on the move

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hiGhliGhtinG nonprofits that promote healthy, active lifestyles

FOR WESLEY HAMILTON, THERE’S JOY IN EMPOWERING OTHERS.

“We want to help people create their own perspective on life so they can live the life they want to live,” says Hamilton, the founder of Disabled But Not Really (DBNR). “We help them do that through a focus on nutrition, fitness and mental health.”

DBNR is a Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit that emphasizes the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle for people with disabilities. Hamilton developed the idea out of his own personal experience after suffering a spinal cord injury from a gunshot that left him paralyzed. “At the time of my diagnosis, I didn’t really think about accepting myself as much as getting back to the image society was comfortable with,” he says. Hamilton, who’d been overweight most of his life, enrolled in a nutrition class at a local community college and began applying what he learned. In a year’s time—while he was on bedrest 21 hours a day—Hamilton lost 100 pounds. His success fueled his passion to help others, and DBNR was born.

“WE WANT TO HELP PEOPLE CREATE THEIR OWN PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE SO THEY CAN LIVE THE LIFE THEY WANT TO LIVE.”

The nonprofit offers a variety of programs, including the Help Me Fit Challenge, a 10-week program that emphasizes the importance of nutrition and fitness as well as helping participants deal with identity issues. Last year, DBNR added a mobile gym as a response to COVID-19 but also as a way to educate, reach out and bring awareness. In the future, Hamilton hopes DBNR can create its own inclusive facility that can then be replicated across the country, while continuing to invest in the programs the nonprofit has already developed. “We want to continue impacting people in the communities where we have a presence and make sure that data is being collected and shared so we can implement our programs elsewhere,” he says. “More spaces. More cities. More impact.” Get to know a few more nonprofits focused on helping people live their most active lives.

Move United

An affiliate of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Move United works to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, has access to sports and recreation in their communities. With 200 member organizations in 43 states, Move United is a national leader in adaptive sports, including competition, recreational and educational programs. | moveunitedsport.org

Adapt, Move & Gain Fitness

U.S. Paralympian Alyssa Gialamas saw a need for more accessible workout options and sought to create the solution. With Adapt, Move & Gain (AMG) Fitness, she aims to elevate the at-home workout for people with disabilities. AMG offers three workout programs (Adapt, Move and Gain), and new workouts are added every Sunday. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Gialamas hopes to add inperson workout events soon. | amgfitness.org

SPIRIT Club Foundation

Spirit Club Foundation provides grants and scholarships so people with disabilities can access programs to achieve their fitness goals. Born out of the belief that every person has a right to health, the organization’s work helps improve the physical, mental, and social/emotional health of several hundred people each year. spiritclubfoundation.org | spirit-club.com

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