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Take Them Out to the Ball Game
Ball games. Movies. Concerts. Shopping. Dining out. Holiday visits with family at home. For three decades, the Community Access Fund has helped Good Shepherd’s long-term care residents in Allentown and Bethlehem enjoy greater independence. “Because of this fund, our residents are able to go anywhere they want,” says Melinda Guffy, a recreational therapist at the Good Shepherd Home-Raker Center. “And if not, I make sure they have reasonable accommodations to do so. That’s what it’s all about.”
Melinda, who has worked at Good Shepherd for 32 years, says the fund began in the early 1990s with a grant and a goal to get residents into the community. The first excursions treated residents to dinner at Hess’s Patio, an Allentown restaurant known for its mile-high strawberry pie in Hess’s Department Store.
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Melinda Guffy and resident Migene Burkey in 2017 on an annual outing with the Frick Boat Club in Allentown.
Through the years, donors have helped sustain the fund which pays for staff to accompany residents on outings including trips to Disney World, Nashville and Niagara Falls, plus expenses. “It takes a lot of planning,” says Melinda. “I consider myself a mini-travel agent for people with disabilities.“
COVID-19 has curtailed resident outings and activities, but Good Shepherd’s therapists are resourceful and have come up with ideas to lift spirits, such as a take-out to dine in program. “We are doing everything we can to keep a glimmer of light in their lives,” says Melinda. n
Take the Year-End Matching Gift Challenge
Several generous donors have once again pledged to match funds up to $20,000. Donate before December 31 and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact. Make your gift today by using the envelope in this issue or at SweetCharityOnline.org.
