Volunteers are at the heart of Maine Adaptive, and we would not exist without their dedicated support for the past 41 years since the organization’s founding. Volunteers find their way to Maine Adaptive in a myriad of ways. Whether a friend refers them, they see us out on the trails or slopes, or like Emma and Angie–it just runs in the family.
“It was on my mind for quite a while, Angie explains. I made excuses to myself like: I don’t ski well enough, it’s a long drive in my old car, I don’t have the time. It wasn’t until my brother suggested that we should do it that I joined. I always tell my brother it’s the best thing he’s ever done for me.”
Angie has been a volunteer now for twelve years.
We all could use a gentle nudge from our loved ones from time to time; in this case, that nudge inspired the next generation of family to get involved, too.
Emma, Angie’s niece, first got involved with adaptive recreation when she heard about Vermont Adaptive while studying in college. As soon as she returned to Maine upon graduating, she remembered that her dad and uncle volunteered their time with Maine Adaptive and reached out.
“Uncle Ang helped teach me, my sisters, and my cousins, how to ski when we were little and would even take us out of school on some Fridays for the carload deal at Mt. Abram. I’ve always loved skiing with my family, so I feel lucky to get to have fun and ski with Angie. It’s been especially cool to have him show me the ropes with specific adaptive equipment.” Emma shared.
The passion Emma and Angie have for creating impact through the lens of skiing runs deep. When asked what their favorite part about volunteering was, they both shared it’s when students have a break-through day on the snow, experiencing significant growth towards independence and having a blast.
As Maine Adaptive grows, more than ever, volunteers are needed to support the 1 in 4 people in Maine with a disability. We asked Emma and Angie what advice they would give to someone new to adaptive volunteering:
“Every time I volunteer, I have some kind of new experience, whether it’s with someone I have volunteered with before or not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help and ideas to shake things up. Everyone you work with at Maine Adaptive is there for you!” Emma shared.
“Don’t be afraid to try anything. The staff, volunteers, and students are all there to help you learn. Have fun!” says Angie.