Catherine Benincasa has been volunteering at the Cetronia Ambulance Corps every Thursday for the past six years and works extra days as needed. Benincasa, who has Down syndrome, first began volunteering there because she wanted to help people. Cetronia Ambulance Corps, dedicated to saving lives and serving the community, was a good fit for her. Her uncle works at Cetronia Ambulance Corps and was the one who signed her up to be a volunteer.
Benincasa volunteers in the billing office where she files, alphabetizes, sends out mail, processes memberships and offers a helping hand to whoever needs it. She really enjoys working with the Cetronia Ambulance Corps and considers them her family. “I have learned how to be part of the Cetronia family and to ask questions if I don’t know how to do something,” says Benincasa. “We have social events and celebrate birthdays. My favorite memory was being included in the Cetronia Family Picture.”
Outside of her Cetronia family, Benincasa also volunteers with other community service groups. She walks dogs and pets at PAWS, a nonprofit dedicated to helping animals, volunteers with Meals on Wheels and also enjoys reading to kindergarten students. Benincasa graduated from Parkland High School in 2005 and went to Lehigh Career & Technical Institute for an office clerical and administrative assistant computer class, which is where she became versed in Excel and learned the skills needed to volunteer in Cetronia Ambulance Corps’ billing office.
In addition to her Cetronia family, Benincasa enjoys spending time with her two younger siblings and her dog and two cats. She looks forward to Sunday family dinners and watching TV with her uncle. Benincasa participates in track and field, bowling and softball for the Lehigh County Special Olympics.
