Allies.
“I think Allies’ involvement in programs like Meals on Wheels is a beautiful thing,” Lawton said. “I would love for Allies to get involved in other initiatives like this one.”
One thing that remains consistent, no matter where in New Jersey Allies folks are volunteering, is the community building aspect.
“Our participants build a rapport with the people they are delivering services to,” Lawton said. “It has been very nice to watch.”
“I think it is a great way for these communities to connect,” Lawton said. “I think it is a beautiful thing for folks to be able to build these relationships outside of the Allies community.”