Student Katherine Gaudio gets into the spirit by styling speech-language pathologist Emily Teed’s hair, while speech-language pathologist Sara Pisarchik works on hers.

Andrea Szott, whose son, Shane, is a resident at Matheny, organizes an annual Day of Beauty for female students and patients. Volunteers from the community and Matheny staff members set up stations for haircuts, hair coloring, manicures, and hand and shoulder massages.

Tea and snacks are served, and Matheny students and patients get an opportunity to not only meet people from the community but also to socialize with staff members in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It’s another example of how Matheny tries to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, providing them with as many typical life experiences as possible.

Volunteers are always needed at Matheny to serve as recreation assistants, classroom aides, tutors or just friendly visitors. For more information, call 908.234.0011, ext. 282, or email volunteers@matheny.org.

Volunteer Renee Bloom gives a hand massage to student Tammy Boszczuk.

Michelle Struss of Franklin Lakes, NJ, applies some makeup to Matheny student Katherine Gaudio.

Andrea Szott, mother of Matheny student Shane Szott, organized a special Day of Beauty for female students and patients at Matheny. Volunteers from the community set up stations for haircuts, hair coloring, manicures and hand and shoulder massages. Tea was served, and the volunteers had an opportunity to spend time and get to know the girls and young women who live and go to school at Matheny.

This is one example of how volunteers help enrich the lives of students and patients at Matheny. Volunteers can organize projects and events such as the Day of Beauty or serve as recreation assistants, classroom aides, tutors or friendly visitors.

For more information or to obtain a volunteer application, call (908) 234-0011, ext. 282.