My Nonprofit Reviews

"Sometimes life throws you a curve. Or a crabapple right in the eye." Some 40 years later, the effect of that particular experience leads you to a most delightful group on a mission to level the playing field for people with disabilities and who dance like nobody’s watching.

Being part of the ATOU crew these last 13 years is one of the best and most precious experiences of my life. While I enjoyed the work and opportunities that an almost 30 year corporate career path provided, being in the classroom with A Touch of Understanding is proving to be one of the most meaningful and authentic things I’ve ever done. The attitude and approach of this organization, modeled on the inclusive, kind and respectful hearts of founders Leslie Dedora and Ed Ennis, set the tone and attitude of ATOU. Oftentimes I think the volunteers and staff get more than we give. Especially on the days when a second grader makes an observation that blows your mind. Or an 8th grade student feels safe enough to confess in front of their entire class that sometimes they feel so bad and lonely, frustrated or mad that they just want out. And then there was that time when everyone in the room did the Dab dance and it was caught on film. Three years later in Target one of the students came up to me and reprised said dance move in the check out line. You just can’t make this stuff up.

If ever there was a time that people needed the ATOU experience, it’s now. From the little guys to the more seasoned humans, choosing kindness, respect and inclusion for everyone makes for a fuller, better and richer life experience. Just saying… K.P.