Leader
Shep Roeper
Location
4190 Riverside drive Richmond, VA 23225
About the project
With such amazing natural resources like The James River, The Appalachian Trail, and The Blueridge Mountains, Virginia is full of adventure opportunities. Did you know that Virginia is home to over 300 freshwater fish species?! With so many natural resources like these, everyone should be able to enjoy them. Unfortunately, that's not the case. There are physical challenges. "I use a wheelchair, who will take me white water rafting?" There are financial challenges. "I have three siblings and my mom is the only one who takes care of us. We don't have the money to go rock climbing or fishing." There are social challenges. "I just got out of prison and I'm working my way through recovery. Nobody wants to give me the time of day." These are real issues that we face every day with our participants, but we find a way to make it happen for them.
Beyond Boundaries offers outdoor adventure and environmental education opportunities to individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, and substance recovery programs. Our mission is to increase access and opportunity to the benefits of nature for those who don't have it while building a stronger community by providing a space to see someone for their ability before their disability. About 70% of our participants need financial assistance and with your help we can make these opportunities possible for everyone.
We provide white water rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and kayaking programs while working with our participants on things like confidence, teamwork, social skills, and communication.
The Steps
We have over 800 participants signed up for our 2020 programs and just over 500 need financial assistance.
If we had the ability to offer these opportunities to individuals and groups in our community at no cost, we would be able to serve over 3,000 people each year.
Why we‘re doing it
Did you know that about 20% of America's population has at least one disability? Did you also know that almost 40% of kids with disabilities are overweight or obese? With less social opportunities, limited access to nature and exercise, and a disconnect from their community, should we be shocked by these numbers? We are changing this by providing access and opportunity through inclusion. We are creating social, recreational, and educational opportunities so that our community learns more about each other and becomes more inclusive. We are providing opportunities, not just for our participants, but for everyone who is involved with our programing. With your help we can make sure that Adventure is for everyone!