A Sense of Purpose: The Ability Specialists Partnership with Arc Thrift

Leading a balanced, productive life is about more than just filling up your schedule with activities. Leading a balanced, productive life requires a sense of purpose, a sense of community and, often, a commitment to something bigger than yourself.

Ability Specialists takes a unique approach to building self worth among its participants. The organization instills feelings of productivity through regular charitable work with local community organizations. Perhaps the most significant volunteer program is the Community Based Day Program at Arc Thrift Stores. For more than seven years, Ability Specialists has been a dedicated partner with Arc Thrift and its beneficiaries in the Arc of Colorado. The partnership is a perfect match between organizations that serve individuals with cognitive disabilities.

The synergy between Arc Thrift and Ability Specialists is productive, but the true benefit of the partnership demonstrates itself at the individual level. Three days a week, Ability Specialists participants have the opportunity to volunteer at Arc Thrift stores. These volunteer sessions provide a structured system for contributing to a worthy cause. The work becomes the participants' vocation, their passion, and, in turn, promotes a sense of accomplishment.

"It gives the volunteers a purpose," says Kathy McAdoo, director of business development for Arc Thrift. "They are going to work. They receive the gratification of contributing to the success of a team and to a worthy cause. They are part of something bigger."

Ability Specialists volunteers also receive special incentives from a program developed by Arc Thrift CEO Lloyd Lewis. For every 15 hours of volunteering, participants receive an Arc Thrift gift certificate as a token of appreciation. The gift certificates help motivate the participants and also demonstrate Arc Thrift's gratitude for their service.

The Ability Specialists volunteer program at Arc Thrift teaches valuable work skills. Scott, an Ability Specialists participant since 2001, is a prime example of the system in action. For several years, Scott had volunteered at Arc Thrift along with his team from Ability Specialists. Shy and a little reserved at first, Scott came out his shell and started developing stronger personal relationships during his team volunteer sessions. He also learned a variety of skills that helped him grow increasingly efficient at his tasks. Then, in 2006, a maintenance position opened up at the Arc's main distribution warehouse. Because of his hard work, dedication and winning personality, Scott was offered the job. He's been working there for more than four years now, and in 2008 he was recognized as one of the organization's employees of the year! "The change in Scott's personality has been amazing," says McAdoo. "His self confidence has grown immensely, and he's much more outgoing. It's wonderful to see."

Last year, Ability Specialists provided nearly 6,000 volunteer hours to Arc Thrift Stores around the Denver metro area. The efforts of Ability Specialists volunteers have helped Arc Thrift distribute more than $11,000,000 to local Arc chapters over the past five years. "The Ability Specialists volunteers are vital to our organization," says McAdoo. "The great thing about partnering with Ability Specialists is that we're giving opportunities to the people we serve-people who might not otherwise get them. It's truly a positive situation for everyone involved."