It is hard to tell from his spirited personality, but before volunteering at Providence Hospital. Matt Schacklin says he had no friends, no job and nothing to do after school. He was bored and isolated from the world around him. Thanks to Work Opportunities, Matt now has lots of friends, a support system, and the ability to work and get along with others.
Work Opportunities is one of many programs funded by United Way that helps people like Matt live more independent, happier lives.
Matt works on simple assembly projects four days a week at Work Opportunities. He volunteers at Providence twice a month. He started as a courier, but quickly decided he would like a more social position and the ability to learn new job skills. He now greets 3rd floor visitors and staff at the Pavilion Center for Women and Children. Matt sets up the coffee station, escorts patients to the front door and delivers flowers to the rooms on his floor. He even arm wrestles the medical director – and wins.
“People know Matt and greet him as they walk by. Just by being here he has taken down some barriers of preconceived notions about people with disabilities,” says his supervisor, Pat Myers. “Being here helps Matt be more aware of the world around him and what he can do to be a part of it. He helps people get to where they need to go and feels empowered because he can give directions.”
Thanks to you, United Way and programs like Work Opportunities, people with disabilities are engaged in our community, living fuller, more productive lives.