Promoting Volunteering at Day of Community Engagement
Wheatley Farms & Art Center in Brookville welcomed over 100 people and 17 community organizations during the Day of Community Engagement Volunteer Fair on May 7. Local nonprofits set up tables for potential volunteers and self-advocates to learn more about opportunities to become more involved in their community.
The Day of Community Engagement was hosted as part of Compass Validation Week and a celebration of how person-centered supports can lead to real choice and more fulfilled lives.
“I’m having fun,” said April Kloepfer, Self-Advocate and Camp Loyaltown camper, who looked forward to petting adoptable dogs from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. “I’ve been volunteering for AHRC Nassau for five years and I love it.”
April, who was attending the fair with her dad, Stephen, was eager to consider additional volunteer opportunities after managing a table dedicated to a cause close to her heart.
“I’m trying to get more people signed up to address food insecurity,” said April.
April recruited many new volunteers during the fair. She looks forward to making an even greater impact to ensure that everyone has the nutritional support they need.
Matt Hofele, a Personal Outcome Measures (POM) Training Clerk who receives residential support at the Greenlawn residence, was also manning a table, alongside Leigh Fanuzzi, Learning and Professional Development Specialist. At the table, he presented knitted bears and blankets that he sells through his business Wraps of Luv. Some proceeds are donated to nonprofits like Breakthrough T1D.
“I’m trying to see if anyone has any hobbies and wants to form a group,” Matt said. “We can work with each other and talk to each other.”
Matt was happy to see everyone come together to learn about organizations, such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, the American Red Cross of Long Island, and the Planting Fields Arboretum.
“It’s a good way to learn for me and a lot of other people,” Matt said.