OPRF Food Pantry Wins Oak-Leyden President’s Award
Sep 24, 2009
Everyone experiences adversity in their lives at some time. OPRF Food Pantry has always acknowledged that adversity and helps others to overcome it. In working to achieve our organization’s mission, however, we were enlightened by a group of Oak-Leyden participants whose individual challenges did not preclude them from seeking the opportunity to help others.
During the summer of 2008, an Oak-Leyden staff member noted a posting seeking volunteers to help out at our food pantry. Always on the lookout for opportunities that will help Oak-Leyden participants develop skills that will help them live more independently, the staff member contacted OPRF Food Pantry to inquire of volunteer activities for participants in the Developmental Training Program. In September of 2008, participants, accompanied by staff, reported as requested to work at the Food Pantry.
Initially, Food Pantry staff were unsure about the Oak-Leyden volunteers’ abilities to perform tasks at the Pantry. Our skepticism was soon quelled as Oak-Leyden participants stepped up to the challenge, unloading thousands of pounds of food from delivery trucks and helping to organize and shelve it all. Paired with experienced volunteers or staff, the Oak-Leyden participants impressed everyone with their hard work and good cheer. We found that deliveries were completed more rapidly and all the cardboard boxes were broken down with no complaints! Since that time we have come to rely on the Developmental Training participants at our food deliveries each week. Up to 60 Oak-Leyden participants volunteer monthly, giving back to their community while developing skills that will help them to gain community employment and to live as independently as possible.
After working directly with Oak-Leyden participants, Pantry staff and volunteers have developed a new appreciation for people with developmental disabilities and their warmth, willingness, and dedication to their work. We feel honored by all the efforts Oak-Leyden Developmental Training Participants have spent on our behalf. Evidently the feeling is mutual. This August, OPRF Food Pantry was presented with Oak-Leyden’s President’s Award. In presenting the award, Oak-Leyden summed up why they chose OPRF Food Pantry to receive it:
“The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has set the example for other organizations and employers to open their hearts and minds to what people with developmental disabilities can contribute to their communities. Perhaps Robert Louis Stevenson said it more succinctly - “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” On behalf of Oak-Leyden Developmental Services, I would like to present The President’s Award to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry for their outstanding contribution to Oak-Leyden’s mission – helping people with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential.”