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PAASS: Project Awareness and Special Sports

Janet Carter | Published on 8/31/2022

Community Heroes
PAASS: PROJECT AWARENESS AND SPECIAL SPORTS

By: Janet Carter | September 2, 2022

When Tyler Barbee, with his mother Janet Miller, founded PAASS (originally known as Challenger Baseball and Basketball), they were looking to create an inclusive supportive environment for children with special needs. His older brother Connor was autistic. Tyler knew that Connor was special and he just needed the opportunity to show this. Baseball had always been a huge part of Tyler’s life and he wanted to share this with his brother. Tyler also believed that having peer volunteers support and engage the players would be an important element. Connor was usually included at his local elementary school and Tyler saw how much he benefited from being around his peers in a controlled environment. Tyler also realized how much they learned from Connor.

Tyler wants to eliminate barriers. He wants people to change the way they think about others who may be different. Individuals with special needs have an unbelievably powerful and beautiful perspective on life that we all need to experience. Tyler is inspired every day by his brother, Connor, and how hard he works to do many of the things we all take for granted. Tyler wants to open doors so that individuals with special needs will have the same opportunities as others because they deserve it. We all have something to offer and we just need the right support to show this. PAASS hopes to create this environment of support for every individual.

Ways to learn more/help:
This month we are partnering with PAASS and hosting an informational Zoom call with the founder. Plus, we are hosting a family volunteer opportunity to help their team members at an upcoming soccer game in Mill Valley. Check out the SMMC calendar to register for the events. We are also collecting money to purchase the team’s new jerseys; all donors will receive a free class pass to F45 Corte Madera.

Head over to the donations page to help us reach our goal.

Janet Carter serves on the SMMC board as Director of Philanthropy. She is committed to helping members learn more about the wonderful organizations in Marin that support children, youth, mothers, and families. You can volunteer for events through the calendar or contact Janet at janetsmmc@gmail.com.