At Maine Adaptive, our volunteers are the heart and soul of everything we do. Behind every lesson, high-five, and breakthrough moment is a person who chose to give their time, energy, and passion to make a difference. But what inspired them to step into this role? What was the spark that drew them to adaptive sports and our community?
In this series, we’re excited to share the unique personal stories of our volunteers—how they found Maine Adaptive, what keeps them coming back, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped their experience along the way. Whether it started with a ski lesson, a chance encounter, or a lifelong love of outdoor adventure, each story is a testament to the power of connection, inclusion, and purpose.
Meet Barbara Epstein!
Volunteering to teach skiing to people with disabilities wasn’t something I had ever imagined 26 years ago. But all that changed on a Wednesday evening in November 1998, right around dinnertime, when the phone rang.
“Hello!”
“Hi, Barbara, this is Cuddy Cohen.”
Wait—Cuddy Cohen? I thought. How does he know me? I certainly knew of him. Cuddy was a well-known community leader and an incredible fundraiser. He was also from an older generation, someone I respected from afar.
“Yes?” I replied, expecting to be asked for a donation.
“You ski, right?”
“Well,” I said, “I’m able to negotiate some terrain and get down a hill…”
“Great! Russ Bornstein and I will pick you up tomorrow morning at 6:30. Bring lunch.”
And just like that, he hung up.
I had no idea that phone call would mark the beginning of a beautiful, life-changing chapter.
Though I had brought our son and daughter up through the ski ranks—from Lost Valley to Pleasant Mountain, Mount Abram, Sunday River, and eventually Sugarloaf—I never considered myself a great skier. More importantly, I had never thought about teaching someone with a disability how to ski. Could I really help?
What I quickly discovered was that Maine Handicapped Skiing (now Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation) offered incredible clinics that gave volunteers like me the tools and confidence to teach not just skiing, but a variety of adaptive sports. It wasn’t long before I found myself not only instructing skiing, but also kayaking and golfing.
Today, I can’t imagine my life without Maine Adaptive.
What drives me? It’s the smiles, the elation, and sometimes the hugs from participants. It’s the heartfelt thank-yous from parents and caregivers who’ve driven long distances, bundled their loved ones into ski boots—some even in their seventies—and watched in awe as their child or adult experienced the thrill of achievement.
It doesn’t matter if the participant can’t see, can’t hear, can’t walk, or can’t fully understand—what matters is the pure joy they experience while doing something they never thought possible.
I’ve watched Kayden, a child with autism, make his way down Dream Maker for the first time—there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. I’ve seen Gloria go from “not a golfer” to driving the ball over 100 yards. And Matt, who is visually impaired, tore down black diamond runs like White Heat and Vortex, shouting with excitement the entire way.
Volunteering with Maine Adaptive isn’t just rewarding—it’s transformative. I almost feel guilty for how much joy and fulfillment I receive from being part of this incredible organization.
And to think—it all started with one unexpected phone call from a visionary man. The late Cuddy Cohen, as I later learned, was one of the founders of this amazing program. I will always be grateful he called me that day.
As you’ve seen, the journey into volunteering with Maine Adaptive often begins with a simple moment—an invitation, a spark of curiosity, a desire to give back. But what grows from that moment is something extraordinary: a deep sense of purpose, lifelong friendships, and the joy of empowering others through sport.
These personal stories remind us that while our volunteers come from all walks of life, they share a common thread—a passion for inclusion, adventure, and community. Whether you’re already part of the Maine Adaptive family or thinking about joining, we hope these stories inspire you to reflect on your own path and maybe even start a new chapter of your own.
Because at Maine Adaptive, everyone belongs—and every story matters.