The Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD)/Deepwood partnered with St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church when their local youth group needed to change tracks for their annual mission trip. 

“When the coronavirus pandemic ended the kids’ opportunity to go out of state to participate in a mission program, they were upset to say the least,” said St. Gabriel’s Youth Group Advisor Veronica Huber.  “The staff at the LCBDD/Deepwood were so kind to give us the opportunity to spend the day sprucing up their recreation site.”

Huber arrived alongside nine youth at the LCBDD/Deepwood recreation site in Mentor this summer, donned with protective face masks, gloves and sanitizer prepared to clean windows and traverse the walking trails to clear debris and weeds. 

“Our desire is to ensure that volunteers leave with heightened awareness about individuals who have disabilities and an understanding regarding the value and benefit of their volunteer efforts,” said Lynnmarie Landwei-Phillips, LCBDD public relations director. 

“Everyone seemed to enjoy giving back to their community and it was uplifting to observe their laughter and happiness as they worked,” added Landwei-Phillips.  “Mr. Parsons even had his backpack leaf blower and was thrilled that he got to put it to good use!”

“It's nice to know that I'm a small piece of helping the big community while having lots of fun doing it,” said youth group member Cameryn Brandestas. 

Those interested in learning more about the LLCBDD/Deepwood’s programs and services can visit them online at www.lakebdd.org.