Last week, the RAZR team spent a beautiful fall day at MORA’s Birch Bluff home helping prepare the property for winter. Nestled among mature trees, Birch Bluff is known for its picturesque setting, and with that beauty comes plenty of leaves each autumn. Armed with rakes, gloves, and a willingness to help, the team tackled the seasonal cleanup and filled an impressive 45 bags of leaves throughout the day.
While the volunteers made a tremendous impact on the property, the most memorable part of the day was the connection that formed between the team and Birch Bluff resident Mark.
For Mark, helping outdoors is more than a chore. It’s something he genuinely loves.
Growing up around family farms, Mark developed a deep appreciation for hard work and being outside. He enjoys talking about life on the farm, helping care for the yard, and sharing stories about driving a tractor and giving hayrides at his family property. When volunteers come to Birch Bluff, Mark is often eager to join in, lending a hand and getting to know new people.
Thanks to a leaf blower donated by a generous supporter, Mark was able to fully participate in the cleanup. He spent the afternoon clearing leaves from garden beds, helping bag leaves, and working side-by-side with the RAZR team. Just as importantly, the day gave him an opportunity to share his interests, contribute his skills, and be part of the group effort.
Moments like these highlight what community engagement means at MORA. Volunteer projects are not only about completing a task or improving a property. They are opportunities for meaningful relationships to form. When community members volunteer alongside the people we support, barriers disappear, conversations happen naturally, and everyone has the chance to contribute their unique talents and interests.
“To put it simply, Mark loves people and people love Mark,” shared Amanda, Program Supervisor at Birch Bluff. “He is always full of joy, isn’t afraid to make new connections, and wants to help however he can. We have to remind him that it’s okay to take things slow and relax sometimes. He told me he had a wonderful time and that it was fun to help with everyone.”
As the last bags of leaves were hauled away, Birch Bluff looked ready for winter. But the greatest impact of the day wasn’t measured in 45 bags of leaves. It was found in the opportunity for Mark to do something he loves, the generosity of the RAZR team, and the sense of community created when people came together to work side-by-side.
Recent Blog Posts:
- Mark’s Favorite Kind of Day: Working Outdoors and Making Friends
- Masterpieces at the Manor: A Celebration of Creativity, Connection, and Community
- MORA Featured Artist: Pech
- Building Trust Through Quality Care
- In Loving Memory of David Quam