Forty-seven year old Bobby Woodruff, of Williamsport, spends every Monday through Friday serving his community in a variety of ways.
Some of his favorite assignments have been serving as greeter at Wal-Mart and delivering the mail to residents at the Williamsport Home.
Bobby goes to Hope Enterprises every day and travels with a select group of individuals who spend their days out in the community serving others.
"He just loves it (and) he loves to be out in the community," his mother Shirley explained.
"They take trips to the mall and recently (went) to Candy Cane Lane," she added. "He has a group of friends and they are like four brothers and sometimes they even come over for supper. They don't talk much, but they understand each other and really enjoy each other's company."
Bobby is especially fond of playing cards and watching "The Lawrence Welk Show" and singing along.
"He's very social and friendly, and he's always smiling," Shirley added. "Hope has helped him develop some skills and enjoy more experiences that he would not have had the chance to otherwise.
"The staff there has helped him learn to write his name and read a little. He enjoys the camaraderie there so much and I'm grateful for the program because it brings him so much joy."
Bobby has been a program participant of Hope Enterprises since childhood.
Hope enhances the lives of people with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood by providing them with a multitude of responsive programs and services.
Bobby uses a wheelchair to get around and needs a van with a lift to get back and forth to Hope and his community service work.
"Without Hope Enterprises and the van, he would probably sit home all day, watch TV and be bored," Shirley said. "In fact, a few weeks ago, the van had some mechanical problems and he started to get upset because he thought he wouldn't get to go to 'school' that day. He just loves it all that much."
"Our courage and enthusiasm is a direct result of watching people reach their maximum potential as they assume a better place in society. In all areas of programming, our various departments strive to provide services based on need and personal choice," said Dr. Jim Campbell, president of Hope.
Hope Enterprises is one of the 43 human service programs in Lycoming County funded by United Way.
Through its annual funds distribution process determined by community volunteers, United Way allocated $63,875 to Hope Enterprises this year based on community needs and program outcomes.
The funds are designated for transportation.
"Transportation costs are very expensive," added Campbell. "Some of our individuals use public transportation, a few have private transportation, but the vast majority of the people we serve need our help to get here. The funding we receive from United Way allows us to transport them safely to and from their day programs."
"Hope Enterprises gives their people a sense of purpose and teaches them basic life skills," said Scott Lowery, executive director for Lycoming County United Way. "We are happy to be able to provide funding to support their mission."
For more information on Hope Enterprises, call 326-3745 or visit heionline.org.
For more information on Lycoming County United Way or to support the campaign that funds more than 40 human service programs like these, visit lcuw.org or call 323-9448.
Lycoming County United Way is also now on Facebook.
