Forming relationships helps people live their best life.

Why is community engagement so important for the individuals we support? Empowering individuals with disabilities to form relationships and live their best lives is the heart of what Spectrum Support is all about, but you can’t make life-changing connections without putting yourself out there. Mitchell’s heartwarming story is a perfect example of that.

Mitchell was resistant to any employment and volunteering opportunities for years. Many of the individuals we support may not want a job, and that is ok! Everyone’s wants and goals are different, and there are plenty of ways to give back to your community outside of employment. Mitchell’s staff at Spectrum gradually and consistently worked with Mitchell to educate him on the benefits of volunteering and community engagement, and eventually Mitchell was ready to give it a try! He began volunteering with Meals on Wheels, jumping right in to this new venture and donating his time and effort 3 times a week with Meals on Wheels.

Mitchell’s brave decision to try something new and put himself out there paid off! At one of the residential complexes he delivered meals too, he was surprised to knock on the door of his brother, whom he had fallen out of touch with for many years. Mitchell and his brother reconnected and are now making the effort to stay a part of each others’ lives! Although such a happy coincidence doesn’t happen every time we choose to give back and participate in our community, you never know what blessings will reveal themselves and what ways you can build relationships through community outreach.