Volunteer Connection

The Douglas Center is excited to announce a new partnership with Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics, a student organization at Northwestern University.

This connection was made possible by conversations and working with Kelly Benkert, the Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement at Northwestern University. Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics works with individuals with developmental disabilities in the community as Volunteer Coaches to prepare special needs athletes for competition, inclusive programming, and events to raise awareness.

Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics wanted to expand their volunteer experience by adding time that focuses on interpersonal skills, job skills, money management and life skills with people with disabilities which is one of our goals at The Douglas Center, making the partnership a definite win-win.

Last week co-presidents of this organization, Tyler Washington and Sam Fleisher, met with our Director of Programs and Services, Elizabeth C. Kristiansen to tour our facility and finalize the details. Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics will begin volunteering at The Douglas Center starting in September 2018.

Thank you to Kelly, Tyler, and Sam. We are so grateful for the newly formed connection with Northwestern University.