The Wofford Companions is an organization that works to build relationships with and host events for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Spartanburg community.
Recently, the organization hosted a community event in the senior village to celebrate Halloween with a trick or treat event for those willing to participate.
The event took place on Oct. 30, as the Halloween holiday fell the following Monday.
Students living in the Senior Village received an email inquiring about their interest in participating in the event. Organization members then took the companions to the apartments where candy was passed out.
Those in charge of the event are the organization’s co-presidents Caroline Payne ‘23 and Catherine Ojeda ‘23.
“In terms of support from administration, there is not much. The support came from the organization itself,” Ojeda said. “The amazing people within the club spread the word to fellow seniors to volunteer, and that is how we got 23 participants to help us. It is a group effort to make this work, and I am so grateful that we have such a passionate group to do just that.”
The companions have planned numerous events within the community, such as a back to school dance, sports days, bowling and Valentine’s Day parties.
“We have a good group of about 15 individuals who come bi-weekly and hangout with us Wofford students, whether that is catching up while sharing a snack or bowling strikes at the bowling alleys,” Ojeda said. “The companions are all local and know each other from other organizations. It is a close-knit group.”
“Not only was it fun for me to be able to go trick or treating with the companions, but it’s nice knowing that I’m giving them a little bit of experience that they might not get otherwise,” Payne said. “They love getting the chance to dress up and participate in things their peers get to do, and it’s sweet to be able to be able to help make that happen.”
Other members of the organization, Dori Heldreth ‘23 and Emily Lang ‘23, find Wofford Companions to be a tight knit group that creates special and long-lasting connections.
“(This organization helps create) an opportunity for Wofford students to get involved with individuals not on Wofford’s campus and that may not otherwise run in their usual social circles,” Heldreth said. “The companions love Wofford, and Wofford loves the companions. The relationship is truly unique and thrives year after year.”
Lang particularly enjoys the Halloween event, as it creates a fun and safe way for the companions to be involved in tradition and the Wofford community.
Wofford Companions will be hosting events for the foreseeable future in which all students are invited to attend.
The events occur twice a month on Sunday’s from 4-5 p.m.
They always love to see new faces and are looking for new leadership.
If you are interested, follow their Instagram @woffordcompanions for updates on events!
