The Fine Art of Volunteering
Joe Bye began sculpting as a hobby shortly before retiring. His interest in art eventually led him to participate in a veterans art show benefiting Capper Foundation, introducing him to the organization and its mission.
About a year ago, Joe was looking for a meaningful place to volunteer when he learned about Capper’s Adult Day Services Art Studio. That discovery soon turned into a regular Friday commitment, during which he helps individuals served by Capper explore creativity while building meaningful friendships along the way.
Those relationships reflect an important part of Capper’s mission: creating opportunities for people with disabilities to develop skills, express themselves, build meaningful connections and participate more fully in their community.
At first, Joe wasn’t sure how to gauge each person’s abilities in the studio. He found an unexpected solution in tic-tac-toe, using the game to observe coordination and how each person approached a challenge.
Joe has also discovered that creativity is about much more than the finished piece.
“Creativity or self-expression is not just the end result,” he said. “It’s about getting lost in the moment—becoming so absorbed that time seems to stand still.”
One project that especially captured that feeling was a collaborative American flag created for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. Capper Art instructor Josh Pattie divided the flag into sections, with different individuals carefully painting each piece before the work was assembled.
Joe remembers watching the participation and coordination unfold as everyone contributed to the finished piece.
“It was obvious they were lost in the moment,” he said.
His time at Capper has also deepened his appreciation for the Direct Support Professionals who work each day with individuals with significant disabilities.
“I am in awe of the staff,” Joe said. “They reaffirm that angels are among us.”
Joe’s Fridays in the Art Studio are a reminder that meaningful opportunities for creativity, connection and personal growth happen because people choose to invest their time, talents and resources in Capper’s mission. That support helps ensure individuals with disabilities have opportunities to build skills, form relationships and take part in experiences that enrich their lives.
For anyone unsure about volunteering with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Joe’s advice is simple: expect to meet kindhearted people who may just need a little more time.
To explore individual or group volunteer opportunities at Capper, email Terri Steinman, Capper Volunteer Coordinator at tsteinman@capper.org.
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