Local Town Heroes: Giving Back

A high arcing ball flew towards the hoop, swishing with ease. "Great shot, Max!" I exclaimed as I high-fived him. While some kids enjoy the thrill of playing basketball in a brightly lit, loud, squeaky gymnasium, others are over-stimulated, making them shy away from participating. Max is one of those kids and I was proud to spend each Monday afternoon assisting and mentoring him and other differently-abled teens, helping them experience an afternoon of playing sports with friends.

I began my journey as a volunteer in elementary school by helping out at a local non-profit that dedicates resources, volunteers, and adapted facilities to uplift the differently-abled community. The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization started in Michigan, focusing on bringing joy and friendship to children, teens, and adults with disabilities.

The ability to work with these varying ages and able individuals inspired me. It taught patience, compassion, and a rather important lesson, be positive and be grateful. The athletes I worked with may appear to have tougher circumstances whether by physical or mental limitations, however, the positive, infectious energy they have brings everyone the utmost joy. We did countless activities from basketball to fundraising walks to cooking classes and more.?

I never focused on the accolades with volunteerism, but it is important to recognize them. I was a president’s organization member for two one-year terms which at the time was rare. In the years I volunteered in high school specifically, I am a recipient of two Presidential Awards for Volunteer Service when under 16 years old with 50 hours per year and one over 16 with 100 hours a year.?

Besides Friendship Circle, I sat on the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) for all four years of high school representing nearly 40,000 town residents. We focused on creating actionable change through town initiatives to create more inclusive and accessible facilities, creating programming for those of all ages, and intentional attention to being the liaison voice between the various age groups and the town council. Operating with multiple personnel interests, the town and the council boards allowed me to learn more about how complex advocating for the community of people with disabilities is and the concerted effort it requires to make effective changes for the betterment of the town.

I then started a club at my high school in my junior and senior years that met bi-weekly and shared lunch between mainstream and neurodiverse students. We all got to enjoy telling stories, getting to know these fellow students, and creating a safe space and a place for friendships to foster. The things that people find to be typical occurrences or activities like eating lunch in the high school cafeteria that are normalized are sometimes taken for granted and moments like these allow for a greater feeling of appreciation.

Seeing the first-hand impact of my actions is the most rewarding takeaway. Some days are harder than others, and you know the feeling no matter who you are. When my day was not going my way, the smile of one of our athletes brightened me and left all the negative things and stresses of life that were going on at the door.