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Devereux youth participate in community service project to beautify local park

On a hot and muggy August morning, residents and staff members from Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) center participated in a community service project to help beautify a park in Glenmoore, Pa.

Partnering with members of the Wallace Township Public Works Department, eight Devereux youth and two employees spread mulch across a large playground at Wagenseller Park, which is just a few minutes away from Devereux Pennsylvania’s CBHS Brandywine campus.

The mulching was done in preparation for the annual “Wallace Township Community Day” event on August 26.

“A lot of these kids need help and I feel they want to be part of our community. Today shows that Devereux is here to work with the community as much as possible,” said Wallace Township Public Works Foreman Steve Senn.

Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS Executive Director Dr. Rhea Fernandes explained: “This project allows us to nurture a sense of belonging and service to the community for our youth. It also helps to educate the community about our youth, our programs and services.”

Giving back to the community

The project lasted about two hours and, once completed, the playground looked transformed.

“This is a lot of work, but it’s also fun. The kids were smiling and they were excited to be here today,” said Omar Harris, Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS recreational specialist. “It feels really good to get the kids outside and show that they are here for the good of the community – and each other.”

Clarence Harris, Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS recreational specialist, agreed. “The work we do is very important, because it is essential for these kids to have positive role models. Getting involved in the community helps them get a different perspective, because many of them have been recipients of volunteer and community services. Today, they have a chance to give back, which is great!”

Click here to learn more about Wallace Township.

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health:

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare organizations in the country. Founded in 1912 by special education pioneer Helena Devereux, we serve as a national partner for individuals, families, schools and communities, serving many of the most vulnerable members of our society in areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, and foster care. To learn more, visit www.devereuxpa.org.

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