Nelson Choma, volunteer

A committed volunteer, Nelson Choma supports the community day support program four afternoons a week. When he arrives, he will sit with each client and talk with them until the recreation program begins. Once the program begins, he asks clients which games they would like to play, allowing them to decide. If they have difficulties with the game, Nelson teaches or assists them.

Each day clients in the program changes. Nelson treats them all with dignity and kindness especially when they are vulnerable. One client displays moderate cognitive impairment which leads to him try to leave or repeat questions. Nelson engages him in a conversation or plays a game with him until he is picked up. A younger client who is often negative toward others regularly sits alone before and after his rehab allowing Nelson to talk to him one-on-one. Every Tuesday, this client asks when Nelson is coming as they have developed a rapport.

Nelson comes in early to talk to clients. He often sits with people who do not socialize much with others. He will ask open-ended questions to allow for conversation. This helps him build rapport with them. If someone does not have English as their first language, Nelson works to press through the language barrier and to find ways to communicate with them maybe with hand gestures or simple words.