During the holiday season, students at Horizons School—an organization dedicated to preparing young adults with learning difficulties for independent living—bring holiday cheer to UAB’s Civitan International Research Center (CIRC).
Since 2018, Horizons School has sponsored the Hearts of Horizons Civitan Club. Each year, the club comes together to decorate the lobby of CIRC.
Spreading holiday cheer
Horizons School was established in 1991 enabling young adults with disabilities to learn skills for work and independent living. Under the leadership of Brian F. Geiger, Ph.D., executive director, students who enroll in the school are taught to manage their personal health and leisure time, how to follow a daily schedule, develop friendships, and prepare for employment.
Through the Hearts of Horizons Civitan Club, students engage in service activities that support the community that they live in. Students raise funds and perform volunteer work that benefit many different local agencies like the Salvation Army and holiday food drives.
One of these service activities is giving back to the scientists at CIRC. The center, made up of over 100 scientists, aims to improve the well-being and the quality of life of individuals and families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities. During the holiday season, the students gather to decorate the lobby of the center bringing joy to those around them.
“Our aim is to bring cheer and thank the scientists of CIRC who study causes and treatment of developmental disabilities,” said Geiger. “Students love working together to create a festive display. They depart with much cheer, singing carols as they walk back to their residences.”
Craig Powell, M.D., Ph.D., center director and chair of the Department of Neurobiology, expressed his gratitude for the students’ annual contribution. “We are grateful for the support and kindness shown by the Hearts of Horizons Civitan Club, as well as the Birmingham Civitan Club, which helps us with the event,” said Powell.
“Their holiday decorations not only bring cheer to our researchers, but they also symbolize the spirit of collaboration that drives progress in understanding developmental disabilities.”
The holiday decorations created by the Hearts of Horizons Civitan Club not only bring joy to the center lobby, but also highlight the power of community and collaboration.
