Quest, Inc. empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to experience a full life through meaningful engagement. Volunteerism is a transformative avenue for client growth at Quest’s Adult Training Centers and Quest Kids Academy.
Volunteering for Adults at Quest’s Training Centers
At Quest’s Training Centers in Tampa and Apopka, we offer various skill development and vocational programs tailored to meet individual goals. Understanding that opportunities to participate in the community are often limited or not available to the individuals Quest serves, community volunteerism is an experience we prioritize.
Clients from Quest’s Training Center in Tampa dedicate their time each week to volunteer with Meals on Wheels. They find great joy in delivering packed lunches to seniors in need, fostering meaningful connections within the community that benefit both our clients and the individuals they serve.
Clients at Quest’s Training Center in Apopka volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank twice a month. During their shift, they sort overstock donations from Starbucks, which is part of the food that Second Harvest distributes to more than 750 feeding partners.
The experience is imperative for clients seeking employment. Volunteering allows staff to identify challenges a client may experience in the workplace and help them align their tangible skills with practical abilities. Gevena Glenn, a skill instructor at the center, enjoys these moments to provide participants with supervision, engagement and support.
“It’s great going out in the community and teaching the clients that serving the community impacts someone else’s life. It’s fulfilling work they enjoy and always ask about returning to,” Gevena says.
Students Learning Life Skills at Quest Kids Academy
Similarly, Quest Kids Academy’s life skills class students enjoy volunteering at Second Harvest. What began as a monthly activity to ease students into the experience has evolved into a weekly engagement.
In class, students practice maintaining personal space, greetings and boundaries with their peers. This focus on community integration fosters the social skills necessary to transition into adulthood.
“Volunteering provides us an opportunity to generalize those skills and practice them in a new environment in a meaningful way that connects students beyond the regular school day,” says Melissa Lopez, director of Quest Kids Academy.
Work-Study Program for Students Seeking Employment
Other students with employment goals engage in a structured work-study program. They volunteer at Clean the World, sorting soap bars and plastic bottle amenities. These tasks focus on building stamina, following directions and receiving feedback — essential skills for workplace success.
Since starting the volunteer experience two years ago, students have grown from needing explicit instructions to assessing and performing tasks independently. The camaraderie and support between peers have also been invaluable.
“We help each other out when we need to and congratulate each other on good boxes when we finish,” says Darrell, a student in the work-study program at QKA. “When I first went to Clean the World, I was a little iffy about it, but it’s grown on me over the years, and I like going every week.”
A Journey of Growth Through Volunteering
Quest is committed to cultivating an environment that prioritizes independence and community integration. Our volunteering initiatives transform the lives of our clients and enrich the community around us.
We are eager to expand volunteer opportunities across Quest’s Training Centers and Quest Kids Academy, strengthening partnerships that continue to broaden our clients’ engagement with the community. Together, we can support a world where everyone has the chance to contribute and grow.
Learn more about how Quest helps individuals experience a full life and how you can get involved at Discover Quest – Quest, Inc.
