A Leap of Faith: The Fish-Abled Foundation

A Leap of Faith: The Fish-Abled Foundation

By Peggy Werner

One man’s decision to change his life is impacting a whole community of disabled people as well as volunteers who, like him, have discovered the joy of service.

Eric Fishe, founder of the Fish-Abled Foundation, a local faith-based nonprofit, organizes monthly social outings for people with mental and physical disabilities. As a driver for Rockford Paratransit for 19 years, he noticed that most of his passengers were only attending doctor appointments. The simple social events that most of us take for granted, like a dinner out or a baseball game, eluded them.

It wasn’t until Fishe shored up his own faith life, however, that he found the courage to do something about it. He was entrenched in personal problems and playing in a heavy metal rock band, when one of his regular riders invited him to attend her church. He stubbornly refused, but she stubbornly kept asking.

She challenged him about his belief in God, his purpose on earth and where he was headed – all questions he had been asking himself.

“She prayed for me, encouraged me with God’s words and my life was changed,” he says. “I quit going to bars, left the band, and started going to church every Sunday. Eventually, my wife and kids joined me.”

As his life improved, he wondered how he could bring some fun and meaning into the lives of his passengers. One day, he invited a 40-year-old blind man to go with him on a Mississippi River fishing trip. The man hadn’t fished since before losing his sight at age 16.

“We were catching fish like there was no tomorrow,” Fishe recalls. “He was so ecstatic and having the time of his life. I knew I had to do more outings with him and others and so I started reaching out.”

Thus, the Fish-Abled Foundation was born.

Fishe organized a cookout in June 2012 for about 25 people. Last year’s picnic was attended by more than 150. They enjoyed eating grilled food together, listing to live music and taking part in wheelchair races, bingo, and other games and contests.

There have been trips to apple orchards, Chicago Cubs games, the Shedd Aquarium, Medieval Times, Katie’s Cup, the Festival of Lights, various concerts, and annual events like a Super Bowl party, a Thanksgiving banquet and a bowling fundraiser. A quarterly newsletter goes out to about 300 people.

Upcoming outings will include an IceHogs hockey game, a movie night and a Rockford Rivets baseball game with buffet supper.

“A lot of these people are sick and have a lot of problems going on in their lives,” explains Fishe. “In some cases, their physical health has taken a turn for the worst and they’re spending their last days with us, just wanting to be a part of life and to share the joy that comes from being with others.”

He recalls a blind man whose wife had left him when he became blind. He attended a Fish-Abled event that just happened to be on his birthday. The man hadn’t celebrated a birthday in years, but on that day, 200 people he didn’t know sang “Happy Birthday” to him. It was his last birthday.

Yolanda Nelson moved from Chicago to Rockford in 2003. An eye condition caused by high blood pressure left her legally blind in 2005. Fishabled has helped her get to know Rockford and make new friends.

“I wasn’t always disabled, so going to these events makes me feel not so alone and helps me to see how others cope with their disabilities,” says Nelson. “God was in my life before I was disabled, but was always on the back burner. Not anymore.”

A core group of about 30 volunteers, plus others who just show up, serve food, unload buses, help with wheelchairs and walkers, get people signed in and seated, and assist guests with personal needs.

Ashley Minnick began volunteering three years ago and is now the organization’s financial manager.

“It’s great to work with the other volunteers and those in attendance are so appreciative,” says Minnick. “When I go home at night, I feel really good and the feeling stays with me for a long time. This experience has really changed my life.”

Fishe and his wife, Jenny, often are called “Mom and Dad” by their Fish- Abled extended family. Their teenagers, Andrew and Abby, recruit volunteers and help with events. Fishe says he is awed by the way God provides for Fish- Abled. Supporters include Milestone, Roma Bakery, The Blazer Foundation, Center of Hope, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, MembersAlliance Credit Union, Oscar’s, the Lion’s Club and DaVita Dialysis Centers.

“When you step out in faith, the bases are covered,” he says.

Call (815) 494-4998 to learn more. ❚