UNDERWATER WE ARE ALL EQUAL
If you know me well, you know I love a variety of activities, including personal support and respite care on the weekends; as well as hosting Special Survivor Games for Indian Prairie School District’s students with multi-needs.
One of my greatest adventures is hanging out with a young lady that is always up for my next big idea! She shares my spirit of wanting to discover new things and I love her determination and willingness to explore the unknown. We have been kayaking in Wheaton, stand-up paddle boarding in Naperville, hiking in Lemont, and anchored bullseyes with a cross-bow in Montgomery. We have a long list of local adventures to try; and of course, a couple of bucket list items, like meeting The Rock – the one and only Dwayne Johnson, the master of thrill, fun, and excitement!
While making this list, she added scuba diving; so, the search began for local options for beginners. We discovered Diveheart in Downers Grove. Diveheart works with individuals who have a variety of disabilities, including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more. Diveheart seeks to help its participants “Imagine the Possibilities” in their lives.
She is all about not only imagining the possibilities, but making those a reality, which I absolutely love! Registering for scuba diving was easy and FREE! Yes Free! Our first class was at the YMCA in Elgin and our next at Oak Lawn High School. As with all the activities we do, she was a natural. The volunteers at Diveheart provided guidance and support and she dove in hook, line, and sinker! No pun intended! Each month she achieves a new skill with her eye set on seeking certification.
Watching the volunteers work with the individuals of varying abilities is an amazing experience. Watching my young friend live a life of no boundaries in priceless!
Overview
Diveheart is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The purpose of Diveheart is to provide and support educational scuba diving programs that are open to any child, adult or veteran with a disability. They have discovered the forgiving; weightless wonder of the water provides the perfect gravity-free environment for those who might otherwise struggle on land. Underwater, we’re all equal.
Diveheart
900 Ogden Avenue #274
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 964-1983
Hours: Check website for class schedule and locations
Price $: Free
ABOUT THE WRITER Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.
For Hundreds of Mom’s Little Black Book Adventures for All Ages,Written by Kristen through the Years, Visit www.glancermagazine.com/moms-little-black-book
