Via Gives People With Disabilities A Special Summer

Allentown teenager Evan Jones carefully maneuvered the wheelchair through the halls of the Cedarbrook nursing facility in South Whitehall, intent on safely delivering one of the facility's residents to her physical therapy session there.

“Good job, Evan,” said Denisha Spears-Bolden, who coaches Jones in Via of the Lehigh Valley's Teen Summer Experience program.

Via, which provides support and opportunities for people with disabilities so that they can live independent lives, had arranged for Jones’ volunteer work.

“You’re awesome,” said Dorene Pavlinsky, a nurse from the Extended Family Care agency in Allentown who had accompanied him.

The 17-year-old had every reason to be proud.

He and Christina Saraceno, 15, of Bethlehem Township, were helping others, and gaining skills, through Via’s summer program.

They spent an hour transporting Cedarbrook residents in wheelchairs to the physical therapy room, where the residents receive occupational, physical and speech therapy. 

For the past four years, the Teen Summer Experience program has helped young adults with disabilities connect to their community with activities, including the volunteer work, to help prepare them for adult life.

Spears-Bolden said 30 teens and young adults, ages 14 to 21, are participating in the program this summer. They volunteer at several locations two to five days a week, including Cedarbrook, the Easton YMCA, Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, the Easton Animal Health and Welfare Center, and the Gress Mountain Ranch in Orefield.

In the afternoons, following their volunteer work, participants have an opportunity to socialize with activities that include swimming, baseball, football and basketball.

“They don’t let their disabilities stop them,” Spears-Bolden said. “They enjoy the experience … This gives them the experiences they need to build self-confidence. They’re willing to try anything.”

Jones and Saraceno both said they enjoyed the volunteer work.

“It’s fun to interact with all of the people,” Saraceno said.