Angel of mercy cherishes work with disabled

from Chron:
Everyday life can be a struggle for members of the community with physical or developmental disabilities, such as spina bifida or Down syndrome. Aiming to improve the quality of life for these individuals, Benoite Vodounou is a proud member of Forgotten Angels, an organization that offers daily activities and even residential services for the disabled.
In her role at Forgotten Angels, Vodounou maintains communication between the parents and clients and the staff at both the residential and day habilitation centers. Benoite and her husband were experiencing their own hardships when they met Forgotten Angels CEO Renee McGuire and Director Holly McDonald, and an act of kindness then changed their lives.

“My husband and I both were unemployed, and times were very hard for our family when we met Renee and Holly, who are so kind and loving and created a position for me at Forgotten Angels Day Hab in order to help us financially and spiritually,” she said.

In addition to assisting communication between different divisions of Forgotten Angels, Benoite organizes activities for volunteers and accompanies clients on outings. But more than just a job, she sees her position as a higher calling and an opportunity to grow as a person.

“When I first started working at Forgotten Angels, I thought I was working to provide support for my family, but I have quickly learned that God called me here to be blessed beyond my comprehension.”

The day-to-day activities of planning out the monthly day habilitation calendar or hosting birthday parties for clients keep Vodounou busy, but the highlight of her day comes from the people with whom she interacts.

“Clients are the reason I look forward to coming to work each day because of their excitement,” she said. “(They are) ready to start their day with smiles, and the hugs I get from each one every morning when they come into the building, and the love they have for each other and the staff -- the joy I received interacting with our clients each day is priceless. Even when I am tired by the end of the day, I am filled with energy and love, ready to come back again next morning.”

For more information on Benoite Vodounou and Forgotten Angels, call 281-412-6435 or visit www.forgottenangels.org.