The Service of Learning

By Kristen Porchia

Throughout the year, I participate in what is called Very Important People (VIP). This program is geared toward physically and mentally impaired people from ages five to twenty-six. Developed in the city of Taylor, Michigan, these important people can attend this program throughout the year, every single day of the week. VIP has been running for eight consecutive years, and has yet to hit any bumps in the road.

I am always able to meet different kinds of people with different kinds of abilities, and each person is unique in their own way. We are able to interact with each person, but most of them do not live what one would call “normal lives.” From wheelchairs to down syndrome, friendships are made between people that can last forever.

During the program, I was able to offer more assistance to everyone than what I thought I would be able to. I would arrive twenty minutes early to get myself settled in, then I would wait as all of the VIPs would come in. Checking them in would have to be my favorite part, because they are so excited to see you as they walk in the door. They describe what has happened to them during in a detailed story, even if you saw them the day before. These people come in, ready to experience each day with a new beginning.

Throughout the different days that I am there, different activities are planned to entertain everyone, as well as keep them motivated and aware of each other. From trips to the park for ice cream, to boat rides in the summer, to decorating a Christmas tree in the winter, we see the attendees of the program accomplish more than what they thought they could. Each important person leaves at the end of the day with a sense of accomplishment, and I leave with a smile on my face knowing that I was there to help them work through an activity or problem that they never would have attempted or thought they could finish.

This past year has been a little difficult for the program, but they have been able to prevail. The VIP program now is able to receive a bond from the US government to help with expenses. For each person to go through the program, the total cost is $550. $250 is a cost from the family that the VIP comes from, and the other $300 is a combined cost from taxes and city money. With the bond, the group is able to offer a discounted rate to the families so more people can participate in the program, and the city is also able to use the set money from taxes in other programs and organizations.

I look forward to volunteering my time to these important people. It is beneficial to them, as well as to myself. I think that I am teaching them new things each day, but as I reflect, I realize that they have taught me so much more. These VIPs offer so much to the world, and as a result, I find myself asking what I and others like myself can do to offer them better lives.

So, the next time you have a free Saturday, stop by and offer some assistance. Or if you see us in the park, say hello, and remember that these are people just like us, with just a little more important personalities.