Impact Story – Blended Programming

One participant, Ramona, has built herself a busy schedule that combines all of these experiences. Between volunteering with Meals on Wheels, taking art and yoga classes at Jon Barrett (InterArts), gardening and taking photography classes at the Cultivating Dreams farm, and working with her job coaches at Cortlandt Sanitation, she has found plenty of ways to stay involved and grow her experience. She also helps at a local synagogue by counting bingo cards. Her work has given her a sense of independence and pride in knowing she is earning her own money. “It makes me feel good to get paid,” she shared.  

That same flexibility also allows Steven to spend his week doing the things that interest him. He takes music and theater classes, gardens, visits the library and park, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels in Putnam Valley, where he makes nine stops while helping the seniors in his community. For Steven, giving back is the highlight of it all for him. “I like volunteering, I like helping the seniors out,” he said. At the same time, he also enjoys the classes and the chance to learn, “the classes are fun.”  

Sometimes, the impact is as simple as finding a place to connect and socialize with others. Jules, who has been part of CBS for around a month, has already done gardening, weeding, theater, digital media, and agriculture. Having the opportunity to explore and try different things has allowed him to find what he is interested in, while also meeting new people around him. When asked what he enjoys most, Jules said, “socializing with friends and the staff”.”