Giving Back to the Community
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by Theresa Valencia, Program Coordinator
Paul Kerber had worked in a variety of office settings for over 12 years and had developed skills essential to that environment. Kerber found the world of business to be very hectic, impersonal and more times than not, overwhelming. Kerber expressed his feelings during his annual planning meeting and the team set out to find Kerber a new opportunity. Kerber wanted to use his office skills and be able to work at his own pace on work that he found meaningful. Though it took several months to secure the funding, now Kerber receives individualized Day Support Options from Mosaic. The DSO program is an alternative to conventional vocational day service programming. Kerber is able to explore different volunteer opportunities that may one day become a vocational opportunity. Kerber's current project is collecting donated items for Protectors of Animals, Connecticut. Kerber was inspired by the love he feels for his own pet cat, Pilgrim. First, Kerber worked with staff on the computer to design a flier requesting donations. Kerber was very helpful in choosing the right words (and correcting the spelling errors) for the flier. Once the flier was completed, he worked with staff to decorate a large box to hold the donated items. In only three weeks time, Kerber successfully collected over 50 cans of cat food, 10 pounds of dry food, various towels and sheets for bedding and three food and water dishes. While the flier designated collections through January, we intend to continue throughout the year.
