New Friends 

How Recycle Macon’s Co-op helps one man connect with others

When Joshua Wilson first began coming to Recycle Macon’s co-ops, he rarely had opportunities to meet people outside of his residence home for adults with developmental disabilities, Wesley Glen. At 37, Joshua had been living there for over 5 years. When he first came to the co-op with his house members last January, he was eager to get involved but unsure of what to do or how to do it. He quickly became friends with some of our bike technician volunteers and learned the ropes. 

Now, Joshua not only has mastered how to pump a bike tire, he’s even able to show others. Each month, the co-op is a highlight for him. He is involved in the repair process, he has new friends, and is always learning new things. His house manager, Greg, said that he has never seen Joshua as excited about anything as much as he is about the co-ops. When we partnered with Wesley Glen to host a community ride at Amerson River Park, Joshua took fliers around the home recruiting participants. On the day of, Joshua rode in the front with the route leader and encouraged his friends, new and old, to stay motivated even if the hills seemed difficult. Each month, we have seen Joshua get more engaged and more comfortable around others and with bikes.