BY GRACE WAHLE

PALS Advancement Coordinator

We often ask members of our PALS Community "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. We closed out PALS Summer 2023 with a virtual Season Finale Party, where we announced the recipients of the inaugural Spirit of PALS Award, in recognition of one Partner and one Volunteer who embody the PALS mission. Melodie Corcoran was nominated by her Peer. The Corcoran family shares what PALS means to them.

"PALS gives the opportunity to live and grow in an inclusive environment, which is priceless."

Dear PALS Family,

Melodie: My name is Melodie and I am a Partner at PALS. I attended PALS Philadelphia 2 this summer, celebrating the 100th camp. Camp is fun. I have good friends as we sang karaoke together.

Melodie's Parents: Melodie really blossomed at PALS. When we talk about camp, she gets very excited. She starts talking about all her friends at PALS and the activities she did.

Melodie: I hung out with everyone in my room until it was bedtime. It was my favorite memories at camp.

Melodie's Parents: We look forward to arrival every year. The Peers and Partners really make it exciting. The organization is important to our family because it gives the opportunity to live and grow in an inclusive environment, which is priceless. Melodie gets to live with a roommate she would have never gotten to meet otherwise. We know she has made friends because every time we go to a PALS event everyone knows her.

PALS Love,
Melodie & Family

Melodie embodies the mission and values at PALS. We are so grateful for each and every participant who joined PALS Summer 2023 and for every supporter who contributed to build a more inclusive world of belonging. Relive the memories from this summer with our recap video!