The Security Service Charitable Foundation has presented The National Ability Center (The NAC) with $2,500 to assist their efforts in empowering individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs.
Individuals of all ages and abilities can take part in The NAC’s programs; including those with orthopedic, spinal cord, neuromuscular, visual and hearing impairments, and cognitive and developmental disabilities. Approximately twenty percent of The NAC’s patrons are service members and veterans.
Funds will be used to replace safety equipment, ropes, harnesses, helmets, and carabiners for The NAC’s climbing walls and challenge courses. Over 4,000 sessions utilize this equipment each year. Veterans often pair these activities with their cognitive processing therapies.
“Over the past five years, our programs have grown ninety-six percent,” said Kevin Stickelman, CEO for The National Ability Center. “Funding from the Security Service Charitable Foundation provides needed equipment to deliver life changing experiences on the climbing wall and outdoor ropes course.”
Stickelman goes on to say, “Without programs that support the capacity of veterans and people of all abilities, we risk increased rates of depression, isolation, alcohol and drug abuse; withdrawal from society; people lacking a sense of purpose and/or ability to contribute to their communities; low rates of employment; increased healthcare costs; and high levels of divorce.”
Individuals from across the country travel to Park City, Utah, to take part in The NAC activities with 37,000 lessons and outings annually. More than 1,700 volunteers contribute over 32,000 hours annually. Many instructors and volunteers are also individuals with disabilities and serve as role models for the participants.
“This is just one way for us to provide support for the military men and women who have sacrificed so much,” said Ben Wiseman, senior vice president of member service – Mountain West Region for Security Service Federal Credit Union. “We are grateful for their service and honored this donation will provide the equipment needed for empowering opportunities to help inspire our service members and veterans of all abilities."
The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further Security Service Federal Credit Union’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union's market areas.
Ben Wiseman, senior vice president of member service—Mountain West Region for Security Service Federal Credit Union presents Kevin Stickelman, chief executive officer for the National Ability Center with a donation for $2,500.