My All Star Experience

Written by Josh Prager, a senior at Evanston Township High School

I have volunteered with All-Star Abilities for the past two years. This program brings teenagers with special needs and pairs them with teen peer volunteers as a workout buddy.

The volunteers teach the participants how to use various pieces of workout equipment, while keeping them company during their time in the gym. This program is easily one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences that I have participated in. I’ve created a true connection with the participants I have worked with. It has been great to work with a participant over the course of a few weeks and see their improvement.

When I started with my current partner, I would walk with him while he was on the treadmill every session. I would begin by helping him turn it on, then he’d walk on it at one of the lower settings. Every now and then he’d accidently hit the stop button and we’d have to restart it. Now as the session has progressed, he’s able to go right to a treadmill, clip the safety cord in, start the machine himself, and go much faster. It has been rewarding to see the impact that the program is having on the participants through all of their improvements and successes.

All Star Abilities is a fantastic program for the participants with special needs and teen volunteers who want to get involved in their community. I’m so proud I was able to be a part of it.