Victory Living Programs' Residents Give Back Despite Challenges They Face

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Generous, kind and philanthropic are three words that accurately describe the participants of Victory Living Programs' Adult Day Training (ADT) Program. Known for helping those in need, this group of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities leaped into action to make the lives of needy children in Guatemala a little brighter.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141028/154853

Most recently, they spent two months transforming donated blankets into more than 200 car-shaped pillows and dolls for the volunteers from the Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) to distribute to needy children in Guatemala on their yearly, week-long mission trip.

It all started months ago when Bobbi Wigand, executive director of Victory Living Programs, heard about the plight of many of the children in Guatemala through Deborah Linton, executive director of the Arc of Florida. "We were told by the church that they were sending newborn babies home wrapped in newspaper and the children had no toys," said Wigand.

She solicited the help of Victory Living Programs' Adult Day Training Program participants and a local community partner, Foss Manufacturing, who donated 225 baby blankets and additional blankets that would be crafted into pillows and dolls.

"Foss Manufacturing is pleased to support Victory Living Programs and their participants," said Jim Magruder, chief operating officer of Foss Manufacturing. "Our participation through contributions enables the clients in the program to work and contribute, thereby enabling their independence. It's truly our pleasure to help in any way we can." 

Two months later, by the end of September 2014, the blankets, pillows and dolls were ready for the mission trip to Guatemala.

"We worked through Porch de Salomon in Panajachel, Guatemala, to set up a village medical and dental clinic and construct a home for a needy family," said Beth Butcher, TUMC and mission trip team member. "The team gave the handmade toys from Victory Living to children in many villages throughout Guatemala, and we were able to donate the blankets to many local hospitals."

This isn't the first time the residents of Victory Living have given back though.

"They do a lot of projects involved with giving back to the community. They regularly volunteer at a nearby elementary school and make sandwiches for a homeless shelter," said Wigand. "We're always looking for volunteer projects and ways to give to others."

It is that spirit of community service that made Arc of Florida, the organization that spearheaded the project, collaborate with Victory Living.

Deborah Linton, executive director of the Arc of Florida, said her organization works to ensure that even people who face the biggest challenges in life are given an opportunity to help others. "Arc of Florida works with local, state and national partners and advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have so much to offer," said Linton. "The willingness of the individuals at Victory Living Programs to use their time and talents to make the world a better place is a great example for the rest of us."

Victory Living Programs' Adult Day Training program provides an opportunity for adults with disabilities to learn new skills, volunteer in the community and form everlasting friendships in a fun environment. It is open to adults 18 years and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. To learn more about joining the ADT program, visit www.victoryliving.org or call (954) 616 -1074.

About Victory Living Programs
For the past four decades, Victory Living Programs has created supported living environments for thousands of people with disabilities.  Based in warm, beautiful Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Victory Living Programs offers a premier supported living program that place clients in their own individual, luxurious apartments. In addition, Victory Living Programs also offers an extensive array of programming to assist clients with securing and maintaining employment, learning new skills, volunteering in the community and socializing with their peers - all of which make it possible to infuse independence and transform the lives of people with disabilities. To learn more, visit www.victoryliving.org.  

Contact: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE Victory Living Programs

Related Links

http://www.victoryliving.org