“The YMCA would not exist without volunteers.” 

That is how Bertram Lawson II, president and CEO of YMCA Greater Brandywine (YGBW) opened the Volunteer Recognition Breakfast held at Penn Oaks Golf Club on April 23. 

Among the many volunteers honored were two students from the CCIU’s Discover program: Ilana Delevieleuse and Joey Martinez.

The Discover program is a comprehensive work-based learning approach designed for high school students with disabilities, age 14 to 22. By offering opportunities for vocational assessments, job exploration, and supervised employment experiences, the CCIU helps ease the transition between school and adult life.

Ilana and Joey’s strengths and personalities made them both a great fit for the Y.

“Joey and Ilana are just the sunshine at the front desk. Members love seeing them,” said Mandy Happold, membership director at the Jennersville branch. “They each enjoy scanning in members so much that they play Rock Paper Scissors to see who gets to do that job first each day.”

Indeed, the students made an impression at the Jennersville branch, as they were chosen as Branch Volunteers of the Year from among the 555 volunteers who donate their time and effort there.

Helping to make this opportunity possible are the many adaptability accommodations available through the CCIU and the YMCA. For example, Joey uses a tablet to aid communication and even programmed it to say, “Have a great workout” as he greets members at the front desk. The two organizations work cooperatively to ensure that volunteers with special needs can participate fully and meaningfully.

“A main pillar in our organization is that the Y is for all,” says Erin Lacotta, senior association director of behavioral support and adaptive programming YGBW. “Regardless of a volunteer’s abilities, we welcome them and ensure that they have appropriate accommodations. Sometimes that requires us to work collaboratively with a partner organization, like the CCIU, who is a valuable collaborator. Together, we make sure students are set up for success.”

As the awards breakfast came to a close, President & CEO Lawson made it a point to mention that when the YGBW opened in 1894, it served just 184 members. Today, that same organization serves over 88,000 members, thanks in large part to the support of volunteers.

“We are so proud of Joey and Ilana for being named Volunteers of the Year,” said Cynthia Sedlak, vocational support specialist for the CCIU’s Discover Program. “It shows how much

of a positive impact our students have in the wider community and how important it is to

offer adaptive opportunities to every learner.”

To learn more about the CCIU’s Discover Program, contact Kim Ring at [email protected].