Public Service Announcement | KEEN Greater DC

KEEN's Mission

Empower youth with disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants.

Public Service Announcement

Every child likes to play, but not all kids can, not the way most kids do. Children with significant and profound disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, are often excluded from community activities due to the nature and severity of their disability. Many can’t even participate in organized activities for people with disabilities because of their inability to follow simple directions. 
 
KEEN Greater DC makes it possible for every child with any disability to play, get active, have fun, make friends, and be part of a group. KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.
 
What is unique about KEEN?
1. We accept every child regardless of his/her ability or disability.
2. All KEEN programs are run and managed by committed volunteers.
3. Our programs are completely free of charge to the athletes and their families.
 
Because of our careful attention to the needs of our athletes and their families, and our volunteers, KEEN serves hundreds of young people in the Greater Washington, DC, area with disabilities and offers a wide range of programs and activities. KEEN Greater DC has also been the springboard for KEEN USA and the launch of KEEN programs in select cities across the United States.
 
KEEN Greater DC operates 18 programs held each weekend, September through June, for more than 280 young people throughout the Greater Washington, DC area, and relies upon the generosity of donors: corporations, foundations, and individuals to make good on its promise to continuously serve the hardest to serve population through innovative programs and to create opportunities for a growing list of young people who want into the programs. Your support of KEEN makes a difference in our ability to keep KEEN Greater DC athletes playing throughout the year. To donate or to learn more, visit us at www.KEENGreaterDC.org.