Our 2025 Holiday Letter

Dear Friends,

This year at Bustin’ Barriers we salute FUN in the midst of challenges. As an organization and a community of participants, families, volunteers and staff, we know of job layoffs, reductions in disability and/or social services, rising rental costs and concerns about the future. We also remain committed to our abiding belief that all kids deserve the opportunity to be active and have fun. We’re all-in for kids of differing abilities to come together to play, compete and have fun in a safe supportive environment.

Did you know that over the past year:

• Bustin’ Barriers (BB) served 332 unduplicated kids experiencing disability (many participating in multiple programs);
• Teen volunteers and coaching staff provided 3,298 hours of service to Bustin’ Barriers;
• Our participants experience a broad variety of disabilities including: IDD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, mobility issues, language and speech delay as well as behavioral challenges;
• BB kids came from financially diverse two-parent, single-parent and group home families; 43% of campers received a program scholarship;
• 232 special athletes, from a total of 19 middle, high school and transition programs, participated in our annual Adapted Basketball tournaments. They ran, made their way down the court with crutches, in wheelchairs or assisted. With pride, they made baskets for their teams;
• Every BB participant busted a barrier.

We’d like you to meet Owen, a member of the Bustin’ Barriers family. Owen is diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia, a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease. He uses a power chair to make his way around camp (and has been known to race around the gym with his friends in tow). Sometimes a jokester, always a friend, he is part of a group of campers happy to reconnect with one another each summer at camp and at respite. As someone with Ataxia Telangiectasia, he is also predisposed to cancer and Owen has experienced that too. This year, after undergoing treatment, he rejoined his friends at summer camp. Fun again.

Bustin’ Barriers strives to be an inclusive organization - a welcoming place where kids of differing abilities and needs come together to play, joke, and have fun in a safe, supportive environment. Whether at camp, respite, or competing in adapted basketball tournaments, participants have an opportunity to try new things, develop skills, partner with coaches, and hang out with friends. BB kids are also amazingly supportive of one another. We appreciate your support of our mission and thank you in advance for your holiday donation which provides the opportunity for all kids to be active and have fun. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Andrew Yoshihara
Executive Director