HEROES IN OUR MIDST

BY KIM REED, H.E.R.O.E.S. DIRECTOR

HEROES plays an important part not only in the lives of the families that we serve but also in our community. Working in the Café offers HEROES adults a real-world environment that is safe, friendly, and allowing of the time it takes to learn a job. The congregation has been incredibly supportive, patient, and kind, which means so much to us. Our workers love seeing their regular customers, remembering their names, and having conversations with them. Families can see growth in their loved ones in terms of confidence, pride, interpersonal skills, and job abilities. Participants benefit greatly from the social life and the true friendships formed over time and through common experiences. Community members come to see our HEROES not just as people with disabilities receiving services but as contributors who enjoy giving back through their weekly volunteer commitments.

We are so appreciative that FUMCR helped us begin in 2005 and continues to bless us with a summer day camp home serving hundreds of families. Many of the church's members have become regular donors, and we couldn't continue what we do without financial support. Over 250,000 people in the DFW metroplex live with a disability, and we are proud to serve those we do with thanks to FUMCR and our community for being our partners in this great program!

Ask me about: HEROES and why I love going there.

I love going to the weekend retreats and spending time with my friends and getting to try new things and trying out different places around the community. I also get to go to HEROES Camp in the summer when I am not working. I enjoy being with my friends and volunteering with them at Meals on Wheels, Feed my Starving Children, and Soup Mobile. I have worked at Westwood Junior High Cafeteria for 11 years.

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: pleasing the customers, giving them their coffee, and making sure they are happy.

Ask me about: Meals on Wheels.

I deliver meals every week, and I have enjoyed getting to know all of the people I deliver meals to. It makes me happy to know they are getting the food that they need.

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: taking orders, greeting customers with a smile, and seeing all of my regular customers come by. It has also helped me at my job by learning new skills and building my confidence. I have worked at Home Goods for one year.

Ask me about: HEROES Academy.

I enjoy going there every week. It is a great place to be because we are out in the community a lot and get to do a lot of fun things. One of my favorite things at HEROES is helping deliver food for Meals on Wheels because it is good to help Seniors, and I am good at remembering how to get to each apartment that we deliver to. I also have a job at The Original Pancake House and have worked there for seven years.

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: seeing all of the people that I have met working here. I like to greet the people before they go into church and say hello, show them the menu, and ask them to come get a cup of coffee.

Ask me about: my job at Whataburger.

I have worked there for two years. I clean tables and help keep the restaurant clean for the customers. I also deliver food to the tables and make sure the customers get ketchup if they need it.

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: working at my church, seeing people I know, and going to church after the coffee shop is finished.