Join us TODAY for our January 'It Starts with Us' Chat featuring Chris Kaag, founder and CEO of the IM ABLE Foundation! Our discussion starts at 2:30 PM and you can join right here: us02web.zoom.us/j/82668830362?pwd=ZGtOQ3lpdWNJNk9WRUljYVhOTjRKZz09
The past meets the future - I had the pleasure of having lunch last week with Dan and Jess.
Dan received a bike grant all the way back in 2010. He said, "after my accident, IM ABLE had the single greatest impact on my recovery. It opened the door to all that is out there for people with SCI [Spinal Cord Injury]."
Jessica Keogh is working on an application to the IM ABLE Foundation for a bike at the moment. She has been a Special Education Teacher at a middle school near West Chester for about 10 years. She is also getting her Master’s studying to improve education for individuals with challenges. A few years back, she worked with State Senator Carolyn Comitta to change the law in PA to raise the income cutoff eligibility for people to receive state benefits and increase the amount individuals are allowed to have in their savings accounts before being removed from state benefits.
To learn more or to support Jessica - www.justgiving.com/campaign/jessicathecyclist
Also pictured on the left is Joe P, a frequent volunteer at IM FIT and Brian, IM ABLE's development director
![The past meets the future - I had the pleasure of having lunch last week with Dan and Jess. Dan received a bike grant all the way back in 2010. He said, after my accident, IM ABLE had the single greatest impact on my recovery. It opened the door to all that is out there for people with SCI [Spinal Cord Injury]. Jessica Keogh is working on an application to the IM ABLE Foundation for a bike at the moment. She has been a Special Education Teacher at a middle school near West Chester for about 10 years. She is also getting her Master’s studying to improve education for individuals with challenges. A few years back, she worked with State Senator Carolyn Comitta to change the law in PA to raise the income cutoff eligibility for people to receive state benefits and increase the amount individuals are allowed to have in their savings accounts before being removed from state benefits. To learn more or to support Jessica - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jessicathecyclist Also pictured on the left is Joe P, a frequent volunteer at IM FIT and Brian, IM ABLEs development director](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/s720x720/270355701_7034208399930482_818415444625602424_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=sIPMJPNRAY4AX_imTj_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AT9FOAdBnpvF-WApbMSlAvVldR5lkFRqAOXSA7u1ntfEBQ&oe=61F2137B)
Had such a great time and excited for this journey! Happy New year!
Such great work! I love hearing about the intersection of accessible fitness and leisure as well as education!
Onward to '22!!
As 2021 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the years of IM ABLE leading up to this point. Going into our 15th year, I am as motivated today as I was at the beginning. As I reflect on those we have had the privilege to serve over the years, I know that our mission has only been achieved because so many of you have helped and supported IM ABLE in more ways than we can count. I am truly humbled and grateful to each and every one of you for all that you do.
The last few years have been challenging for all of us but somehow, some way, we continue to drive on and redefine what is possible for our community, and many of us are thriving more than ever. Our community has always understood that we are stronger as a result of our challenges, and we have proven to be even stronger in the past two years. I believe that this idea is the core of what a community truly is: flourishing together in the face of even the most difficult circumstances.
As we enter 2022, the IM ABLE Foundation is preparing for the future, and we ourselves are redefining what is possible for the Foundation and for the communities we are honored to serve. We expect 2022 to be a pivotal year and I’m excited for what is to come.
I look forward to seeing all of you and hope to see some new faces join us on our journey, becoming part of our community where lives are changed every day.
Humbly yours,
Chris Kaag,
Founder & CEO
IM ABLE Foundation Est 2007
Can't wait to bring my hubby over.
Before our son joined the IM ABLE Foundation’s IM FIT program, he didn’t have a very consistent exercise regimen. Andrew is a 29 year old man with Down syndrome. As parents, we had kept him as active as possible, given the activities available to people with disabilities. He was involved in seasonal sports over the years, such as soccer and basketball, and he did some occasional bowling and mini golf in the off seasons. He also took walks with us on the trails on the days that he didn’t attend his adult program. Unfortunately, however, since the various sports take place at specific times of the year, exercise wasn’t a consistent, regular routine.
About two years ago, in the fall of 2019, we heard about the IM ABLE Foundation, and started taking Andrew to their IM FIT program, which meets twice a week.
This is such a wonderful program!! They welcome people of all abilities, and the focus is on movement, so that exercises can be adapted and everyone can participate, no matter what their limitations may happen to be. Andrew already knew some of the participants, but was also able to form new friendships through this program.
When everything else was shutting down around the middle of March, 2020, due to the pandemic, the IM FIT program quickly adapted. They offered two sessions a week via Zoom, at the same time that the in person sessions had been running. This was especially significant, as many people with disabilities thrive on a regular, consistent routine. Keeping the schedule as regular as possible also makes things much easier on us as parents, due to the level of comfort it brings to Andrew. Participants who were interested also received hand/foot cycles, free of charge, and one of the weekly Zoom sessions was a cycle exercise regimen! Andrew looked forward to both of sessions so much, since he was unable to see his friends in person.
Eventually, when the weather got a bit warmer this past spring, they had some wonderful in person outdoor sessions as weather permitted. It was so exciting for everyone to actually see each other in person again after a whole year of Zooming! Andrew calls all of his friends, and Chris, Brian, and all the volunteers, his IM FIT family. We are so thankful to this extended family for everything they do for the all abilities community.💗
They are now back at the gym! Andrew looks forward to every Tuesday and Thursday evening, when he gets to hang out and exercise with his buddies in person once again. Thank you so much for considering a donation to the IM ABLE Foundation. My husband, myself, and Andrew and his IM FIT family will be so thankful to you for helping to keep this amazing program up and running. May God bless you!
Looking great!! Have lots of fun and a wonderful holiday!!