National Volunteer Week, April 19 – 25
Adults with Disabilities Give Back to their Community
April 9, 2009

Taren Czyrski volunteers evey week at the Crayola Factory.

BETHLEHEM, PA – Every week more than 100 individuals set off from Via across the Lehigh Valley to volunteer their time and give back to their community.  They head off to organizations like Luther Crest Retirement Community, the Crayola Factory and the Salvation Army 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 of the Lehigh Valley provides services for children and adults with disabilities from birth through retirement.  Via’s Community Connections program helps people 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.

National Volunteer Week 2009, 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.
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by former President Richard Nixon and has grown exponentially each subsequent year, with literally thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week.  And with President Obama’s recent endorsement of the Serve America Act (www.bethechangeinc.org) and his call on Congress to support this vital piece of legislation, this year will be even more energizing and inspiring.

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.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.  Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays.  Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment.  And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.  Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment.  Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives.  Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

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