When I first applied to work at Sports 4 All Foundation, I really had no clue what I was applying for. The official title was "Technical Associate." I thought that would work for me really well; I like to produce videos, like photography, and know how work my way around a computer pretty well. I didn't pay much attention to the "Sports 4 All" part. I thought it was some sports company. I had no clue what this organization was truly about.
When I came in for an interview, I really had no expectations, but it wasn't what I pictured it as. I walked into a dive shop, went to the back and went up to the second to see 4 or 5 cubicles in what looked like an area for storage. But all around me was sports equipment. Baseball gloves and bats. Skis and snowboards. And many boxes of corks. As I sat down with Megan, she started to explain the organization to me. They work with those with mental and physical disabilities. Not the kind of sport organization I had thought of. Through their program called Equipment Endowment, they provide equipment to those with those disabilities and the money earned from that supports Sports 4 All. Not only would I make the videos, I learned I would also go to the Project HEALTH classes to take the pictures and videos (HEALTH stands for Helping Every American Learn To be Healthy). And all those corks were part of something called Corks 4 Charity. Restaurants and individuals would donate wine or champagne corks and then Sports 4 All would sell them to raise money. Megan told me I could have the job if I wanted and just to call her when I decided. As I left, I knew I needed the work study job and this was the only place that had called me back. So I decided I would take the job.
So now I have a job at a non-profit organization. What that entitled, I had no clue. But I learned pretty quickly on the first day. A MacBook Pro had just been donated to the organization. Cool, I had something I knew how to use and I knew would work at a good speed (if you can't tell, I am a Mac guy). But at a non-profit, or at least for this one, we had to write about what it would be used for. So I was given the computer and was asked to write about all the potential use for the computer. Easy enough. I use computers everyday, so finding a use was simple. But the tasks in the office weren't the hard part. The harder part for was the Project HEALTH classes.
The first class I went to was at Hartman Park. I had absolutely no clue what to expect. As I walk in. There is a gym with about 40 people in it. Never having worked with more than 2 people with a disability, 40 was overwhelming. I didn't know exactly how to act or how to treat them. But I thought to myself, They are people just like me. We all have a disability of some sort. Whether that is not being talented at sports or not being able to sing any song on key. So just treat them as you would anyone. So that's what I did. I was timid at first, but as time went on, I became more and more comfortable. I moved from just taking pictures and videos to leading parts of the class. Now every time I go to that class, people come up to give me hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Each person has their own unique personality, and it is a pleasure to see that every week.
Even though I was only really directly involved with Project HEALTH, making the videos and being in the office connected me to other parts. I had the opportunity to see the results of the Equipment Equipment through photos that those who received the equipment send it. Seeing all the smiling faces and the fun they were having makes me remember that they are just like us without that certain disability. I also got to see people from the classes from the classes volunteering for Sports 4 All. They helped count the hundreds (and occasionally, a thousand or two) corks to be packaged to ship to the buyer.
I have loved this job. It is more than a work study job. I enjoy going to work because I am able to help others and able to bring a smile to someone's face. Project HEALTH's motto is "Everyone has abilities, why not opportunities?". I have the ability to make videos, and Sports 4 All gave me that opportunity. Now I have the chance to give opportunities to those with disabilities. I enjoy passing on what I have been given.
So if you are a student and you are browsing the work study job page on your school's site and you see an opening at Sports 4 All, APPLY! It has been such a rewarding experience I know it will be rewarding for you too. If you are not a student, you can still get involved. You can volunteer to help at the classes or make a donation to support the cause. Even you do not have the time or the resources to volunteer or donate, you can do a simple thing to help: tell your friends. Spreading the word about this organization can help us out so much!
If you are a person who is similar to me and words don't always provide the best visual, I have an actual visual. The link below is to our Evening 4 All video. It shows all the aspects of the organization and shows what I have been talking about. I can't wait for all the "work" I have ahead of me this semester!
-Austin Griffin
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