Volunteers

 Brennan H. is looking for a

volunteer to golf with him

every 2 weeks or a minimum

of once a month at

Waterloo Golf Academy. 

A new home for Brennan H. but he is certainly not new to PCL.  Brennan moved to Pastern Trail in August 2012 after having lived at Westheights for 8 years!

Some of you will recognize Brennan from the golf course, bowling, floor hockey, Friendship Club, or mini golf.  Easy going and carefree are the best words to describe him.  If you need to know something about sports, Brennan is your man to ask.  An avid NHL, OHL fan, Brennan can tell you anything you need to know.  Football and baseball are favorites as well.

Brennan loves watching TV, movies, videos on You Tube, working on his computer and gaming.  Brennan has an extensive music and DVD collection.  If you’re looking for something, Brennan probably has it in his huge collection of over 1000 CD’s and DVDs.

 Nothing says pride and love for his family more than his picture collection proudly displayed on the family room fireplace mantel at Pastern.  Brennan is very fond of his two nephews and proud of his role as Uncle Brennan!

Brennan is a valued employee at CH2M Hill for the past 22 years!  He volunteers at the Waterloo Recreation and Seniors Centre as well.  It’s hard to believe that Brennan has free time left anywhere in his schedule!

If Brennan sounds like the kind of person you would like to get to know better and you share his passion for golf, he is looking for a volunteer to golf with him every 2 weeks or a minimum of once a month at Waterloo Golf Academy.  The volunteer’s golf costs will be reimbursed.  If you’re interested in this opportunity to spend some time with a really interesting man, please contact Brenda at the office. (519-742-5849 or brendavh@pclkw.org.)

 Kevin celebrating his 50th birthday.

We are seeking a friend to hang out with our buddy, Kevin, for approximately 1 or 2 hours per week in the evening or afternoon. Kevin is a 51 year old man who is well mannered and easy going. Kevin is looking for someone to take him out for a coffee, go see a movie, play a round of mini golf or just hang out. This ideal friend would have a positive attitude along with creative idea's to help grow and maintain Kevin’s social skills. If interested, please contact Brenda at the PCL main office at 519-742-5849 or brendavh@pclkw.org.

"Why do you like, Carley, Barb?" "Because she's my friend!" The answer is simple, yet powerful. The volunteers that come through our doors are so important to the lives of the individuals we support. For a short time each week, these individuals have a chance to meet with someone different, who is not their housemate, not their co-worker that they see every weekday, and not their staff. They are one of the few people in their lives  who they refer to as "friend" - and this friend is there just to see them.

Barb leads a full life, which can result in some anxious times for Barb. However; it doesn't matter what her week is like, every Thursday after dinner, Barb looks forward to her weekly visit with Carley when they go to the mall for her favorite treat-a cookie and pop. As soon as they get into the car, the first thing Carley says

Parents for Community Living is characterized as a caring organization that provides safe and reliable housing for those in the community that need extra support. Throughout my time as a volunteer I have come to realize that this organization is one that greatly impacts the lives of the members of the households, their families and the community in a positive way.

As a volunteer, I have had the opportunity to work with several residents of the Parents for Community Living houses and have found this to be an extremely enjoyable experience. One of the best parts is meeting the residents of the households and getting to know them individually.  It is a great experience to be able to see that they are very independent and in some cases are fully functioning.  I have been lucky enough to have aided in the development of skills through one of the residents of the Parents for Community Living homes. This was a rewarding experience because it allowed me to see the many skills and assets these residents possess.  One resident in particular showed determination and strength in learning exercises from a fitness class.

These new exercises and skills directly impacted her health in a positive way as she lost 5 pounds by the end of the fitness program. As a student, it is difficult to find time in a busy schedule to help others, but as I have come to realize, it is an important part of my weekly routine because I find the experience very rewarding. The residents will thank me and it makes me feel good to know that I have made a difference, even if it was a small one. Just doing something as simple as helping someone fold their laundry, or helping them make dinner may be a big help to that person.  It is through volunteering that I have learned what a large impact I can have by doing such a small service to my community. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at Parents for Community Living, and I am excited to see what new opportunities this organization may bring.

Cara C.