Students from Chapel Haven’s Community Life Program enjoy giving back to the community as volunteers.
Every Wednesday, the students visit the Mary Wade Home to volunteer. They hang out with the seniors at the home, exercise with them, play cards and help them converse.
Kara enjoys the social interaction
Community member Kara A. likes volunteering because it gives her a chance to get out and socialize in a supportive environment.
Dana H. enjoys helping the residents with a big variety of activities.
Jamie H., who is a graduate of Chapel Haven’s REACH program and an active participant in Community Life, enjoys helping and playing cards with the elderly residents. “I like volunteering at Mary Wade because it is fun and it gives me joy to see other people happy,” she said.
Dana H. in exercise class.
Chris Sidarweck, Coordinator of Community Life for Chapel Haven, said the Mary Wade Home is just one of several agencies where the students help out. “The residents love each week when we come there. They enjoy us partaking in all their activities,” he said.
The students also help out at Crosby Commons, St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen, New Haven Reads book bank, the Best Buddies office in North Haven, Masters Manna, FISH food pantry, Caring Cuisine, Friends of Edgewood Park and many more.
Jamie H. plays a round of cards with the seniors.
The Community Life Program (CLP) offers a structured, community-focused day for individuals who are either not working or working a limited number of hours. Chapel Haven’s CLP provides participants with opportunities to explore, interact, and volunteer in the greater New Haven area. The students make meals together, do volunteering in the community, go bowling and to the movies, and many other fun activities.
To learn more, inquire at admission@chapelhaven.org.
