It was clear from the beginning: children, teenagers, and young adults with profound disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other severe health problems, needed support. Existing organizations focused on medical, vocational, and occupational needs, but none offered exercise and recreation programs designed especially for children with profound disabilities. So KEEN stepped in, committed to serving those so often left out. Children are matched one-on-one with trained volunteer coaches to play basketball, tennis, soccer; to swim, bowl, and just have fun. They gain skills, confidence, and self-esteem, while volunteers learn to be patient, open-minded, and sensitive to the needs of others and to diversity. The goal is to serve all young people with special needs and to continue providing programs free of charge. Opening doors for everyone is what it's all about.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; MD-Montgomery County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Disabled

Schools They Work In: KEEN operates in and draws volunteers from a variety of schools including; Academy of Holy Cross; American University; DC Public Schools; Holy Child; Georgetown University; George Washington University; Georgetown Prep; Howard University; Marymount University; Montgomery County Public Schools; Norther Virginia Community College; St. Albans; St. Coletta; University of Maryland

Awards & Recognition

One of the Best: Catalogue for Philanthropy 2014-2015
One of the Best: Catalogue for Philanthropy 2010-2011
One of the Best: Catalogue for Philanthropy 2005-2006

Press

Budget (FY2022)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for KEEN Greater DC is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

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