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Young adults with disabilities gain skills and boost confidence through volunteer work.
Young adults with disabilities who have graduated from high school are gaining independence through the District 11 Strive Program, a transition program partnering with The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps.
Through the Strive Program—an optional extended learning opportunity to help “Students Transition to Reach Independence, Vocation and Education”—students utilize the corps’ facilities to expand practical skills and gain work experience.
Throughout the three-year program, students engage in tasks and projects focusing on financial literacy, cooking and enhancing social skills.
“We teach them things they weren’t taught in high school,” said Margarita Marquez, Strive Program teacher and Community Specialist. “We want them to leave the program knowing they have substantial life skills to hold a job or live independently.”
Marquez has taught in the program since 1991 and began bringing students to The Salvation Army in 2007. She thought of adding volunteer work to the program to help students build life skills while extending a helping hand in the community.
“The students learn what it means to serve others selflessly and improve social skills through their interactions with the public,” Marquez said.
Federal educational statistics from the 2021-2022 school year reveal 15 percent of students in the American school system have a disability. Research from the National Library of Medicine states continued support and education can help guide young adults with disabilities as they transition into adulthood.
The Strive program provides an opportunity for continued learning by welcoming students aged 18 to 21, most of whom join right after high school. Students follow a standard school-year schedule, with a break during the summer.
Over the past 17 years, Marquez said hundreds of students have participated in the program and volunteered at the Colorado Springs Corps.
“The students love volunteer days,” Marquez said. “Many say it’s their favorite part of the program.”
Currently, seven student volunteers work at the corps once a week, often on food donation days. They help unload, sort, organize and prepare food boxes while interacting with clients to address their needs.
On other days, students receive cooking lessons in the kitchen, practicing meal preparation for themselves and others.
“It feels nice to gain independence,” said Strive program graduate Alexandria Carlton.
Carlton, who joined after high school, recalled her first day in the program three years ago when she spent time in the kitchen and flipped 80 burgers. “That’s probably my favorite memory,” she said.
Another student, Hunter McFadden, said he feels more prepared for his future because of time spent volunteering at the corps. He often worked alongside maintenance staff, helping upkeep indoor and outdoor areas.
“The Salvation Army has definitely given me a boost overall,” he said. “It was also a lot of fun.”
Upon graduating from the program, McFadden has returned to volunteer numerous times and plans to be a volunteer bell ringer this Christmas season.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for these young adults to learn and grow,” said Alma Scott, Colorado Springs Corps Family Services Manager.
Scott works alongside students to teach methods and practices used at the corps.
“Students come on their first day and can be a little taken aback,” Scott said. “But when we work alongside them and teach them the ropes, they become more comfortable, and we see their confidence grow.”
She noted many students practice independence and build a work ethic by taking the bus to the corps and staying committed to their volunteer commitments.
“All aspects of their involvement in Strive work together to build confidence and self-stability,” Scott said. “Seeing students grow over the three-year program demonstrates the importance of hands-on experience.”
Once students graduate from the program, they participate in a celebration at the corps and receive a certificate of recognition.
Major Stephen Ball, Colorado Springs Corps Officer and El Paso County Coordinator, said working with Strive aligns with The Salvation Army’s belief in the power of community and service.
“By supporting Strive,” he said, “we’re not only helping individuals with disabilities thrive but also contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society by having these students volunteer in our programs.”
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