For Jennifer Ellis, being a single mom is a balancing act. Raising a special needs child while managing her own health struggles is challenging enough, but when financial hardship comes into play, it makes providing extracurricular opportunities for her son, Zion, even more difficult.
There was a time when Jennifer wasn’t just caring for Zion, she was also raising her two nieces and expecting another child, all while living in transitional housing. She wanted her son to have the chance to play sports like other kids, but between daily expenses and unpredictable schedules, she could never count on having extra money to make that happen.
“Financially, it was always an issue,” Jennifer shared. “It was few and far between that I got to sign him up for anything outside of school.”
That was when her housing coordinator introduced her to Sportz 4 Kidz, a program that provides children access to sports without financial barriers.
Zion had played sports in the past, dabbling in flag football and basketball, but opportunities were limited. Now, thanks to Sportz 4 Kidz, he is learning how to swim at Safe Splash Parker and it has been a game changer. For the first time, Jennifer has seen her son step outside his comfort zone and thrive.
Finding His Confidence in the Water
At first, swimming was unfamiliar territory, and Zion wasn’t sure how he would fit in. His class was full of kids younger than him, but instead of feeling out of place, he started learning from them, forming connections, and even encouraging others.
“He’s coming out of his shell with swimming,” Jennifer said. “There are kids way younger than him in his class, and he’s learning to make friends of different ages, learn from them, and even encourage others.”
Swimming has not only helped Zion build confidence but has also sparked a new sense of independence. He now dreams of going to the recreation center to swim more often and one day taking a trip to the beach something he never even considered before.
“One day he wants to go to the beach to swim. I told him, ‘One step at a time!’” Jennifer laughed.
But it wasn’t just Zion who found a sense of community through this experience. Jennifer, who often juggles so much on her own, found unexpected support in the parents she met along the way.
“Yes, he’s made some swim friends—and I have too,” she said.
During one of Zion’s swim lessons, a younger boy hesitated at the edge of the pool, too scared to get in. Without thinking twice, Zion stepped out of his own lesson, walked over, and encouraged the child to join him.
“That was a proud mom moment for me,” Jennifer said. “It’s in these moments you see what type of people our kids are becoming. Through sports, they gain survival skills, friendships, and a sense of belonging. It is a true blessing.”
For Zion, swimming means more than just exercise. It gives him a sense of freedom.
“He’s so happy that he finally can do other things besides school and therapy,” Jennifer shared.
Gratitude for the Supporters Who Make It Possible
Jennifer is deeply thankful for the donors and supporters who have given her son the chance to experience joy outside of school and therapy. This opportunity has given Zion something to look forward to, something that brings him happiness in a way that goes beyond words.
“Huge hugs and a huge thank you to everyone who supports all of us! Literally couldn’t do it without you. You give us something fun to look forward to. Thank you, thank you!”
Be Part of the Impact
Zion’s story is just one example of how sports can transform a child’s life. Every child deserves the chance to play, build confidence, and experience the joy of being part of a team.
If you’d like to support Sportz 4 Kidz or know a family who could benefit, learn more and get involved today.
Together, we can create more stories like Zion’s. Because every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive.
