All enrollees of Aspire day services in Chautauqua or Erie counties are offered personalized opportunities for volunteering in their own communities. Placements are based on where you live, your interests and your physical capabilities. Your supports are then created just for you!

Some ways Aspire enrollees volunteer include:

• Adopt a charity
• Read to children
• Take a local college class
• Clean your church
• Join a community organization
• Adopt a park
• Deliver meals
• Prep and serve meals at a soup kitchen
• Care for animals at the SPCA
• Transfer hospital patients to appointments

Derek Kin - Volunteer Hero

Derek Kin participates in Day Services in the Southern Tier. He most enjoys helping others through volunteering at such locations as Saint Susan’s Soup Kitchen and Center, which provides food to needy families in the Jamestown area. Two days a week, Derek prepares food and sets up the dining room before mealtime. In addition, Derek enjoys caring for dogs at the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

"Derek always wants to help others," said Kim Nowell, coordination of day service opportunities. "Whether he is volunteering at the soup kitchen, walking dogs at the humane society or helping a friend at day services, assisting others brings him happiness while strengthening his job skills."