Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps

The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps’ vision is to partner with adults with intellectual disabilities throughout their lifetime to enhance their confidence, independence, and health by providing them services and inclusive community opportunities in a professional manner consistent with Catholic values.

The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps launched in 2021 to enable individuals with intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential and participate meaningfully in the community. Members include individuals with intellectual disabilities, professional staff and volunteers, such as Villanova University students, retired educators and business leaders. All members strive to help others in the community, while developing competencies that increase our members’ independence and confidence.

As part of the pilot program launched in Fall 2021, the Corps met three afternoons each week for fellowship and fun, while engaging in exercise, cooking, arts, music and life skills development. The Corps meet at the Haverford Center for Recreation and Environmental Center (The CREC), a stunning facility where members participate in activities and enjoy nature on the center’s trails and playing fields. Service projects included cleaning up trash in a park, walking over 23 miles to raise funds for cancer research, gathering canned goods for a Thanksgiving food drive, and recycling items at the Haverford Community Recreation Center (CREC). “Service Wednesdays” was added in Winter/Spring 2022. The Corps members and volunteers will partner with various organizations to serve the community. 

The Corps, founded by parents of the participants, believe that all people can learn, love and make a difference. We want to make sure that these individuals have every opportunity to grow, learn and share the joy of being together, while doing meaningful activities and serving others.