Volunteering at ACHIEVEability

First of all, I was well acquainted with ACHIEVEability's important mission through interactions with its prior Executive Director on an Advisory Board, hearing ACHIEVEability clients and staff speak about their experiences at Vanguard, and through the sponsorship of ACHIEVEability by Vanguard's own Tim Thornton (ACHIEVEability Board Member). Having grown up in West Philadelphia myself, I was gratified to know that an organization does such great work to break the cycle of poverty and encourage the pursuit of education and self-sufficiency by its clients. However, I had never spent a United Way Day of Caring or MLK Day of Service with ACHIEVEability, until now. 


I partially chose to volunteer at ACHIEVEability this time because of my involvement with Vanguard's University of Pennsylvania College Champion Team. I learned that some Penn students might be volunteering, and this event would allow me to both meet the students while also giving back to my old community.  While I thought I would be moving PCs and possibly painting an ACHIEVEability headquarters room, I learned when I arrived that only painting was required that day.  Though not my favorite (or most effective) thing to do in my spare time, I gave it my best effort!  The staff was very supportive, and I think the work that the students, other volunteers and I did in a short period of time did make a good difference in the appearance of the office.  At the same time, my wife, Karen, took pictures at the headquarters, and travelled with Vanguard's project coordinators to take pictures of the other volunteers.  When we were both done, we travelled to one of the houses that was still being painted to lend a hand. Walking down the street and up the steps brought back memories of my childhood in West Philly.  The inside of the house was already looking good with the fresh coat of paint that was applied by numerous volunteers, and it gave us both a good feeling to know that we were contributing to making a house a beautiful home for someone.  One thing that I like about these events is that you get a chance to meet other Vanguard crew, other volunteers, and staff from the organization where you are volunteering. 


I enjoyed speaking with Achieveability's impressive Executive Director Marcus Allen briefly, and was convinced that ACHIEVEability will continue to grow and do great things for the city and its residents.




About the Author:
Dean Henry is a Vanguard employee and ACHIEVEabilityvolunteer.  After donating his time on Martin Luther King Day of Service to help paint some ACHIEVEability properties he shared these thoughts with us.