Funds to support over 1,500 U.S. military service members and their families annually through Summit Challenge, Saluting Our Heroes and Project Recovery and Rehabilitation
PARK CITY, UTAH (May 10, 2018) – The National Ability Center, a leading non-profit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, announced today the receipt of a $100,000 sponsorship from The BoeingCompany, the world’s largest aerospace company. The three-year commitment and funds will help support the continuation of programs and services provided by the National Ability Center to 1,500 individuals annually, including transitioning U.S. service members and their families, through healing events and programming such as Summit Challenge, Saluting Our Heroes and Project Recovery and Rehabilitation (R&R), a collaborative two-week program fueled by National Ability Center and University of Utah’s National Center for Veterans Studies(NCVS) in an effort to treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“The harmonious efforts between Boeing and the National Ability Center are incredibly powerful,” said Kevin Stickelman, COO of the National Ability Center. “Boeing’s longtime dedication to service members and their families enables us to fulfill the 180 percent exponential demand growth we’ve experienced since 2012 for more exceptional services and opportunities from our 50 plus partners in the space. As a result of this sustainable relationship, the NAC is positioned to not only maintain but expand the necessary unique health and wellness resources currently available allowing us to ease the transition to civilian life for the greater U.S. military service community. We look forward to rolling out even more proven solutions for the total 6,600 individuals we serve each year as well as the entire adaptive nation.”
Funds will be spread across a three-year sponsorship and will focus heavily on supporting the National Ability Center’s annual Summit Challenge, a road ride with multiple course lengths spanning 100-miles to 16-miles, Saluting Our Heroesluncheon. Each event celebrates and educates those who have been impacted physically or cognitively as a result of selflessly serving and protecting our country. Upcoming event highlights include welcoming Boeing’s CEO and president, Dennis Muilenburg, at the Summit Challenge in which he will embark on the 100-mile course alongside a veteran.
In light of Boeing’s company-wide grant announcement on Wednesday, May 9, the National Ability Center’s close partner NCVS was awarded $3 million to continue Project Recovery and Rehabilitation. As part of that grant, eligible veterans and their families will receive a scholarship to stay at the NAC’s ranch while they participate in the two-week recreational program. The program provides evidence-based treatment for military service members living with PTSD and associated conditions in a non-traditional format that circumvents the stigmas associated with conventional mental health regimens. Findings state that 100 percent of the participants who have engaged in this synergistically shared program have displayed significant improvement in PTSD symptoms with over 76 percent of the population demonstrating complete recovery from PTSD.
“This three-year sponsorship is part of The Boeing Company’s pledge to invest in local communities following the enactment of the tax reform legislation,” said General Manager of Boeing Salt Lake Laura Bogusch. “It will support innovative veterans’ health and wellness programs, including the National Ability Center’s Summit Challenge, and it strengthens our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of veterans across Utah.”
This sponsorship coupled with their successful track record of working together demonstrates the organizations’ devotion to generating revolutionary, non-institutional, environments where service members and their families can break down walls and revitalize their passion for life, outdoor adventures, sports and recreation.
To learn more about the military programs offered through the National Ability Center, email Katie Richens, Group and Military Program Manager, at [email protected]. For additional information about the National Ability Center, visit discovernac.org.
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Centerprovides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, physical, cognitive and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans and more. Rooted in Park City, Utah for over 30 years, with additional facilities in Salt Lake City and Moab, the National Ability Center empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. The National Ability Center is globally recognized as a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and is one of only 12 Gold U.S. Paralympic Sports Clubs. For more information, visit discovernac.org.
About The Boeing Company
Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and thoughtful advocacy efforts, Boeing and its employees support innovative partnerships and programs that align with the company’s strategic objectives, create value and help build better communities worldwide. Boeing’s efforts are focused on improving access to globally competitive learning, contributing to workforce and skills development, and supporting our military and veteran communities. Chicago-based Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.
