When I started my own business, one of my goals was to create a balanced lifestyle where I could enjoy more time with my friends and family and get more involved in my community.

In my search for community involvement activities, I was introduced to the HELP Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees for the HELP Foundation to “help” further serve their mission.

So, I’m doing something different for today’s blog. Instead of focusing on professional development tips and exercises, I want to “help” spread the word about this amazing organization.

The HELP Foundation began in 1965 by two mothers who recognized there were no meaningful programs or services available for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities except for state mental institutions (which were dreadful at that time). They wanted to “help,” so they banded together to open a home for these children.

Today, HELP provides over 800 services to adults and children daily, including residential, employment, transportation, and day support.

I have a particular passion for our vocational training and employment services. These services enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become productive members of society and gain a sense of fulfillment through learning new skills and achieving meaningful employment.

Over the past few years, we expanded with a new program – HELP Harvest. This program incorporates three initiatives:

• HELP Harvest Greenhouse: This is a training ground to develop basic workplace skills and behaviors and hands-on paid training to ensure their personal and professional success in the workplace.
• HELP Harvest Kitchen: This is the training ground to prepare the produce grown at the Greenhouse. Here, individuals learn the basic skills that will lead to meaningful community employment.
• HELP Harvest Grab & Go Café: This is the stepping stone for individuals ready to graduate into community employment. This program integrates employment services with vocational habilitation. Equally important, HELP’s presence in the community allows us to share our mission with a different audience, highlighting the idea of creating an inclusive community where we all have the chance to thrive.

If you feel as inspired as I, you might ask yourself, “How can I help?” Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Patronize a Café: Stop by Susanna’s Café by HELP Harvest at 6601 Euclid Ave in MidTown Cleveland or The Bistro by HELP Harvest at 12525 Lake Ave in Lakewood.
• Support our Fundraising Campaign: Any contribution, big or small, helps us continue to serve our mission. Click here to donate.
• Help us Find Great People: Like all other organizations in today’s economy, we are experiencing staffing challenges. Check out our job openings and refer people in your network to explore employment with HELP.
• Spread the Word: Send this blog to someone you think might be interested in learning about the HELP Foundation. Check out our website to learn more about the organization.

Wishing you the best!