Youth Volunteers Make a Big Difference in the Lives of Children with Disabilities

Grand Rapids, MI and Holland, MI, July 14, 2004 -- This is the 22nd year that Comprehensive Therapy Centers summer program, Therapy and Fun, will serve children who are experiencing a disability. Youth volunteers have been an integral part of the program from the beginning. In fact last summer, 54 volunteers logged 2,975 volunteer hours in just six weeks! Volunteers between the ages of eight and eighteen provide powerful motivation to the very young clients. At Therapy and Fun, teen volunteers help children with disabilities walk, talk, learn and play.

Grand Rapids, MI; Holland, MI (PRWEB) July 16, 2004 -- This is the 22nd year that Comprehensive Therapy Centers summer program, Therapy and Fun, will serve children who are experiencing a disability. Youth volunteers have been an integral part of the program from the beginning. In fact last summer, 54 volunteers logged 2,975 volunteer hours in just six weeks! Volunteers between the ages of eight and eighteen provide powerful motivation to the very young clients. At Therapy and Fun, teen volunteers help children with disabilities walk, talk, learn and play.

The professional staff at Therapy and Fun provides intensive, integrated speech-language, motor, and sensory therapies to children who need summer therapy. Carefully trained, volunteer therapy aides reinforce the therapy lessons during the fun" activities: crafts, music, and reading. The young clients just think that they are playing with the big kids. However, the volunteers are supplying a constant one-on-one component that is exciting and beneficial for both the child and the volunteer.

I love seeing the kids change from year to year," comments Amanda Pitts, 18 years old from Grand Rapids and a 10-year volunteer. One year I helped a cute little 2-year old learn to crawl. Placing a therapy ball under her, we rolled her from finger tips to toes, until she built up enough strength in her arms and legs so that she could actually hold herself up on all fours. Soon after that she started crawling. It is fun to know that your help can make such a big difference in someones life. Now shes walking and climbing on monkey bars!"

I come back to work each year because I like the smiles on the kids faces and seeing how they improve," reports Abby Smith, age 13 from East Grand Rapids and a 3-year volunteer. Seth doesnt talk but he is so smart and funny. If I say, 'where are your toes? he can point to them and he can answer lots of questions with motions. Well today he said, 'me we were both so happy and clapping! I just love working with little kids at Therapy and Fun."

The kids all need lots of encouragement. They all work so hard. Aides have to stay very positive. I say 'good job and 'keep trying, youll get it a lot everyday," says Maggie Koperski, age 14 from East Grand Rapids and 3-year volunteer. I like seeing the progress and being a role model. It was great when one little boy finally learned to tie his shoes, last year. We were both very happy! He did it all by himself."

Helping children reach their true potential is very satisfying. Our teen volunteers offer the children guidance, leadership and tender care. An ever-growing population of fragile children with special needs require therapy services. Comprehensive Therapy Center provides therapy to children with special needs while offering teens a chance to make a difference in a childs life -- giving children and teens alike - A Place To Grow.

Contact Information:
Terese K. Smith
Comprehensive Therapy Center
616-559-1054
info@therapycenter.org
www.therapycenter.org