Local 2011 members recently put on their painter’s whites for Variety: The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley. Variety is a 90-year-old nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and young people with disabilities. Originally founded as a summer camp for boys recovering from polio, Variety has grown to provide comprehensive educational, recreational, and vocational services to children and young people with disabilities starting at age five. Their programming includes day camps, art workshops, social clubs, after-school programs, and vocational training to help teens and young adults transition into adulthood.
Variety’s 70-year-old main campus in Montgomery County needed renovations to keep up with its expanded programming. With limited resources, updating the gym — a vital space for Variety’s programs, local sports groups, Special Olympics training, and events like community gatherings and fundraisers — was a challenge. Members of Local 2011 stepped up, donating their time and skills to paint, remove outdated ductwork, and repair water damage. Their efforts revitalized the gym and reinforced the power of union labor in strengthening the community.
“The paint is the finishing touch to make the space look new,” said Dominique Bernardo, CEO of Variety. “The union went above and beyond to transform the space, and we’re so grateful to them for their generosity, time, and meaningful investment in us. We’re always looking for community partners and look forward to continuing our relationship with DC 21.”
The union difference is more than just great wages and benefits for members, it’s about the positive impact we have on our neighbors, family, and friends. DC 21 is proud to have members who use their time and skills to pour back into the community by helping great organizations like Variety: The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley. To learn more about the Variety’s work, visit varietyphila.org.
