If you ask the residents one thing they love about Gabriel Homes, some say that no two days look the same thanks to the support of those who dedicate their time to our mission.
Volunteers like the Gabriel Homes Work Crew help with projects like painting or landscaping, while Bill Partlow leads weekly song sessions. Many residents have close friendships with volunteers, so helping out often feels more like hanging out.
Something New Every Day
Volunteering at Gabriel Homes invites new opportunities to step up for our residents. One volunteer, Sammy, spends time with the residents through activities they enjoy together. Sammy’s parents own a restaurant in Herndon that the residents frequent, and program coordinator Kassi Fretty invited her to volunteer. A recent Valentine’s Day party saw Sammy painting heart decorations with residents. After the hearts dried, everyone’s works of art hung across the home.
I painted my heart blue and purple. The heart still needed some Valentine’s Day colors, so I put some pink hearts on top of it when I was done. I loved spending Valentine’s Day with people I care about.”
The Joy Continues
The residents enjoyed Sammy’s company so much that they invited her back for more art projects. Paint brushes were swapped out for markers, and everyone drew art about spring on construction paper.
I drew lots of flowers since spring is so close. I spend lots of time on the back porch, and I like looking at the flowers when the weather is warmer.”
It’s Always Fun & Games
Fun and games ensued after the group finished their works of art. As a team, Sammy and the residents tackled several puzzles. Their strategy was to sort pieces by color and pattern, then fit each section into the frame. Once they finished the last puzzle, everyone high-fived each other across the table.
We got through the puzzle quickly because we worked as a team. The hard parts are easier when we help each other.”