- “ABLE to Sail taught me I was really something special!”
- “I learned how to be proud of MYSELF……that I don’t need other people to approve of me to feel good…and I enjoyed that very much!”
- “I learned I need to stop dwelling on the past…That my past doesn’t define who I am…or make me a bad person!”
- “I learned how to be more comfortable being myself!”
- “I learned more in three days to help me than being in therapy for the last year.”
- “i learned that I don’t need people to tell me I’m good to BELIEVE how good I am! I had a life changing experience and TONS of FUN! “
- “ABLE to Sail taught me I was really something special!”
- “I learned how to be proud of MYSELF……that I don’t need other people to approve of me to feel good…and I enjoyed that very much!”
- “I learned I need to stop dwelling on the past…That my past doesn’t define who I am…or make me a bad person!”
- “I learned that people actually like me, and I can make friends just by being myself!”
- “That people DO understand me and I matter and I can have self-esteem and happiness and be proud of my accomplishments and let go of the past b-cuz tomorrow is a new day I “HEART” ABLE TO SAIL!”
- “…that no matter what I do I will ALWAYS be important no matter what happens! ABLE to Sail is a fun program that helped me open up my heart and brain. Thank you.”
- “That I matter in this life. I’m important. People might pull me down but I can pull myself back up now. People say “you were given this life b-cuz you’re strong enough to live it!” Now I believe it! Thank you SO MUCH. I really loved this. It was one of the best experiences ever!”
- “I learned that I AM good enough…That I’m important…I learned I can actually like me!”
- “Also…this is the most fun I’ve had in a long long time. Thank you!”
What grown-ups say
Our teens were absolutely captivated –They were inspired to believe that they truly are amazing, beautiful, strong, courageous and ‘good enough.’ In a heartfelt closing ceremony, our kids expressed how much it had impacted their lives in just a few short days…how ‘life changing’ it was. That they had a renewed sense of personal worth and self-confidence. I would highly recommend ABLE to Sail for any teen navigating the tricky waters of youth!
Last summer, we had the pleasure of being introduced to Diane McKinney of Able to Sail. Our program works with youth that are involved in the criminal justice system and are either not enrolled/attending school, facing expulsion, or currently expelled. We work with groups of youthful offenders that are considered high risks to our community, and being connected to Diane was an amazing opportunity to gain a partner in working with and guiding these youth. Diane is impressive in her ability to “keep it real,” as in she is honest and genuine. Diane was unafraid to share her past, mistakes and all, in hopes of supporting and guiding our students. Her ability to be both genuine and vulnerable is what makes her such an asset to the youth in our communities. The messages of self-confidence and acceptance that Diane passes on not only reached our students, but also our staff. We left our week with Diane and her team re-energized and impressed. “
Thank you for providing such a fun, transformational experience this summer. We are so grateful for all of the experiences – from the silly games to the SELF-esteem conversations, from capsizing and sailing, to cherishing our diversities as well as our similarities. What an amazing time to learn and grow together. You are making this world a better place!
I would definitely encourage you to get your kiddos out there! My kids have loved it! This is not just sailing; it’s about building self-esteem, team-building, leadership skills, loving self, ah-ha moments and a lot more! They do such great work and all of my kids have LOVED ABLE to Sail. These kids deserve so much more than sitting in my office…ABLE to Sail helps fill that void.