Everything Under The Sun: Providing Service To Those With Developmental Disabilities

Jeff Weber, singing and playing guitar for worship services.

One of my favorite organization in the Baltimore area is CATHOLIC CHARITIES, probably because they provide so many different types of services to people in need, from new immigrants to seniors to children with behavioral issues to those with developmental disabilities.

One of the providers under the Catholic Charities umbrella is GALLAGHER SERVICES. Although the main campus is in Timonium, there are group home locations around Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County. Their services cover a wide variety of needs for those who have developmental disabilities within their service area.

Of course, as part of a larger nonprofit organization, Gallegher utilizes volunteers, who serve in various capacities. One of those is Jeff Weber, who has been volunteering there for about fifteen years. In the beginning. Mr. Weber wasn't sure how he could best serve, so he started out by helping with arts and crafts activities, and on occasion he would take some clients off grounds for haircuts and other types of errands.

Then, somehow, staff found out that Jeff played the guitar, and, as he said, "[T]hat's all she wrote." Thus, he found that special talent that led to his involvement with worship services every other Sunday. He also reads the gospel for that Sunday and provides a lesson based on the readings.

Worship has always followed a particular format, but there are unique and touching moments. Mr. Weber remembered Tara and her prayer intentions, almost always for her best friend, who usually sits next to her during the service. He recounted, "Tara always requests prayers for her friend Courtney, who is sitting right next to her. Courtney always gets a big kick out of it, laughing. We should all be so grateful, for others' prayers."

He also recalled Tony, who was confined to a wheelchair and has since passed away. He and his best friend, Ralph, always attended services, and both would perform a "praise dance" after communion. Ralph would push the wheelchair, with Tony in it, as both danced together.

Kathleen Roberts, spiritual development director at Gallegher, talked about Mr. Weber's service, "Each week at Gallagher's Sunday Service, Jeff plays 'This Little Light Of Mine' on his guitar, joyfully accompanied by the singing of Sally and the other members of our congregation....Jeff lets his light shine at Gallegher through his music ministry, sharing the Gospel and his friendship. Jeff brings us joy!"

A group of men who live at a group home run by Gallagher.

Mr. Weber cited the influence of both his parents as the basis for his wanting to serve others, "My father, who passed when I was 18, set my heart in that direction - looking out for others. [My mother's] example of faith and of service to her friends and to our family has been steadfast and a very real encouragement and inspiration. Through the years she has demonstrated what love is by her example."