Too often, the general community views people who have disabilities as “those whom require our support and care”. However, at Aaron’s Acres, we have changed that perspective. The Aaron’s Acres Acts of Kindness program (AAAOK or “Triple A OK”) is an opportunity for individuals, ages 13-21 to engage in service projects within the community and make a difference. Rather than being seen as recipients of services, our participants are helping others. This program has been in existence for at least 15 years.

This program is a collaborative opportunity as we have partnered in the past, engaging in projects such as: playing bingo with residents at the Pleasant View Retirement Community, hosting a car wash at Garden Spot Retirement Community, creating craft items for new homeowners with Habitat for Humanity, stocking shelves at Re-Uzit, helping with food packaging for the food bank at CrossNet Ministries, preparing food packages for Power Packs, sorting clothing and toiletries at Water Street Mission and running an Alex’s Lemonade Stand to raise funds for research for childhood cancer. One parent shared the following:

One parent described watching her daughter receive a donation at the Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help raise funds for cancer research. The parent felt such joy knowing that her daughter was contributing and making a difference. Her daughter was able to help raise money and collect donations for someone else, and not because of her disability.

The benefits of the AAAOK program are the following:

• Community organizations have the chance to connect with individuals who have varying abilities and disabilities creating a stronger community for everyone
• Our young people have the opportunity to learn about non-profit organizations that might be of interest to them once they graduate from high school (to volunteer or for employment)
• Parents receive feedback from the Aaron’s Acres’ staff as to how their child did at each non-profit which can be helpful as parents plan next steps following graduation
• Campers gain a sense of accomplishment
• Campers’ self-esteem increases as they get the message that they can help others (this is true with most people regardless of ability or disability when they volunteer)

Our organization is more than just one that provides meaningful programs to children and young adults with disabilities. We strive to care for the family. In addition, we partner with non-profit organizations for our Acts of Kindness program, helping others in our community, while educating others about people with challenges on all levels. We are raising awareness about the disability world and demonstrating that they are truly a part of our community and are able to be in positions in which they can help others.

At Aaron’s Acres, everyone can participate and be involved in our activities and projects. We just have to think outside the box and with appropriate support and input from our staff, we can make this happen!