CLEVELAND — For Jen Knott, inclusion is everything.
"Inclusion always. That's our motto and that's something we live by every day."
Inclusion for everyone. It's her mission, her passion and her drive.
"That is what I live and breathe and do every day," Knott said.
A licensed recreational therapist, she knows the healing power that movement can have, especially for those with special needs.
"We would get them in the pool and you would just see their eyes light up. You saw their world change," she said.
But during her work in Cleveland, she recognized a gap in therapy for those with disabilities.
"They had a lot of parameters around it. You had to meet certain goals -- and if you didn't, then services couldn't be provided," she said.
So with the encouragement of her family, she remembered her motto and wanted to create a place that was totally inclusive. That's when she started the nonprofit Rec2Connect. Their goal is to connect individuals and families with special needs to health and wellness.
She started with just two clients.
Today, they offer classes in swimming, archery, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, you name it they try to provide it.
"Anything they want to do, we will try," she said. "We don't really say no very often. These families hear no enough, we want to be the yes."
Mom Heather Maxwell said yes to Rec2Connect years ago. She says it has changed not only her son's life, but their family's.
"Rec2Connect has given us the opportunity to feel included. It's a moment of pride to see the (swim) team come together, have fun and reach milestones," said Maxwell.
For Knott, inclusion will always be her mission. But offering opportunities to those who need them most is her legacy.
"That is why we do this," Knott said. "To see experience something that they never thought was possible for them. Whatever you do we want to make it possible. We want you to be able to do it and to share in that success and to high five you and cheer you on as you go."
Right now, Rec2Connect utilizes different rec centers throughout Northeast Ohio but their goal is to soon purchase a facility of their own.
On Monday, Nov. 13, they will be hosting their annual celebrity bartending fundraiser to raise money for the organization. It is from 6:30 to 9:30 at Collision Bend Brewing. CLICK HERE for more information.