The goal of every individual is to be able to live, work and enjoy recreational activities in their community. The people Ability Beyond Disability serves are no different. The Lend-A-Hand...Mend-A-Home program (formerly known as Adopt-A-Home) began in 1997 when we first matched a few area business and service organizations with our residences. Today over 50 organizations have given more than just a helping hand; Lend-A-Hand...Mend-A-Home helps our community become more aware of the limitations faced by people with disabilities as well as their unlimited abilities when given the right opportunity and/or challenge. Through the donation of time and friendship, relationships have developed between our consumers and adopters. These friendships have fostered greater diversity in the community.
The purpose of the "Lend-A-Hand...Mend-A-Home" initiative is to provide a vehicle by which civic, corporate, faith-based and other volunteer groups accomplish a task at one of our homes that helps make a difference in the lives of the people living there. Ability Beyond Disability is committed to improving our group homes that are operated and maintained throughout Connecticut and Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties in New York. Through the "Lend-A-Hand" initiative, volunteers help improve and maintain these residences while contributing to the overall sense of security and well-being for our consumers.
Our "adopters" have taken on projects that range from landscaping, replacing roofs and blacktopping driveways to hosting a summer barbeque or holiday party. It is the one-on-one social interaction between consumer and adopter that has contributed to their quality of life. If you want to be a "hands on" adopter and have the skills for painting, landscaping, plumbing or other "trades-type" knowledge, we have a home for you. If you are more "socially" inclined and would prefer an afternoon of pizza and a movie or cookie baking, we have that location as well. The opportunities are endless when it comes to making a difference in the lives of others. With over 90 locations, Ability Beyond Disability has a home for you. Our residences include homes, apartments and condos located in Fairfield, Hartford and Litchfield counties in Connecticut and Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties in New York. Your group may select an activity quarterly, monthly or for whatever time frame works best for your organization. The scope of your involvement is entirely up to you. It's easy to get involved:
1. Call the Development Office to express interest in adopting a home. We will arrange a visit at your location to explain the Lend-A-Hand...Mend-A-Home program. We may then meet at the home to be introduced to the individuals we serve.
2. Decide on the activities you would like to undertake at your adopted location: they may be routine maintenance, capital improvements, cosmetic improvements, furnishings, appliances, etc.
3. Learn about the types of social activities the residents in your home would enjoy
If you would like more information about joining our program and making a difference in the lives of others, please contact the Development Office at 203-775-4700 x3171 Remember, friendship costs no more than your time!
