VAD Story
Our Mission & History
Volunteers Assisting the Disabled (VAD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988, dedicated to helping adults with muscular dystrophy. VAD’s mission has two main parts — summer camp and support services — which together foster community, promote independence, and help individuals navigate challenges.
With over 50 types of muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders, we continually work to raise and maintain funds for camp, activities, and services. VAD’s Special Needs Committee currently helps to cover costs for mobility equipment, accessible van repairs, home ramps, and more when insurance funding is unavailable. Additionally, VAD has expanded its efforts into advocacy to better serve its community.
Why Camp matters
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) ends summer camp support at age 18, leaving many adults without a place to connect and grow. While VAD appreciates the connections that MDA Summer Camp helped to create early in one’s life, we also recognize the need for a continued camp experience throughout adulthood.
At VAD Summer Camp, countless new relationships are formed or strengthened — helping mitigate the challenge of friends or family who may not fully understand their physical needs and struggles in daily life. For those living on a fixed income or in situations where travel is challenging, camp becomes an opportunity to get away and relax. For many, this week is the one in which they feel completely free, included, and supported.
Powered by Volunteers
VAD is entirely volunteer-powered. Our members work tirelessly year-round to create a memorable camp experience that includes exceptional food, lodging, medical staff, adaptive equipment, caring attendants, and entertainment. As a small organization with no paid employees, board members, or officers, everyone serves because they genuinely care and believe in VAD’s mission!
How to Get Involved
We are proud to have hosted VAD Summer Camp for over 30 years and grateful for the amazing people who have helped raise funds through car washes, bake sales, candy sales, bowl-a-thons, garage sales, spaghetti dinners, car cruises, dinner dances, chili cook-offs, golf outings, and a gala. These events — along with donations from many companies, organizations, and individuals — have allowed VAD to continue supporting our community's needs.
A typical week at camp for 100 campers, their attendants, and staff costs VAD approximately $40,000. While our members have devoted hundreds of volunteer hours each year to raising donations, we cannot do it alone. With support from caring individuals like you, we can keep providing these services, helping the community look forward to camp each year and reach out when they need help.