During National Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, we highlight Jacob Gustin, a volunteer at Padua House. His special bond with one of its residents is a beautiful reminder of the impact kindness can make.
When Brother Martin High School junior Jacob Gustin was looking to fulfill some volunteer service hours last year, he did not know he was going to find the perfect opportunity almost in his backyard: Padua House.
Located near his family’s home in Belle Chasse, Padua House is a residential program for those of all ages with intellectual disabilities who are medically fragile.
Like many teens his age, Jacob is your typical busy high school student. While studying and preparing for college next year, Jacob works at Creole Creamery and is a member of his school’s powerlifting team. But he still makes sure to visit Jeremiah at Padua House about once a week.
“Best Friend! Best Friend!” yells Jeremiah each time Jacob walks in the door at Padua, his favorite part of his regular visits. Jeremiah has been a resident of Padua for about 20 years since suffering a life-changing brain injury at the age of three.
“It makes him happy to have someone to talk to and I am very grateful to make his life, even if it’s for just a couple of hours, a little bit better,” Jacob says.
From time to time, Jacob also helps feed some of the other Padua residents, many of which are unable to verbally communicate. Although being nonverbal could be seen as a deterrent, Jacob has discovered the magic of the fist bump as a universal greeting.
Volunteering at Padua House has been an eye-opening experience, to say the least, for Jacob. It has also helped him be more appreciative of his blessings and understanding of his place in this world.
“If you only understood how lucky you are to have this life and how much good you can do for the Padua residents. You can really make their day a lot better by just talking to them for a little bit,” Jacob says.
Even with college on the horizon, Jacob remains committed to returning to Padua House and visiting his “best” friend Jeremiah.
For more information about volunteering, visit www.ccano.org/volunteer-opportunities.
