Empowering Lives

Through Adaptive Recreation & Connection

For over 25 years, we’ve empowered people of all abilities to live fuller lives. Through recreation, therapy, and lasting support, we bridge the gap between disability and belonging.

Our Programs Donate

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Adventure. Support. Belonging.

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To Enhance Quality of Life

Physical and mental challenges shouldn’t prevent anyone from achieving their potential. Higher Ground empowers individuals to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

1 in 5 Americans

live with a disability that limits access to recreation.

Limited access

to adaptive equipment makes outdoor experiences challenging.

1 in 3 veterans

faces depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

1 IN 4 FIRST RESPONDERS

faces depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Our Programs What is Recreational Therapy

From Healing to Thriving
Through Recreational Therapy

Higher Ground Programs

For Individuals with Disabilities

We offer adaptive recreation programs for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.

Adaptive Sports Programs

For Veterans & First Responders

We provide tailored support for veterans and first responders facing visible and invisible disabilities.

Veteran & First Responder Programs

About Higher Ground

Guiding the Journey to Recovery and Independence

Our mission is to empower veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities to live fuller lives through adaptive recreation and therapy. With over 25 years of transformative programs, Higher Ground leads in therapeutic recreation, guided by core values of inclusion, resilience, and community.

Meet the team Our story

Real Stories, Real Change

Hear how Higher Ground programs have changed lives.

Through loss and adversity, Higher Ground became our family, empowering us to heal, belong, and reclaim the joy life has to offer.

I Am Here

Finding Strength and Healing with Higher Ground

Adam recalls his time in the service and more importantly, his time home from the service. The longstanding effects serving has had on his life. Adam tells us why he is here. Adam, we thank you for your service and sacrifice. We are glad you are here.

Adam Rund’s Story

I am here to HONOR

Participants and Staff share what Higher Ground means to them.

Veteran Comradery

Story Type 4

First responder, Mike Mellon, provides insight what the shoulders of a first responder carries. Mike finds healing in nature and recreation therapy. Heroic and selfless, we are glad you are here, Mike.

Mike Mellon’s Story

Story Type 5

The Gunter Family, twins Larissa and Lorilee alongside their mother, Carol, tell us why they are here. Beautiful, courageous and heartwarming. Everyone deserves a place where they feel like they belong. That is our mission at Higher Ground.

The Gunters Story

We are here to be INCLUDED

Mission Updates from Higher Ground

Adventures & Impact

The latest stories of outdoor adventures, personal growth, and community impact. See how Higher Ground’s programs are empowering participants to connect with nature and each other.