Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel’s “HERO” volunteers continue their community efforts in Haywood County.  The HERO (Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out) program is one of the ways Harrah’s Cherokee supports corporate social responsibility and commitment by giving back to the community through volunteering. HEROs planted flowers and trees to landscape the yard for the residents at one of the original group homes at the Arc of Haywood.

The Arc of Haywood is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc recognizes that all people should have the opportunity to live in and be a part of the community.  The Arc’s vision is that all individuals with developmental disabilities will be able to reach their highest potential, having a quality of life that ensures their well being, in a community where all people are accepted and treated with respect, fairness and dignity.

The staff and residents enjoyed watching the planting of the flowers and trees. One resident said, “Wow. It’s so pretty.”

The staff at Woodlawn work to ensure programs, services and goals are being met for each resident.  A staff member of the group home stated, “The landscaping brightens the environment of the entire home.”

The Arc offers a variety of residential and community based services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  For information on the Arc of Haywood County, a United Way agency, and the programs and services offered, visit www.arcofhaywood.org

Harrah’s Cherokee HERO program looks for volunteer opportunities with charitable organizations and community partners that need help with hands on projects.  Employees also volunteer in their communities with family and friends for the betterment of community and being a good neighbor.  Harrah’s Cherokee HERO’s is working to reach a goal of 10,000 volunteer hours in 2012 and is happy to participate and work with organizations in WNC.