Brought To You By Evergreen Life Services
Twice a month, people supported by Evergreen Life Services in Pineville, Louisiana arrive at the Food Bank of Central Louisiana ready to work. They bag fresh produce that will be distributed in food boxes to families throughout the community. The volunteer experience represents more than filling bags. It is an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take an active role in their community and give back to others.
The relationship between Evergreen and the Food Bank has been part of the CENLA community for years. Evergreen’s Supported Employment program previously provided janitorial services for the Food Bank, and the organizations have also worked together through the Food Bank’s Good Food Project, which established gardens at Evergreen’s Day Habilitation program and Country Club Community Home.
Volunteering can provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to develop skills, build relationships, discover interests and take on responsibilities, while also creating meaningful connections outside of their homes and support programs. It allows people to be known for what they can do and to experience the satisfaction that comes from helping someone else.
Food Bank staff have embraced the partnership as well, welcoming the volunteers when they arrive and letting them know their efforts are appreciated. Those interactions are part of what makes community involvement meaningful: people are not simply visiting a community organization; they are becoming familiar faces, building relationships and contributing alongside their neighbors.
Evergreen Life Services continues to identify additional volunteer opportunities throughout Central Louisiana, with the goal of connecting people with organizations and activities where their time and talents can benefit others.
They aren’t just part of the community. They’re giving back to it.
Learn more at evergreenls.org
