Anna’s Volunteer Abroad Experience

Hi everyone!

I have been given an amazing opportunity to spend 6 weeks in Barcelona, Spain this summer volunteering at a center for adults with a wide rang of physical and mental disabilities. As many of you know, I have a strong passion for serving the disabled community and I am so honored that I have been chosen to impact lives thousands of miles away from home.

I am volunteering through an amazing program called IVHQ, which has places hundreds of thousands of volunteers at sites around the world since their formation. Here is what IVHQ describes what my work in Barcelona will look like- "The aim of this project is to help provide one-on-one care for people with special needs, many of whom are adults, enabling them to be more integrated within their community and to live a less stigmatized life. You’ll be helping a team of local staff and volunteers, assisting in activities such as arts and crafts, physical therapy, exercise and activities including swimming or walking dogs." Unfortunately, Spain's education system is not set up to accommodate those with special needs, so volunteer work is vital and very impactful.

I am beyond excited to be a part of this incredible program, but I need your help! Getting to Spain is not cheap, so I am asking family, friends, and those who are also passionate about enhancing the lives of those with special needs around world to donate any amount to help me get to this amazing destination!