Instilling the Can-Do Spirit
data-via=”" >
Individuals with disabilities are often times lacking in physical activity, independence, socialization, self-confidence, ‘can-do’ spirit,relief from pain, therapy and adventure.
Ten years ago, Jim Elliott left a six-figure salary to found Diveheart, where he is a full-time volunteer. The not-for-profit organization trains thousands of individuals with disabilities how to scuba dive. The physical, mental and spiritual benefits of scuba for people with disabilities and wounded veterans are beyond measure.
“Science is increasingly supporting what we in the diving community already know to be true,” said Jim. “This is the only sport in the world that has no gravity, along with all of the benefits that come with that. Our disabled divers find that they can move body parts that they’ve never been able to move before. Range of motion improves immediately, circulation improves immediately. The pressure aspect of diving is thought to have benefits to kids with autism. People with obesity find that underwater, they are weightless and can be active. The self-confidence and independence achieved by participating in such a great sport is tremendous. This list goes on and on.”
In addition to working directly with individuals with disabilities, Jim has trained an army of volunteers in adaptive scuba diving to help with his work. A young Marine veteran who learned how to scuba dive after having sustained a debilitating traumatic brain injury said, ‘Every time I dive with Diveheart, I find another piece of myself.’ A young girl who is blind and has cerebral palsy said, ‘When I dive with Diveheart, I feel freed from the body in which I otherwise consider myself to be trapped.’ There are hundreds of such testimonials about the impact that Diveheart has on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
More About This Charity
Region
Midwest
Category
Volunteer of the Year
Name
Jim Elliott for Diveheart
Mission
The mission of Diveheart is to build confidence and independence in children, adults, and veterans with disabilities using scuba diving as a tool.
Impact
- This Volunteer raised $1,000,000 through this Achievement
- This Volunteer raised $175,000 for their charity beneficiary in the past year
- This Volunteer helped 10,000 people through this Achievement
- This Volunteer helped 1,500 people for their charity beneficiary in the past year
Works In
United States, England, Australia, China, Mexico
Learn More
