Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Hanlon.
Hi Thomas, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
River’s Way is a small non-profit located in Bristol, TN. We serve youth and young adults with differing abilities. River’s Way was founded in 1993. We started as an outdoor center running inclusive outdoor adventure programs and camps. We have since moved to community-based programming, working closely with schools and other non-profit agencies in the Bristol area. River’s Way is a United Way agency. Programs include gardening, a cafe, fitness programming at the YMCA of Bristol, walking programs, and theater in collaboration with Theatre Bristol. Our primary goal is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults with differing abilities to grow as individuals while contributing to their community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. We had to grasp better the needs and issues facing youth and young adults with differing abilities. Inclusive outdoor adventure programming worked to an extent, but we realized there were pressing needs that we needed to address. Two chief needs were providing opportunities for consistent levels of physical activity and providing for inclusion in the community. We decided to leave the outdoor program site via a sale of the property, and we are now working in community-based sites within Bristol. We also work with schools on workforce development. We do not want young people with differing abilities sitting at home after high school. In some cases, we are successful; in some, we are not.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have grown to love the people with differing abilities with whom I am convinced that we, and the communities that we live in, are healthier when people with differing abilities are given opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways. Bristol has changed for the better because of River’s Way participants. This realization may set me apart, but more and more, I see other people coming to the same conclusion.
What matters most to you?
Creating communities where people of all abilities are physically active and participating in community life in healthy and productive ways. Everyone feels better when they believe they are making a positive difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.riversway.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversWay
