Although Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) focuses on meaningful employment for all, the ultimate goal of our support is to ensure individuals achieve their preferred level of independence in their community and life. WOU’s Community Supports program engages individuals in activities like volunteering to help them develop positive community relationships. Nelson is a stellar example of a WOU client who has grown and thrived through volunteering at his local YMCA since 2022, and in February 2026, he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year!
L to R: Darlene Gilbert, Nelson Gilbert, Fred Gilbert
Nelson has received community support services from WOU since 2021. His current Career Resource Specialist Cellia Acres has supported Nelson since she joined WOU’s Keene team in August 2025. Since they began working together, Cellia has learned a great deal about the kind of man Nelson is – intelligent, calm, considerate, and close with his family. At the YMCA, Nelson takes his volunteering responsibilities seriously. He completes a variety of cleaning tasks and plans STEM projects for the summer youth camp program. As Cellia says, “Nelson will do any task you ask of him as long as he is capable. If he tells you he is going to do something, you know it will get done. If you forget something, he will remind you.”
Cellia provides one-on-one support to Nelson during his volunteer services, so she’s had a front row seat to Nelson’s continued growth in his social skills, self-confidence, and enthusiasm as a volunteer at the Y. She shares, “Nelson has opened up and is more vocal about his feelings. He is always friendly with staff and patrons and gives his full attention to each conversation. In addition, I would say Nelson responds well when he is acknowledged for his achievements, whether big or small. He works really hard to prove himself, and he is very dedicated to his services and to successfully achieving his goals.”
On February 25, 2026, at the Keene, NH YMCA’s annual meeting, Nelson was presented with his award for Volunteer of the Year! Criteria considered include hours volunteered and tasks provided on behalf of the Y, as well as extra efforts, enthusiasm and self-confidence, and noteworthy improvements and growth in candidates. Cellia was thrilled to learn Nelson would receive the much-deserved award, which she co-presented with Cindy Puza, Business Manager at the Keene Y. Nelson’s family in attendance had received the good news from Cellia before the meeting and agreed to keep the award a surprise for Nelson. “He was very surprised and happy,” recalls Cellia. “His smile stayed for the rest of the evening. He was approached by many people, engaged with everyone, and was a true gentleman. I am extremely proud of him.”
L to R: Darlene Gilbert, Nelson Gilbert, Cellia Acres
Nelson is the third individual supported by WOU to be recognized as Keene YMCA Volunteer of the Year. This is due in large part to the supportive environment provided at the YMCA under Cindy’s direction as volunteer program supervisor, and the successful, reciprocal partnership between WOU and the YMCA in various communities that WOU serves. “Cindy is very attentive and supportive,” says Cellia. “The staff at the YMCA are incredibly patient and helpful with our clients. They go above and beyond to assist in the success of clients from not only WOU but from other locations as well.”
Nelson loves the opportunity to contribute his time and talents to the Keene YMCA. He shares, “I feel that I have made some strong bonds with Cindy and some of the other staff at the YMCA during my time there. I like the atmosphere, the vibe, the activities that I can plan with others, and the flexibility of when I can work, including at my own pace at the YMCA.” As an added bonus, he enjoys having access to the Y’s exercise equipment for his personal fitness. When asked how Nelson contributes to her team of volunteers, Cindy says, “Nelson is outgoing, friendly, dedicated, proud, has a wonderful sense of humor, and is eager to be of help – especially with anything to do with computers! Nelson continues to shine with his big smile from the time he arrives until he leaves here at the Y. He puts in his one hour of volunteer task work, welcoming and acknowledging staff and members along the way. Nelson plays a large part in what makes the Y welcoming and a pleasure to visit.” Under Cindy’s supervision and with support from Cellia, Nelson is meeting his goal of providing assistance in his community as a valued volunteer. Cellia says, “I am extremely proud of Nelson and happy to be a part of his journey.”
