Volunteer Opportunities for Western Connecticut

In partnership with United Way of Western Connecticut

It's about people caring about people.

The "Lend-a-Hand...Mend-a-Home" program of Ability Beyond Disability began in 1997 as a result of the success of several "Day of Caring" projects arranged through the United Way. We match area business and service organizations with our residences based on the level of involvement they want to have as adopters.

Through Lend-a-Hand...Mend-a-Home, area business and service organizations have helped with the maintenance and upkeep of our consumer's residences as well as the making of friends through social activities provided by the adopters.

If you want to be a "hands on" adopter and have skills for painting, landscaping, plumbing or other "trades-type" knowledge, we have a home for you. If your group is more "socially" inclined and would prefer an afternoon of pizza and a movie, cookie baking, holiday decorating or a day of beauty for the ladies, we have that home as well. With over 100 residences, Ability Beyond Disability has a location for you. Our residences include homes, apartments and condos, in Fairfield and Litchfield counties in CT and Westchester and Putnam counties in NY.

As socialization is an integral part of the Lend-a-Hand...Mend-a-Home program, being part of their community is an important feeling for our consumers. Through their adopters, they become part of the community.

The level of involvement is totally up to you. Each location has specific needs, both physically and socially. Some adopters have provided furnishings or appliances. Some have provided the "muscle" to add a retaining wall or steps in a yard. Others have hosted a picnic or holiday parties. We even have a home that would like to have a monthly BINGO game. The choice is yours.

The only requirement of a Lend-a-Hand...Mend-a-Home volunteer is to care about others and want to make a difference in their lives.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Ability Beyond Disability

Volunteers will work with the following groups

Adults (26-54) Older Adults (55+) Disabled / Ill Young Adults (18-25)

Occasional

Adults (55+) Large Group (11+) Individual Small Group (2-10)

Disabilities Nonprofit Organization Human Services

Advocacy Painting / Wallpapering Arts / Culture Performer / Musician Companionship Recreational Activities / Sports Dancing / Drama Tutoring Landscaping

Contact Person:
Greg Bastek, Director Of Development, (203) 775-4700 x3171, (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

4 Berkshire Boulevard Bethel, CT 06801 (See a map)

Directions:

From I-84 EAST: -Exit 8 (US 6 E/Newtown Road Exit) -Stay Straight to go onto Route 6 E/Newtown Road -At 4th traffic light, take Left onto Garella Road (Opposite 7-11) -Take first Left onto Birch Drive -Take first Left onto Berkshire Boulevard -Take the third driveway on left. Ability Beyond Disability is the farthest of the three buildings. The main entrance is the walkway leading up to the double sliding doors. From I-84 WEST: -Take Exit 8 (Newtown Road/Bethel) -Stay Straight to go onto Route 6 -Get in Left Lane to go onto Newtown Road (Route 6 EAST) -Stay Straight onto Route 6 EAST -At 4th traffic light, take Left onto Garella Road (Opposite 7-11) -Take first Left onto Birch Drive -Take first Left onto Berkshire Boulevard -Take the third driveway on left. Ability Beyond Disability is the farthest of the three buildings. The main entrance is the walkway leading up to the double sliding doors.

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Bethel Brookfield Danbury Hawleyville Newtown Ridgefield
Counties:		Fairfield Westchester