OUR LEAGUE STORY: PERSONAL SUPPORTS

Joe (a k a Mr Wolf) and his support counselor Robin do everything together From cleaning the facilities of Community Assistance Network (CAN), to cooking homemade meals, to nursing abandoned baby squirrels, the pair really complement each other and seize opportunities to make each day meaningful while in the community

Robin will start the day by picking Joe up from his independent living home Once the two have enjoyed their morning java, they head over to CAN in Dundalk where Joe dons his neon yellow League safety vest and collects his cleaning supplies from the utility closet, ready to get to work For approximately three hours, Joe and Robin clean their way through the facility and check tasks off of their to-do list As part of Joe’s daily routine, he cleans the administrative restrooms, vacuums the shared conference room space, washes the windows, and tidies the produce shelves Robin does an excellent job of encouraging Joe and keeping him focused on his volunteer duties with intermittent dance breaks because who doesn’t like to Travolta and walk like an Egyptian while cleaning?

With all of their cleaning tasks complete, Joe empties the trash in the dumpster and packs up his supplies The dynamic duo say their goodbyes to the folks at CAN and head out to get some lunch Sometimes, the pair will frequent their favorite local restaurant and other times, Robin plans a hands-on culinary experience where they explore different recipes from deli sandwiches to lasagna in her kitchen The rest of their afternoon is usually spent hanging out at the park on beautiful days, shopping to restock their cleaning supplies, or creating unique costume disguises for the very versatile Mr Wolf It is important to Joe and Robin that their afternoon activities provide structure and permit ample fun before Robin drops Joe off at the end of the day

Becoming a one-to-one support counselor for an adult with developmental disabilities was a major career shift for Robin Since working with Joe for nearly 9 months, Robin says she would never go back to retail work, becoming emotional and shedding a tear at the thought of leaving Joe According to Robin, “he’s a huge part of my life now just as much as I am a part of his ” Joe and Robin have developed an unshakable bond and struck an appropriate balance between work and play Joe’s volunteerism at CAN and Robin’s passion, patience, and creativity are a winning combination for everyone Together, we are abl to strengthen our interpersonal and community relationships Together, we are able

The League for People with Disabilities is proud to partner with organizations like Community Assistance Network (CAN) as we endeavor to promote a society of accessibility and equity. Established in 1956 as part of a national network of over 1,000 Community Action Agencies, CAN partners with the broader community to develop, operate, and support programs that reduce vulnerability and empower personal growth, dignity, stability, and self-sufficiency among Baltimore County residents experiencing economic challenges. CAN provides after school programming, budget counseling, food accessibility, homeless shelters and housing services, and outreach programs.