BAROCO'S AGAWAM VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

          For a number of years Baroco's Agawam Volunteer Program has been providing participants with an opportunity to volunteer in a variety of capacities in their local communities.  Volunteer activities may include things such as volunteering in local nursing homes, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House for sick children, making donations to local homeless shelters and food pantries, and assisting elderly people to remain in independent living situation.  The accomplishments and achievements of our volunteers have been recognized by local service organizations as well as the local newspapers.

       While the Volunteer Program provides a wonderful benefit to the communities, the overriding  purpose of the Program is to enhance and strengthen the skills of the Program's participants.  Through the volunteer activities participants work on a variety of community integration skills in a natural setting.  These skills may include shopping,  use of money,  counting, following directions, appropriate social interactions, practicing communication skills, etc.  Essentially, the use of the community allows the participants to utilize and practice the skills learned at the program site.