A modest idea can turn into a meaningful gesture when you work together to surprise the people you care about most.

Finding simple ways to show your appreciation can bring a home even closer together.

Cookie decorations done by Gabriel Homes residents.

Going the Extra Mile

Lucy and Rich, two residents at Gabriel Homes, went the extra mile during the season of giving. With the assistance of program coordinators Daniel Borges and Naomi Parionathey baked, decorated, and wrote holiday cards for the residential counselors. The team worked on a wide range of cookies, including sugar, gingerbread, and chocolate cookies, and chocolate bark.

“Making cookies was fun because I was giving back to people I care about. We had to manage lots of dishes all over the kitchen, so we had to work as a team putting the gifts together.”
Gabriel Homes resident at the 2nd Annual Boo Bash.
Lucy
Gabriel Homes Resident
Gabriel Homes resident leading cookie decorations in Reston.

The Process

Naomi baked the cookies and brought them in trays to Rich’s home to assemble them. The residents and program coordinators formed an assembly line where they passed the cookies and placed them into tin containers for the recipients. To Lucy and Rich’s excitement, there were plenty of leftover cookies. They added extras to everyone’s tins and ate a few themselves.

“Staff are really important to us because they help us as we help them. They’re with us whether we have good or bad days, and they’re here to make us feel more confident about ourselves.”
Rich
Gabriel Homes Resident
Gabriel Homes resident writing thank you cards.

Forever Thankful

After their final touches on the cookie tins, Rich and Lucy wrote cards thanking the staff for their hard work. Rich said he was so appreciative of staff that he would’ve written a million cards if he had the chance.

“I will always remember the way the residents go above and beyond to show their appreciation to us,” said Angela Rivera, a residential counselor at Gabriel Homes who received one of the cookie tins. “The card and tin have a special place in my home because they were such beautiful gestures!”

Learn About Services at Gabriel Homes

Every resident at Gabriel Homes receives personalized support from staff members so they can live comfortably and independently. Learn more about our services at gabrielhomes.org.