Emily- Guidance Center- Day Three

After the weekend everyone in the group was really excited to finally start volunteering.  We had a hard time waking up but we made it to the Guidance Center right down the road in time for a lovely welcome breakfast and orientation.  We met the volunteer services coordinator Jessica, the director of philanthropy and communications, Al, and the director of strategic initiatives, Joe.  The three of them gave us a fascinating history of the Guidance Center which has been around for 55 years.  The non-profit organization encompasses so many different aspects and it was so interesting to hear about all of the wonderful services it offers.  We went to one of the 20 buildings that make up the center and began volunteering at the Developmental Disabilities unit to make photo copies, clean and sanitize toys and the sensory room and the gym where some of the kids play.  We worked with Sara, Rick, and Rubina.  Maureen and I made some spring time decorations for the unit’s little conference room.  Other members of the group were able to sit in on some occupational therapy sessions and they said it was super interesting to experience that.  We had a busy day of cleaning but we ended the day in a fun way by participating in an obstacle course with a young boy named Danny.  Back at the church everyone was pretty tired but we made a delicious dinner of pigs in a blanket and mac n cheese-pretty impressive considering we only had a microwave and toaster oven.  Everyone really opened up and we had some great discussions about anything you can imagine.  We also made some delicious Oreo balls and grew a lot closer as a group.