Volunteers Making A Difference
Shared Adventures was established as a non-profit organization in 1994 by Foster Andersen, a quadriplegic as a result of a spinal cord injury in 1978 at the age of 17. The non-profit is based in Santa Cruz has provided recreational and social activities for thousands of participants who have disabilities and challenges. The organization depends on the numerous volunteers to help at events and activities. In 2022, Shared Adventures offered over 250 activities and served around 1000 individuals of all ages and abilities There were 25 different types of activities including sailing, archery, gardening, bowling, art classes, Day on the Beach, family summer camp and many other favorite activities. In 2022, we had about FIVE HUNDRED VOLUNTEERS participate!
Shared Adventures makes every effort to provide activities and adventures that will spark joy, promote social interaction, connection within the community, and challenge each person to try new experiences.
Our goal is to add recreation and social activities to help create a well-balanced life. Shared Adventures programs are for any age and ability.
2022 was a special year for Shared Adventures as we celebrated 30 years of providing a year-round calendar of events and activities for the disabled community in Santa Cruz County. We continue the work to increase the number of participants in our programs and provide recreation opportunities for free or reduced costs.
This year, we will celebrate our 29th Annual “Day at the Beach” at Cowell Beach on July 15th. This big event creates an opportunity for those who might not have the opportunity to participate in ocean sports such as kayaking, outrigger canoeing, scuba diving, water floatation, and beach wheelchair rides. This event brings out the most volunteers. To volunteer for Day on the Beach, Family Camp, help with our garden or art programs, or for any of the activities we produce, please visit the Shared Adventures web site at www.SharedAdventures.org. Make a difference, volunteer!