National Volunteer Week, April 18 to 24
Adults with Disabilities Give Back to their Community
April 15, 2010

Taren Czyrski volunteers every week at the Crayola Factory.

BETHLEHEM, PA – Every week more than 100 individuals with disabilities set off from Via across the Lehigh Valley to volunteer their time and give back to their community.  They head off to organizations like the Children's Home of Easton, the Crayola Factory and the March of Dimes to help make their community a better place.

“Adults want to be valuable, active, and productive members of their community,” said Lisa Musselman, Via Community Connections Director.

“They volunteer because they enjoy working with other people and developing new relationships.  It’s their contribution - their Investment - in their communities and neighborhoods.”

Via’s Community Connections program helps people with disabilities connect and live in their communities through volunteer and recreational activities.  These experiences help people develop interpersonal relationships and explore vocational options.  In addition to life skills, Via coaches people individually or in small groups on communication skills, socialization, vocational skills, public transportation, volunteerism and recreation.

Alan Soos volunteering at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In the last year, Via volunteers have logged more than 3,100 volunteer hours at 26 organizations across the Lehigh Valley.  National Volunteer Week 2010, Celebrating People in Action, honors those who dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities.  It’s also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities — to put themselves at the center of social change.

Via has been serving our community for more than 56 years.  Via’s mission is to provide support and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities so they can live full, independent and productive lives.

Via gives hope to families across our communities by working hand in hand with parents to give their kids a chance for early success through speech and physical therapy.  Via works every day to help people find jobs in our community so that they can have a satisfying job of their choice.  And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering and participating in recreational activities.  Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

To schedule an interview or photo opportunity in reference to
Via’s Community Connections program, please email Via@ViaNet.org or call 484-893-5390.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390