Community Partners Helping in the Community

One of the important ways in which the Community Partners program helps people with disabilities to find a greater belonging in their communities is by creating volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community as well as to build social capital. The Community Partners program provides individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, living independently in the community, with non-traditional case management supports in a partnership model. This approach utilizes the community to the greatest extent possible.

Justin Pungratz, 26, of Gibsonia loves to meet and socialize with new people. As a participant in the Community Partners program since July of 2009, Justin is a volunteer at the St. Barnabas Nursing Home in Gibsonia. Justin began by visiting different residents around St. Barnabas and getting to know the residents. He has attended local Bingo Night to help several residents, as well as cracks jokes about how he’s much better at playing “The Price is Right” and shouldn’t quit his day job to become a professional Bingo Player. 

As the weeks go by, more and more residents look forward to Fridays when Justin visits. They have also invited him to begin attending Happy Hour. Justin whole-heartedly accepted their invitation and has become a staple at Happy Hour, joining in on sing-a-longs and keeping everyone up-to-date on the latest NASCAR race.

Volunteering has been a wonderful opportunity for Justin and has meant so much to the residents of St. Barnabas.  One Friday, following a week that Justin could not attend happy hour, he was warmly greeted by people telling him that they missed him and how they could not wait until he came back. One resident even expressed that it is the highlight of her week when Justin walks in the door.

Besides volunteering, Justin has been making strides toward reaching his own personal goals at home. He and his father are in the process of converting their basement into an apartment for Justin. Justin has played an integral role in designing the apartment. He has had ith Dale Ernhart Jr.'s number etched into a piece of glass that will decorate one of the walls.  Justin and his father are hoping to complete the project by the end of summer.

To learn more about the Community Partners Program, visit the Adult Services section of our website or contact info@ucpclass.org.