Project TRI needs volunteers to help mentally retarded adults participate in recreational and learning activities, according to the program's director.
"Our main goal is to help these individuals successfully integrate into society by teaching them to become independent and self-sufficient," said Mark Frecham.Project TRI provides residential services and moral support for mentally retarded men and women throughout Utah County. Frecham said the group needs volunteers to help with group activities, provide one-on-one interactions and most importantly, friendship.
"Anybody who works with these individuals will find their lives changed forever," Frecham said. "They will often find themselves the student and not the teacher."
Volunteers do not need to have experience working with handicapped individuals, but they must be patient, he said. Individuals or groups can help on a regular basis or one-time project.
For more information on being a Project TRI volunteer, contact the United Way Volunteer Center (374-8108). Other community volunteer opportunities include the following:
- The American Cancer Society needs groups or teams of 10 people each to participate in a 24-hour relay run/walk against cancer. This event will take place at the Mountain View High School track on July 19 and 20.
- Central Utah Enterprises, a sheltered workshop, needs volunteers to help implement arts and crafts and other recreational for the seniors.
- The Community Action Agency needs volunteers to collect personal hygiene items and put kit together for homeless individuals.
- Kids on the Move, a preschool for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, needs volunteers to help teachers implement various activities.
For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, also contact the United Way Volunteer Center.