February 16, 2018

by: Christine Mencini

UCP Champions in the Community

With the Winter Olympic Games in full swing, the staff at UCP of Greater Cleveland was on the lookout for champions in our community and we did not have to look far to find them!

What does a typical Friday morning look like for many Americans? Maybe it includes a few morning meetings, finishing up work from the previous day or simply waiting for lunch. This is not the case for clients at UCP’s OakLeaf Services, who volunteer their time at MedWish International. Every Friday, OakLeaf client volunteers assemble at MedWish to sort medical supplies that are later sent to developing countries that otherwise would not have access to these essential materials such as gauze, plastic containers and surgical gowns.

The client volunteers that participate at MedWish have varying levels of abilities and forms of communication and, although some cannot verbally communicate their feelings, they always show their excitement and understanding of the cause. One of our nonverbal volunteers is quick to pull up the calendar on her phone to show the appointment indicating she is going to MedWish. The smile on her face is the only confirmation you need to know she is looking forward to giving back to her community. 

The partnership between OakLeaf Services and MedWish started in March 2017 and the experience provides clients of all abilities the chance to contribute and accomplish their personal goal of volunteering in the community. Not only does MedWish offer clients an opportunity to make a difference for others, but it also offers them a platform to improve upon their vocational skills such as listening, being punctual, following directions and paying attention to detail. 

The desire to give back to your community is a value shared by people of all abilities. OakLeaf client volunteers are making a difference by improving the lives of others while engaging in activities that build their skills. We believe these clients are true champions in our community!

MedWish International is a not-for-profit organization that saves lives and the environment by repurposing discarded medical supplies and equipment to provide humanitarian aid in developing countries.

UCP of Greater Cleveland is a health and human services agency serving children and adults with disabilities in Northeast Ohio through pediatric therapy and family supports for children as well as community integration and employment opportunities for adults.  UCP has two Centers of Excellence, LeafBridge for Children and OakLeaf for Adults.

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