On Sunday, August 18th, from 10:30 to 1:30, the AYLUS Great Neck and Roslyn Branches visited the CP Nassau residents at their Bayville location.
Since 1948, CP Nassau has been dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, offering a variety of high-quality programs that are designed to enhance care and promote independence. Among these is a program that provides residential life services for adults, ensuring they live in a safe and secure home environment.
Since it had been a while since our last visit to the care facility, we were delighted that the residents remembered us and were excited to see us again. We began the day with arts and crafts, using oil pastels to color surfboards. For residents with physical limitations, we gladly assisted with coloring, cutting, and gluing as needed. The residents were thrilled with the results of their projects! Once everyone finished their surfboard project, it was time for the residents to have a snack. We helped the staff by assisting anyone who needed help with eating and drinking. After everyone was fed, Most of the residents voted to play the Wii, so we decided to play Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Two of our AYLUS members took on the role of host, guiding us through the games. Even though we played Jeopardy in easy mode, we still struggled to get the correct answers, even for the volunteers. However, we all worked together, helping each other out, and in the end, we managed to come in first place! We played for three rounds before we decided that we wanted to move onto our next game, Wheel of Fortune. We were very good at the game and consistently stayed in first place, eventually winning. After the final round of Wheel of Fortune, the staff told us that it was time for their lunch. However, due to heavy rain causing a leak in the cafeteria, the residents would have lunch in the recreational room instead. At last, We arranged the residents in a circle around a table to get them ready for lunch.
Volunteering at CP Nassau gives us a valuable chance to grow as a better person. It allows us to support individuals with disabilities by providing companionship and emotional support. We develop valuable skills like patience and empathy, and we contribute to a more inclusive community. Working with these residents requires a strong sense of understanding and acceptance that everyone’s needs are different. Overall, this experience has not only benefited the residents but also had a positive impact on us and those we help.
Members who participated include:
Xingzhi Li (3 hours, GN), Jason Zeng (3 hours, GN)
Maxim Li (3 hours, R), Michael Zhang (3 hours, R), Brooke Zheng (3 hours, R), Kacie Li (3 hours, R),
Reporter: Kacie Li
