2019 Day of Caring: Capturing Our Story

Last Friday, we participated in the United Way’s Day of Caring, and we are absolutely convinced that West Michigan has the most caring, generous, and wonderful people around. There were more than 800 people who volunteered to join a non-profit for a day. We were delighted to host 16 people from 2 companies, Spectrum Health and Fifth Third Bank. While we learned about them, they learned about CTC’s services and the lives we have impacted over 37 years.

We first participated in the 2015 Day of Caring when volunteers joined us to sort through more than three decades of archived pictures, news articles, brochures, and memories. To document this work, the volunteers started some amazing scrapbooks. While we have participated each year since, so much of the story is still floating in boxes, uncaptured. So… what’s a great way to bond with friends, learn about a local service organization, and have some arts and crafts stress relief? Scrapbooking in 2019!

We provide therapy to help children do better in school, communicate with their families, and to be as independent as they are able. As we inch closer to 40 years of service with a new executive director, and unroll our next phase of programming, it is essential to document our story thus far. We are so grateful that United Way’s Day of Caring has helped save our history with careful detail. We know we have improved the lives of thousands of children and families with disabilities, but the work of these volunteers allows us to share that story with others.
(It is the best feeling to see a former client or volunteer page through a memory book, find themselves, and then show the picture to their child!)

While we continue providing therapeutic service to those who need it most, volunteers are what connects us in this great West Michigan community. We have opportunities for volunteering year-round, with activities that can engage any individual talent or interest. With the support of volunteers and donors of West Michigan, we work to empower children and families and build a culture of inclusion for people with disabilities.
Thank you so much for joining in our story!