The Teen Transition rooms at TLS Newark are doing more than meeting their academic goals. Thanks to the resourcefulness of some dedicated parents, the teens are volunteering and giving back to their local community.
Kate Diamond’s daughter has been a student at The Learning Spectrum for over five years. Kate was looking for an opportunity for her daughter’s class to gain some volunteer experience, while learning about the types of jobs they might be interested in doing later. Several drives and events have been organized for the Teen Transition room students, as well as the whole school.
Food & Socks Drives
The first community service project was a food drive for Operation Share Food Bank at Waters Edge Church of God Assembly in Newark. The food drive, which took place last November, included all of the classrooms at TLS Newark. The students had a friendly competition to see which classrooms could collect the most food donations.
Through the food drive, the school donated over 200 items to the Operation Share Food Bank. The winning team was awarded a bowling party, funded by a community sponsor.
During the food drive, students in the Teen Transition rooms also volunteered at the food bank in whatever capacity they were comfortable. Some students stocked shelves, while others carried boxes to the patrons’ cars, broke down boxes, and folded donated clothing. They hope to continue volunteering at the food bank monthly.
In December, TLS Newark participated in a drive for the Humane Society of Licking County, where students collected clean blankets, dog food and cat litter. The classroom that collected the most donations earned a field trip to the Humane Society, where they took a tour and played with the kittens.
This month features a sock drive, benefitting House of New Hope in St. Louisville, which provides adoption and foster care throughout Licking County. All types of socks for all ages of boys and girls are needed. The classrooms are competing for a bowling party, courtesy of the same sponsor.
Art Contest
For the creative and artistic students, Kate is organizing an Art Contest, where students at TLS Newark and My Place to Be can submit artwork which will be displayed at the Newark Public Library during April and May. Library patrons will then vote on their favorite, with first, second and third prizes being awarded. More information will be coming out soon.
Green Team Cleanup
Plans are in the works for a Green Team Cleanup day, where TLS students will choose a bike path, park, or area near the school to preserve by removing litter.
Kate said that all of the community drives, contests and environmental initiatives give the students self-confidence and a sense of giving back. But it also educates the community on the fantastic gifts and abilities of students on the autism spectrum. It gives the community a chance to see the positives qualities of the students, instead of the disorder itself.
For more information about these community events and activities, contact TLS Newark at 740-281-0643.
