EDS Volunteer Story
EDS Makes a Difference-
What started with a phone inquiry from EDS staff member Mary Brock in late 2005 has blossomed into a mutually beneficial relationship for some EDS employees and the youth at Boys & Girls Republic (BGR).
Ms. Brock was looking for a residential facility for youth which would make use of the services she and her colleagues had to offer. Their plan: monthly outings for groups of BGR residents.
With BGR’s resounding “Yes,” the EDS plan was implemented and field trips began. A guided tour of the new Detroit Institute of Art, a trip to the Detroit Zoo, a tour of the Renaissance Center, visits to Kensington Metropark, a winter evening at Oasis Golf, go-carting and bowling have all been among EDS/BGR destinations.
Members of the EDS Team, which includes Mary, Pete Taylor, Pat Weinberger, Fadia Jabbour, Mark Stieber and Gary Collier, meet the youth and staff at BGR for the event. The youth, transported by the BGR staff, travel to the trip’s destination. There, the youth, EDS Team and BGR staff enjoy a tour, a game and a new experience. They are also treated to lunch, dinner or a snack, courtesy of the volunteers.
According to Ms. Brock, the group had heard about BGR and the agency’s work with youth and decided they wanted to help. They are able to do that with company support. “At EDS, employee volunteerism is the core around which all community activities are leveraged,” she says. “EDS encourages us to donate time and talent to local charities involved in enhancing the social and economic development of the community.” EDS allows the group to raise funds for their trips, which they have done through things such as bake sales and auctions with donated items.
Team member Pete Taylor, who has been coordinating the activities with BGR, explains that the team brainstorms trip ideas that are within their budget and determines dates and times that fit the team’s schedules. He then presents the activities and dates to BGR for approval.
The experiences created by the EDS Team have been great for the youth says BGR Director Gregory Chapman. “The kids broaden their horizons regarding leisure activities; even more important, they come to realize that there are many caring adults who enjoy spending time with them.”
That sentiment was echoed by the Team who said what they enjoy most about volunteering is the kids’ “energy and willingness to try new things.” As Pete Taylor put it, “It’s funny, but we feel younger around them. They see the world differently. We have learned that some seem lost; have been hurt by life,” he continues, “but they are strong and have the will to turn their lives around.”
Team member Pat Weinberger recalls a Holiday luncheon at BGR a few years ago. “The kids stood up and said what their favorite activities were. We were so surprised when many of them mentioned us and what we do. At that point, we realized we do make a difference.”
In addition to field trips, over the years the EDS team has also given BGR and its residents complete sets of board games for each residential unit and sponsored a game night to inaugurate the gifts; televisions and DVD players. Recently, the Team held an evening of virtual bowling when they presented the agency and youth with complete Wii sets and the games to go with them.
As Pete Taylor concludes about his colleagues, “They do not want recognition or publicity; they simply love what they do and they are good at it.” Boys and Girls Republic could not agree more.