Causes I Care About
Corral Riding Academy
While working at Corral as a social work intern, I witnessed first-hand how commited Corral is to changing the lives of the students they serve. Corral provides long-term, holistic equine therapy and educational programming to girls facing at-risk situations. The students that Corral serves are hardworking, strong, dedicated individuals who greatly benefit from the investment that Corral makes in them. Please click the link below to learn more about this amazing nonprofit and community of people.
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Best Buddies
I was part of Best Buddies from 2015-2019 (in high school) and had the honor of speaking in 2024 at their 35th Annual Leadership Conference. I made the most incredible friends because of this organization! My very first friend is now a Best Buddies Global Ambassador, so I absolutely needed to include Best Buddies on this page because of how incredible he is and how great Best Buddies is! Please click the link to learn more about this organization that encourages friendship, inclusion, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities/special abilities.
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Camp Like Max
Camp Like Max was founded by Missi and Shane Henderson in honor of their beloved son, Max. The Henderson family and I connected through facebook and they invited me to speak at Camp Like Max and do workshops with the incredible kiddos there. This family took a heartbreaking loss and created this annual camp, which pours into other children and teaches them to learn and lead with kindness, live joyfully, and spread light like Max. It is one of the most special things I have ever been a part of. I am so grateful to have witnessed this camp firsthand and encourage you to learn more below.
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Triangle Aphasia Project
After one of TAP’s members connected with me on Facebook, I had the privilege of meeting and speaking to their organization through a virtual TAP Talk. This organization helps individuals with Aphasia. While I was never diagnosed with Aphasia, I did recover from some speech and other challenges after my head injury, so I feel a personal connection and great appreciation for organizations like TAP. Please click the link to learn more about Aphasia, how you can support, or watch my free TAP Talk.
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SAFE Child
SAFE child (Stop Abuse for Every Child) is the first place I volunteered after moving to Raleigh, NC in 2019. I spent my first semester working weekly in childcare and child programming, and returned in 2023 to shadow Women’s classes. SAFEchild is full of the most patient, kind-hearted staff and provides a safe environment for prevention, intervention, and recovery services. Please click the link below to learn more about this organizations and how you can help prevent and eliminate child abuse.
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Special Spaces
Back in 2018, I had the honor of helping my friend, Steven Matusik, start an in-school club chapter of Special Spaces. This organization transforms bedrooms for children with disabilities and illnesses. Through the generosity of professionals, volunteers, donors, and community partners, Special Spaces meets with children and their families to design and create dream bedrooms. It is truly a special team-effort to be a part of. Please click the link below to see if there is a chapter in your area and learn more about getting involved in a makeover project near you.
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Special Olympics
In 2024, I had the opportunity to speak to Special Olympics Connecticut and was so touched by their community and welcoming atmosphere that I had to include them on this page. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Learn more about Special Olympics and getting involved in your local chapter.
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