Just a few short years ago, Jason was an athletic high school senior. That changed suddenly when Jason suffered severe brain damage in a car accident. He went from being an independent young adult to a young man with physical and mental disabilities who needed substantial care.

Recently, Jason’s mother, Diane, looked into Volunteers of America Camp Volasuca. Dedicated to enhancing self-confidence in a safe, supportive environment, the camp offers overnight summer programs several weeks a year to adults with developmental disabilities.

Jason’s mother wondered if Volunteers of America could help her son reconnect

When Diane called our Camp Program Manager, she broke down in tears explaining that since the accident, Jason rarely left home-and he certainly had never spent a night away from home! At the end of the conversation, Diane felt she could trust Camp Volasuca. And, though she loved her son, she needed a break.

When Jason first arrived at Camp Volasuca in his wheelchair, he kept to himself. With loving encouragement from camp staff, however, Jason eventually joined in the fun. After a few days at camp, every single counselor had heard Jason’s two favorite jokes -several times.

Jason’s confidence was soaring, his jokes were a hit, his gratitude apparant with a farewell ’stand-up hug’

On Wednesday, Diane and Jason talked to each other by phone. Jason exuberantly shared with his mother all the great things he was experiencing at camp and how his jokes were such a big hit. Jason’s mother sobbed with happiness and gratitude.

By Friday, the last day of camp, Jason was one of the last campers to be picked up because his parents wanted their son to enjoy every last moment of camp. All of the counselors who had grown to love Jason went out of their way to say goodbye. Jason’s parents arrived rested, and so happy to see that their son had created meaningful friendships and a collection of wonderful memories.

As he left Camp Volasuca, Jason assured everyone this wasn’t a final goodbye. Like many Camp Volasuca campers, he looked forward to next year. Jason didn’t just shake hands either. "Wait a minute," he said, locking the wheels on his chair. "Let me give you a stand-up hug." Then he pushed himself up saying, "Okay, now I’m ready," with his arms wide open.

Everyone deserves experiences that bring meaning and quality to life

Volunteers of America Western Washington firmly believes this and works daily to ensure adults with developmental disabilities have access to independent living support, and quality of life recreation. 

Help us bring quality of life to adults with disabilities.  Your support will have impact on individuals we serve - like Jason.