Volunteering is a family affair at Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabililties.Dave and Rebecca Badten and their teenage sons, Jonathan and Matthew, have been reading aloud to small groups and individuals at the Keene NH nursing home each week for about 18 months.
All of the Badtens love to read. They are very busy in church, school and community organizations in Keene but felt this was an activity they could share with residents, who are severely disabled.
"Our family has been enriched by this community over the years, and we want to give something back. Reading to the children of Cedarcrest Center is one small way we can . . . do it as a family!" says Rebecca Badten.
The nursing staff at Cedarcrest Center is thrilled that the Badtens can be depended on. They report that the evening visits provide the children with great opportunities for social interaction. Some of the boys particularly enjoy having Matthew and Jonathan read to them.
In October 2008 the Cedarcrest Center Board of Trustees recognized the Badten family as Cedarcrest Champions. CEO Cathy Gray thanked Dave and Rebecca for setting an example of volunteerism for their sons and recognized all four Badtens for making their contributions a family affair.
Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities provides long and short term residential, medical and educational services for children with complex medical and developmental needs. For more information visit http://www.cedarcrest4kids.org/.
