My Nonprofit Reviews

I teach children with various disabilities. The one thing they all have in common is that they all love to move. Movement is their outlet. As a teacher you are always looking for a program that will suit the needs of your students. About 22 years ago I attended a running workshop designed for children with special needs. Karen Lewis was giving the workshop and she completely blew me away with her enthusiasm and passion for the Achilles Kids Program. I signed up that day! The program has grown over the years, improving every step of the way. They are always trying to find ways to help and motivate the children; from t-shirts, maps, bracelets, certificates, medals and of course the sneakers!!

The Achilles Program is about the students ... ABILITIES... not their Disabilities. All my students will finish a 26 mile marathon during the school year and some will come close to finishing 2 marathons! My students are very aware of their goal ... 26 miles ... and maybe a pair of new sneakers!

I never truly understood the impact of the new sneakers until one of my students named "David" informed me that this was the first pair of new sneakers that he had ever received. He always had to wear his older brothers worn down and used sneakers. Then I became more aware of the sneakers that my students wore; many of their shoes had holes, were too small, or the soles were completely worn away. For those children, the sneakers have an even greater meaning to them. The sneakers represent triumph and something that is truly their own.

It’s through the generosity of others that my students are able to be so successful. The sneakers impact their everyday lives, they wear them every day at school and they are a constant reminder that they are able to do whatever they put their minds to. Because of the Achilles Kids Program my students have been able to accomplish more than they have ever dreamed of.