HeartShare Human Services of New York

HeartShare salutes the efforts of our direct support professionals—the Everyday Heroes in the lives of the adults in our residences and day habilitation programs. Everyday Heroes make a dramatic impact in the lives of those they help each day.

Individual interests are important in deciding the volunteer sites or trips in the community. What may seem like simple things, such as getting a paper at the local deli everyday, may not have been possible before for these individuals.

Staff and participants may take public transportation or walk to a volunteer location or activity in the community.

With a major focus on community inclusion, staff and program participants engage in a variety of activities from volunteering at local businesses and community centers, to attending cultural and social events, to shopping at the neighborhood stores.

What does it take to be an Everyday Hero at HeartShare? Trustworthiness, creativity, resourcefulness, dependability, sensitivity, being energized, taking challenges, advocating, serving as a role model, being a team player, having the big picture, and honoring the individual.