REM Ohio Gives Back As Part of Annual Volunteer Day

Employees, family members, and individuals served by REM Ohio across the state came together on Saturday, April 25, as part of The MENTOR Network’s Third Annual National Volunteer Day.

“While we’re part of a national network of providers, our programs are rooted in the communities we serve,” said Jo Spargo, Executive Director of REM Ohio. “This event gives our team a great opportunity to make a difference locally through volunteerism while also being part of a larger effort to positively impact communities throughout the country.”

In the Akron-Canton area, volunteers partnered with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank to sort food and inspect donations in the food bank’s warehouse. They spent the morning sorting and packaging more than 800 packets of oatmeal that will benefit families throughout Southeast Ohio. Partnering with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank gave volunteers the chance to help people in Southeast Ohio while also providing the individuals served by REM Ohio with an opportunity to engage in their community.

In Cincinnati, volunteers partnered with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, a nonprofit that promotes community pride. Partnering with Carthage Community Center through Keep Cincinnati Beautiful gave volunteers the opportunity to support two organizations dedicated to enhancing community pride through engagement—something REM Ohio advocates.

In Cleveland, volunteers spent Saturday morning organizing and cleaning the club space, helping to maintain the engaging environment the Boys and Girls Club strives to provide its members. Cleveland volunteers were eager to participate in a volunteer project with an organization that shared a similar mission, and the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland proved to be a match. The club aims to help youth reach their full potential through its programs, which focus on academics, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

REM Ohio provides home- and community-based services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southeast Ohio and throughout the state. A part of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local health and human services providers, REM Ohio joined nearly 2,500 Network volunteers in 50 service projects in 17 states.

“Our services are designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive in the community,” said Ms. Spargo. “We help them participate in community life and build relationships. It was really exciting to invite the individuals we serve to participate in our National Volunteer Day alongside our staff and family. Everyone had a great time working together in a community we’re proud to be part of.”