If you ask Karen Streets, Project Porchlight does more than help the environment; it helps people.
As Team Leader of the Community Access Program for the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID), Karen's role is to integrate adults with disabilities into the community. A big part of that, she says, is getting VALID's clients involved in volunteering. "We volunteer for groups like Communities in Bloom, and family and community support services," Karen explains.
When Project Porchlight came to Vegreville, it was a no-brainer for Karen to sign her clients up. "For the individuals who live in the residences, it was a really good opportunity for them to go out in their neighbourhoods and meet their neighbours," she says. "Also, our community gives a lot to us, so we thought it was a really good way to give back."
And give back they did! In July, Karen oversaw the delivery of approximately 350 free light bulbs throughout the town. Her clients handed out CFLs at the Vegreville hot dog sale, and then distributed the rest of the bulbs door-to-door.
The bulb blitz was a resounding success. Not only did they give out all their bulbs, but the VALID clients came back at the end of the day feeling uplifted and empowered. "A lot of our individuals like to be valued in the community, but they don't really have the skills to be employed," says Karen. "(Project Porchlight) is something that they can all contribute to."
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