Nobody Should Feel Alone: Shelby Jones on PALS Programs and the Power of Belonging

Shelby Jones showed up to a PALS camp in 2018 as a volunteer, not knowing a single person. A friend had recommended it. She joined the staff in 2020 and became executive director two years ago. By background she's a special education teacher and reading specialist who went to Penn State.

PALS Programs runs inclusive summer camps on university campuses across the country, pairing every participant with Down syndrome with a peer-age volunteer without Down syndrome. In this episode of The PR Bunker Podcast, Shelby talks about belonging, a mother's greater hope and where PALS goes next.

A few takeaways from the conversation:

A week that changes how people see themselves

PALS was founded in 2004 and runs 17 volunteer-led programs. Participants and volunteers room together and share an immersive week in the city, from yacht clubs and beaches to karaoke nights, fashion shows and an Olympics on campus. The mission is to change attitudes, transform lives and inspire a world of belonging.

A mother's greater hope

At one closing ceremony, a participant's mom stood up and told the volunteers she had a greater hope for her son's life because of them. They would be his future doctors and the people who could make change, long after she was gone. Shelby says the whole room was in tears, her son included.

Doubling by 2030

PALS has a five-year plan it calls the 2030 vision: double the number of people it serves. About 300 participants are on waitlists, the organization is working toward its first million-dollar fundraising year, and it has hired regional staff in California, the Midwest, the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic so PALS is a community all year, not just in summer.

Community is the antidote

Shelby sees a loneliness epidemic. People are more connected than ever and feel less connected. Participants and volunteers stay in touch long after camp, host their own reunions and travel together. Shelby still keeps up with Devon, her first PALS partner from 2018.

You can help today by telling someone about PALS and encouraging them to apply, by donating, or by opening a door to a partnership through a business or board you're part of. Learn more at palsprograms.org.

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FAQ

What is PALS Programs?

PALS Programs hosts inclusive, week-long summer camps on university campuses that pair young people with Down syndrome with peer-age volunteers without Down syndrome.

How can I support PALS Programs?

Tell someone about PALS and encourage them to volunteer, donate, or connect PALS with a business or organization that could partner on experiences or host a program.