Community Connections Skill Building
Video created by Mack Stiles
The Center for Disability Services' Skill Building Program was established over 40 years ago to provide opportunities for adults living with disabilities to remain engaged within their community. Our dedicated staff provides volunteer opportunities within the community, skills to promote independence and help individuals maintain personal health and wellbeing.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
Program Hours
We are open Monday through Friday with three schedule options:
- AM half day - 8 AM - Noon
- PM half day - Noon - 4 PM
- Full day - 8 AM - 2 PM
Enrichment Services
In addition to providing the opportunity for community volunteering and a variety of meaningful activities both in the community and on campus, CDS also has partnerships with programs in the College’s of Health and Human Services and Arts and Sciences to provide enrichment services for our participants. Some partnerships include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Pathology
- Music Therapy
- Psychology
- Physical Therapy
Volunteer Opportunities
As part of the College of Health and Human Services, our emphasis is on improving the health of the whole person, be it physical, emotional or intellectual. We believe in civic engagement as being an important part of community life. It’s our goal to have as many participants volunteer to build confidence, have meaningful relationships, learn new skills and provide a sense of purpose in the community. Participants are currently volunteering with the following.
- Delivering Meals on Wheels to residents in Kalamazoo county
- Air Zoo greeters at various exhibits
- Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes - weighing, counting and sorting vegetables into bags and bins
- Local farms - assist with cleaning the barns, feeding the animals, moving hay and helping with light household tasks
- WMU recycling and bottle return
Get started today
For more information about our program or to schedule a tour, please contact the coordinator at (269) 387-7414. A referral form will need to be completed to begin an intake process.
*All videos were created by Mack Stiles.
