My wife, Joanne, and I continue to be on the Advisory Board of VSC. We have watched, and supported, the dedicated manner this organization has approached their commitments. They provide outstanding services and support to the severely handicapped, both mentally & physically, residents of the Denton State Supported Living Center.Though Covid-19 presented, and still presents, many challenges to the VSC team, they continue to overcame them with flying colors and with smiles on their faces. The annual Christmas Is For Caring radio, telephone and card mailing fundraising events & activities were, again, exceptional in 2020-21. For a thinly staffed non-profit group, they perform at an extremely high level of competency and efficiency. We are proud to be associated with this organization. ~ Bob & Joanne Moses
The VSC for DSSLC does wonderful work. When you see the residents smile, it makes all your work worthwhile.
Review from Guidestar
Our son Stephen has called the Denton State Supported Living Center home for almost 21 years. Living at DSSLC has given him the freedom and social life he never could have if he lived in our home or in a group community setting. The Volunteer Service Council have provided endless opportunities of recreation and activities on and off the campus. Donations from so many generous people have provided medical equipment, trips to the fair, music and most important to the residents, Christmas. The Christmas is for Caring program provides Christmas gifts to all and donations to further enhance the quality of living on the campus.
We are so grateful for the Director, Valerie Avery, her wonderful team in the office, and the board members that give up their time to make the DSSLC Volunteer Services Council top notch!
My sister Ann lives at the Denton State Supported Living Center where she has been for the past 55 years. I am speaking for her when I say that she is happy and healthy and thinks of the Center as her home. We are thankful for the Volunteer Services Council (VSC) and volunteers who make it possible for the individuals like Ann to take enriching excursions in the community and for students in the music department at TWU to provide delightful music for the individuals to enjoy. Christmas wouldn't be the same if VSC wasn't working hard to fill the wish list given to VSC from each individual at the center for Christmas. I can't say enough about what the VSC has done to make life more enriched and more interesting for the individuals that call the center home.
I have served on this Board for over 4 years now, and can only say I have never seen such heart and dedication given so generously to help some of the most physically and mentally fragile individuals from around the State (many of whom have no one to rely on other than the staff and volunteers of the DSSLC). Through the horrific past 18 months of the pandemic in particular, the amazing quality of selfless service provided on a daily basis was never more clear. As a former Mayor of this City, I am proud to support the Volunteer Services Council
here in Denton.
I have found this group to be very conscientious spending funds. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for the residents at the Living Center and they stay true to that goal. I am a Board Member and guardian of a resident.
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The Volunteer Services Council serves as a vehicle to enhance the lives of DSSLC residents. They provide joy for our most fragile citizens who face life long mental and physical challenges. Donations are thoughtfully spent for maximum impact and nothing is diverted for administrative salaries. As a resident's sibling, I have been involved with this organization since the 1960s. I continue to be amazed at what they accomplish and the number of people who benefit from their efforts.
The Volunteer Services Council for the Denton State Supported Living Center has a laser-sharp focus on improving the quality of life for its residents. The major fundraiser of the year, Christmas Is for Caring, marks its 43rd year of development for this one goal. In the last two years, the VSC has remediated an unsightly and unused swimming pool and constructed an outdoor activity court to offer more options for on-campus recreation. CIFC also solicits and distributes 4 gifts(personalized requests of clothing, toiletries, games) for each resident to open on Christmas morning. Another major project underway is a new greenhouse - in the planning stages - which will enable residents to interact with the community and gain real-life skills with plants. And the VSC helps in day-to-day enhancements - helping with celebrations in the campus homes such as patio barbecues or birthday celebrations. VSC also leverages the outstanding music program of Texas Woman's University. Sixteen scholarship students (funded by VSC grants) perform on campus for the students throughout the school year - bringing the joy of music to the 400 residents. VSC staff and volunteers do an outstanding job of using in-kind donations for supplies for residents crafts; offering a campus "shop" for books, art supplies, and much-needed clothing and accessories. This charity totally focuses on the residents - finding ways to support them in daily life and create opportunities to celebrate throughout the year.
My wife, Joanne, and I continue to be on the Advisory Board of VSC. We have watched, and supported, the dedicated manner this organization has approached their commitments. They provide outstanding services and support to the severely handicapped, both mentally & physically, residents of the Denton State Supported Living Center.
Though Covid-19 presented, and still presents, many challenges to the VSC team, they continue to overcame them with flying colors and with smiles on their faces. The annual Christmas Is For Caring radio, telephone and card mailing fundraising events & activities were, again, exceptional in 2020-21. For a thinly staffed non-profit group, they perform at an extremely high level of competency and efficiency. We are proud to be associated with this organization.
~ Bob & Joanne Moses
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We became aware of the Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC) not long after moving to Denton. I learned that the state of Texas had 13 of these facilities, which supported severely physically & mentally challenged people of all ages. The one in Denton is the largest, with about 450 residents...supported by about 2,000 staff & volunteers. Though the state provides basic housing, food, medical and other necessary support services, the Volunteer Services Council (VSC) provides for many of the things and services that makes life worth living: such as comfortable furnishings, quality entertainment, day trips, parties, modern & expensive medical equipment like ventilators, and the list goes on. This is all paid for by contributions & donations to the VSC. My wife Joanne and I are proud to be serving on the Advisory Board of the VSC for the last several years, and to have experienced the increased quality of life that has been provided to the DSSLC residents. ~Robert & Joanne Moses
The Volunteer Services Council for Denton State Supported Living Center is comprised of committed board members and volunteers who have true stewards' hearts. They give completely of themselves to help those who live with intellectual disabilities. The monies raised by the Volunteer Services Council adds immeasurably to the lives of people who live at Denton State Supported Living Center. Donations pay for trips into the community and necessities for the individuals at DSSLC. Such a committed group that does so much!
I was fortunate to work in the Volunteer Services (VS) Department of DSSLC for over five years. I fell in love with not only the residents, but with the selfless, caring people who strive daily to support them & to help them enjoy the best quality of life possible.
I saw individuals, companies, & other organizations from throughout the community pull together to help provide wants & needs of the special folks who live at DSSLC, & to add value to their days. It is heartwarming to see the happiness & excitement in the eyes of residents as they enjoy the many blessings & opportunities your gift can provide.
DSSLC does a wonderful job of providing a safe environment where their folks have an opportunity to live, to learn, to enjoy life, & to be as productive as possible in a safe environment designed & maintained specifically to meet their needs.
Although I now live in southern Alabama, I will be traveling to DFW in early December to participate in the Point for Charity’s (PFC) annual fund-raising auction. PFC orchestrates fund-raising events throughout the year for the benefit of DSSLC residents.
In my opinion, VS of DSSLC is one of the most worthy causes you can support. DONATIONS definitely help bring a tremendous amount of happiness & joy to folks who have experienced many difficulties in their lives & who deserve every opportunity for health & happiness.
Grest organization that does outstanding work. If you're going to donate this is the place. Run by outstanding honest people. I just can't say enough good about them!
Wonderful organization. They are making a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our community. I appreciate all that they do to help improve lives and offer the much needed care for the people they serve. Thank you for all that you do!!
The Volunteer Services Council coordinates donations of time, talents, and money to benefit the residents at Denton State Supported Living Center. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for the residents, and that includes activities, celebrations, travel, cultural experiences, and so much more! It is an honor, and a joy, to offer services to these residents, and an inspiration to work beside the incredible staff whose dedication is unmatched. The fulfillment of the residents is exceeded only by the rewards of volunteering here.
Incredible organization that benefits those in need of living support. The State of Texas provides the basic needs of life, but this group consistently delivers what the State cannot. Love these people! This org. Makes the daily experience for these permanent residents as fulfilling and meaningful as possible!