National Volunteer Week

Last month we celebrated National Volunteer Week. Our volunteers work tirelessly to provide support to our core services, which helps transform the lives of the people we serve. Please take a moment to learn more about some of the people who volunteer their time to our organization.

Debra Woodson is one of Melwood’s newest volunteers. She joined us in February and has assisted staff in building Melwood’s current database directories. Debra’s support of Melwood’s mission is very personal; her younger cousin has Down Syndrome. Debra explains, “Having organizations like Melwood is important. They create programs and services for the people who need it the most.”

Marie Hannah retired in 2014 as an Educational Therapist in Missouri. Her family then relocated to Washington, D.C., where she was introduced to Melwood. Marie’s passion for horses and helping children fueled her interest in volunteering for the organization. She believes Melwood’s holistic approach to training and enriching children’s lives through horsemanship is very inspiring. In August of 2015, she joined the team of volunteers at our Recreation Center and she loves to work with the many students, parents and Operation: Tohidu veterans who participate in the equestrian program.

Elizabeth Weaver’s passion for working with horses and caring for children with differing abilities made her the ideal volunteer for Melwood. In December of 2015, she joined the team of equestrian program volunteers at our Recreation Center. She spends most of her time providing assistance at our barn, caring for the horses and inspiring all riders to be the best they possibly can be. "I love everything I do. I love seeing the kids accomplish what they set out to do.” Elizabeth’s favorite activities outside of volunteering include babysitting and spending time at her church.

Paul and Mary Barbiarz have volunteered at Melwood since their son, Gerik, attended Camp Accomplish; and later began taking lessons in the Equestrian Program. Mr. Barbiarz enjoys every minute of his time at the barn. He believes that volunteering is not only fulfilling on a personal level, but spiritually and physically. Mrs. Barbiarz says Melwood’s Recreation Services program has helped her son blossom into the young man that he is today. She truly admires the inclusive community the Recreation Center has created. Mr. Barbiarz is active duty Air Force and Mrs. Barbiarz works at the College of Southern Maryland as an Adjunct Instructor and a Scribe for the Disability Services Department.

We cannot thank our volunteers enough for the service they provide and the difference they've made in the lives of our Melwood family.