Fuel GRIT: Give to the Max 2026

GRIT Adaptive provides athletic, social, and vocational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to discover and nurture their unique abilities and passions. At the heart of our community is GRIT- Growth, Resilience, Inclusion, and Transformation.

We believe that all people have passions and gifts that are meant to be shared and celebrated. GRIT Adaptive was created with the vision of a community without barriers for people with disabilities to pursue their passions, wellness, and a fulfilled life. Belonging is a basic human need, and the precursor to learning and growth. We are seeking the support of like-minded visionaries to move us forward in doing a part to resolve the deep-seated issues of social isolation, identified by the CDC as the loneliness epidemic. The physical and mental health impacts of social isolation greatly impact all of our families and children and are especially magnified for those with disabilities. Together, we want to ensure that neighbors with disabilities and their caretakers are using their GRIT, resolve and strength, to pursue passions and meaningful connections, and not have to fight to gain access to inclusion.

Over the past four years, GRIT Adaptive has provided adaptive and supported athletics programming in gymnastics, ninja, and dance for youth with disabilities. Through these programs, GRIT supplied adapted equipment, specialized instruction tailored to a variety of abilities, increased instructor-to-athlete support, ASL interpreters for families with hearing impairments, and one-on-one assistance for participants seeking inclusion in mainstream recreational programs. While these athletics programs are not currently operating, the need for adaptive recreational opportunities in our community continues to grow. With additional support, GRIT hopes to reintroduce and expand adaptive athletics programming, once again providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of sports and movement in an inclusive environment.

Today, GRIT's impact extends beyond athletics. Café GRIT, located within Twin Cities Twisters and Jam Hops serves the thousands of athletes, families, and visitors who come through both the TCT and Jam Hops facilities each year. The café provides meaningful vocational training and employment opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities while serving as a welcoming gathering place that promotes inclusion and community connection.

As GRIT continues to grow, our goal is to strengthen our presence across both Jam Hops and Twin Cities Twisters, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful social experiences, employment opportunities, and future adaptive athletics programming. Funding will help support and enhance Café GRIT's vocational programming through essential equipment replacement and lay the groundwork for the return of adaptive gymnastics, ninja, dance, and additional recreational programs.

Together, we can create a community where individuals with disabilities are empowered not only to participate, but to thrive, contribute, and lead lives filled with purpose, connection, and opportunity.

As GRIT Adaptive works to rebuild and reestablish its programs, community support means so much, and we truly appreciate your consideration and willingness to help.

Thank you for supporting!