As most of the GCDS community knows, the Center for Public Good is always collaborating with organizations where students have the opportunity to help out and participate in community service projects. Students have been taking advantage of these amazing opportunities, and take part in community service on a weekly basis. One of the school’s all-time favorite organizations to work with is Abilis. Students and members of Abilis alike have fun every time they meet. Whether it’s Arts & Crafts, Hoops & Movement, or Zoom Parties with games, working with Abilis is enjoyable for all! 

Abilis, located in Greenwich and Stamford, is a non-profit organization that helps many individuals with special needs and their families. The organization has an amazing reputation and is known for its high-quality care towards each of its members. Throughout its 69 years of existence, Abilis has served the special needs community and changed the lives of over 800 individuals in the area. Different programs within Abilis offer help to their members including customized therapies; family education; recreational activities; life skills support; job training; and residential options. They also collaborate with different families, community organizations, and schools (like GCDS) to create the best experiences for their members. These collaborations make for a fun and educational experience for everyone participating, not only members of Abilis. “In every case, Abilis’ respect for people – their abilities, needs, and dreams – drives everything we do,” states the official Abilis website (found at abilis.us). Abilis is a wonderful organization and, when working together with GCDS, the best experiences are created. 

In pre-COVID times, Abilis members had the chance to spend time with their GCDS friends in person. The activities offered were 1) Sports with Friends: people could enjoy kickball, basketball, and other fun games with GCDS volunteers 2) Arts & Crafts: where everyone got to enjoy a nice Sunday afternoon making some art with pizza to follow, and 3) Hoops with Friends: where some fun basketball games were played after arts and crafts. Although COVID has forced changes upon these programs, the GCDS Center for Public Good (CPG) and Abilis team were able to create some different, but still fun, activities. Sadly, it is not possible to meet in person; however, Zoom activities can be just as enjoyable. One of the available options is Wednesday Zoom Parties: everyone can relax, chat, and play zoom games such as trivia, finish the lyric, scavenger hunt, and more. The other options are Hoops & Movement and Arts & Crafts: these two alternate every other Sunday and provide the opportunity to get up and move together on Zoom, or get ready to make some art while chatting with friends. 

When GCDS volunteers spend time with their Abilis friends, there is never a dull moment. Everyone enjoys spending time with each other, despite differences in age or gender. One of the regular student volunteers, Ainsley Craver, said, “Every time we meet I always leave feeling like my day is a little brighter. I love seeing their smiling faces and talking to them about their days.” Ainsley always participates in the Wednesday Zoom Parties, often bringing fun games like Pictionary and trivia. Through these activities, members of Abilis get the chance to build strong bonds and friendships with GCDS volunteers. Similar to volunteers like Ainsley, members of Abilis have an equally good time. They get to talk about things they are passionate about and do things they love. “I love that we get to talk about boy bands…I love hanging out with all of my friends and volunteers, and talking with them in the chat,” said Danny Clarke, a regular Abilis friend. Danny likes to attend both Sunday Arts/Hoops, and Wednesday Zoom Parties. Getting together is a highlight of the week for many friends from Abilis and GCDS alike. Good times are always shared, and it is an amazing time to relax, have some fun, and make new friends!

If you aren’t convinced to come hang out with Abilis just yet, know that it doesn’t have to be a weekly commitment! Anytime you’re free and want to spend some time doing something fun, our Zoom meetings are ready to welcome you! If you’re unsure or nervous about joining, feel free to talk to any volunteers with previous experience, Mr. Lehn, or Ms. Donnalley. Everyone will tell you how much they love working with Abilis and how much fun they have, along with some more details about how typical meetings run. If you want to get involved, reach out to Mr. Lehn or Ms. Donnalley, and the GCDS/Abilis meetings would be happy to have you!