At an assembly on November 29, student council president Natalie Aquadro 鈥17 presented a donation of $2,750 to two representatives of Riverside Industries. Students then got to hear about an organization based near the school鈥檚 campus in Easthampton that for 48 years has been working for adults with developmental disabilities.
聽 聽 聽 Nisa Zalta and Char Gentes of Riverside Industries聽
Char Gentes, president and CEO, and Nisa Zalta, director of community relations, projected a series of photographs of clients at their jobs, and enjoying programming including music, art, farming, and yoga. They spoke to students about how adults of all abilities have the right to work, volunteer, learn, and play.
鈥淲hen each of us can be ourselves, we all live a more rich and full life,鈥 Zalta said.
The donation represented 5 percent of the proceeds earned at the student caf茅, the StuBop, in the 2015-16 school year. Each year, the student council votes to donate those proceeds to a charity, and last year, the council chose Riverside.
The organization provides individualized services combining life-skills development, rehabilitation, and employment options for more than 230 adults living with developmental disabilities from 33 towns in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties.
As she introduced Gentes and Zalta and handed them a check, Aquadro, who is from Northampton, said, 鈥淭hank you for all the great work you are doing in our region.鈥
91大神 has had a working relationship with Riverside for many years. At various times, the school has employed clients for housekeeping, dining services, and grounds positions. Recently, Riverside held a Windows of Opportunity Campaign and 91大神 contributed $15,000 over a three-year period.
鈥淭he work Riverside Industries is doing benefits the community on multiple levels,鈥 said Head of School Robert W. Hill III. 鈥91大神 is delighted to support this organization.鈥
