WRENTHAM - Celebrating its fifth anniversary this summer, a special program run at Wrentham Developmental Center has gone miles to benefit young people and residents of the center.

Called the Urban Youth Collaborative Program, it involves college students taking care of the mentally challenged and handicapped center residents afternoons through evenings.

From helping them eat and wash to assisting with activities ranging from arts and education programs to doctors appointments and swimming, the young employees do it all.

"They do all the routine care, taking them to programs, clinics, trips," said Kim Pariseau, assistant unit director.

Field trips include kayaking and horseback riding as well as sailing. A cookout and bocce are also planned. On a recent day, 10 student employees who had been in the program last summer were getting started on their second summer. An orientation, which is new for this summer, is scheduled for this week for newcomers. There are 19 participants.

Heather Wallace, 21, of Burrillville, R.I., in her third summer with the program, for years used to visit the center as her mother, Lisa, has been a nurse at the center for 25 years. She is a senior at URI.

"The little challenges they try to accomplish every day, walking, talking. Discovering new things they have done," Wallace said of the residents. "They have a more positive outlook. It makes you feel you have impacted them."

More than half the program participants return for at least a second summer.

Alicea Jordan, 21, of Carver, and a senior psychology major at UMass Amherst, is another. "Seeing them accomplish things people didn't think they could do," is rewarding, Jordan said, noting she returns for Christmas. "I miss the people. It is something that you know you made a difference."

Heidi Chunji, 19, of Taunton, and a sophomore at Regis College, is studying nursing but plans to become a doctor. "Going to work every day, they make your day. They make you smile," Chunji said of the residents.

"Every day you know you made a difference in someone's life. It feels good," said Ambrose Curtis, 19, of Pawtucket, and a junior at URI.

Alex Tradd, 21, of Foxboro, and a senior psychology major at UMass Amherst, notes the students shoulder many of the responsibilities year-round workers have. "We see the improvements in independence," Tradd said of the residents.

"I have had such an impact from this place, it has made such a difference, I can't wait to come here," said Lindsay Campbell, 21, of Franklin. "It is not just a job."

The senior at Bridgewater State College even changed majors from biology to nursing after working here last summer. Other young workers have switched their majors over the years because of the program as well. One is a special education teacher in Milford.

"Everyone of them brings something to the residents and staff. It is quite a creative group," Pariseau said. "We tried to incorporate what degree they are going for and try to pair them up" with that field.

Those who hope to become doctors will meet the center's medical director, she noted. There are also various speakers.

Veronica Almeida, 20, of Pawtucket, a sophomore studying criminal justice at Johnson and Wales, said she enjoys "shadowing" center employees like an intern. "We always get something out of it education-wise," Almeida said.

One former student is helping develop equipment for people with disabilities in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"It has been great for us. They really bring new blood, excitement and energy," James O'Brien, a clinical social worker and Wrentham resident, said of the temporary helpers. "It invigorates us all."

O'Brien points out several of the students return in the fall to help out at the Crackerbarrel Fair that raises funds for the center's residents. "It is great for the people who live here to see them again," he said.

Leanna White, active treatment coordinator, calls the program "interesting and fun."

"It starts with a bunch of kids who really know little about people with mental retardation, and it progresses," said Tony Marano, director of volunteer services and special projects at the center. "It is a good growing opportunity."

The program has been run statewide for 17 years, and involves about 250 young people in the full-time, paid jobs. The students get together for one day at Holy Cross College and another for an awards ceremony at the Statehouse.

A key purpose of the program is to get young people interested in working for the state Department of Mental Retardation.

"They want new people to come in and work," Pariseau said.

O'Brien pointed out the DMR commissioner, Elin Howe, has "really taken to the program. She knew it had to continue despite the budget being tight."

STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.