BY ROSEMARY CORCORAN
PALS STAFF MEMBER & VOLUNTEER
We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. This month, we hear Rosemary's story. Rosemary has been a paired participant and volunteer leader and is currently a member of the PALS Staff Team!
Dear PALS Family,
“As participants at PALS, we are given a glimpse into the world as it could be; a place where all people are celebrated for their diverse abilities, personalities, and perspectives.”
2022 is here! As we prepare for a rich and exciting summer season at PALS, I reflect on PALS with gratitude. I didn’t know what to expect the first time I came to PALS in 2017 - I had never been to summer camp before, and didn’t know anyone—I was nervous! Once everyone arrived on-site and I met my roommate, everything fell into place. Since attending my first program in 2017, I have been a paired participant, volunteer leader, and staff member. In 2022, PALS returns to residential programs, something not taken lightly after the pandemic has impacted the world so greatly.
At PALS, we are given a glimpse into the world as it could be; a place where all people are celebrated for their diverse abilities, personalities, and perspectives. This magic is a feeling we chase all year. I am especially grateful for the small moments at a residential program, like spontaneous karaoke with toothbrushes-turned-microphones, multi-step handshakes with someone you’ve just met, and big conversations about the ways we want to change the world. These moments are quintessential to PALS, providing a unity and shared experience between people with diverse lived experiences.
I am grateful for the growth of PALS, and the continued drive to provide a welcoming, safe program to each person in the PALS community. The past year has pushed PALS in the ways the magic is created, expanding into virtual offerings to access PALS from anywhere! Thank you to our donors who support our mission, and thank you to our participants who bring these programs to life. We are so excited for you to join us as we embark on the 2022 season.
PALS Love,
Rosemary
You can join the PALS magic Rosemary described by applying for Summer 2022. Visit palsprograms.org/summer for more information. Thank you for being a part of the PALS family!