In the spring of 2021, Lincoln found himself on an unexpected journey that would lead to the creation of Adaptive Heroes, an organization dedicated to serving the intellectual and developmentally disabled (IDD) community. Introduced to Challenger Baseball by his 16-year-old son, Lincoln discovered a newfound passion for coaching an adaptive baseball team – a passion that would soon evolve into a transformative mission.
The catalyst for change occurred when Lincoln crossed paths with Jim Churchman, a Hollywood stuntman with a heart for making a difference. Jim, the founder of the Flying Hero Club, a non-profit organization, shared Lincoln’s passion for empowering individuals with disabilities. There shared commitment quickly blossomed into a friendship and together they organized a Flying Hero Club event in Grand Junction, Colorado in August 2022.
However, amidst the planning for this event, Lincoln couldn’t help but notice a significant gap in the services available to the IDD community. He says it wasn’t just about organizing events, but was also about addressing critical needs. The IDD community, often among the most vulnerable, faced challenges accessing therapy services and lacked adequate funding to support their intellectual and developmental needs.
Individuals with IDD require specialized services focused on increasing or maintaining function, developing and improving movement, and honing social skills. Unfortunately, specialized clinics and therapists catering to these specific needs are scarce, leaving a void in essential care and support.
Recognizing this gap, Lincoln, alongside several community members who shared his vision, took a bold step. They launched Adaptive Heroes with a groundbreaking vision – converting charter buses into mobile therapy gyms. The goal was clear, to bring physical and occupational therapies directly to the doorstep of those in rural and frontier areas, ensuring accessibility and representation for the IDD community.
The mission of Adaptive Heroes goes beyond merely providing therapy. Their adaptive gyms are on a journey to engage in education, collect data and advocate for the rights of individuals with IDD. By traveling to underserved areas, Adaptive Heroes aims to bridge the gap in services, making sure that every member of the IDD community receives the support they need and deserve.
The concept of mobile therapy gyms represents a pioneering approach to healthcare accessibility. These gyms are not just vehicles, they are beacons of hope, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for the IDD community. Through their tireless efforts, Adaptive Heroes is turning a vision born from a chance meeting into a reality that promises to transform lives, one mobile therapy gym at a time.
To learn more about Adaptive Heroes, please visit adaptiveheroes.org.
Every March, the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming celebrates local heroes at the American Red Cross Rocky Mountain Heroes Soirée. This year, we are pleased to recognize, Lincoln Folkers and Adaptive Heroes as a community champion who exemplifies service in his Western Colorado community.
This Community Champion Award is sponsored by Chevron. Thank you for your support of the American Red Cross.
