Get to know us
We are a group of high school students who found a passion for making a change. We knew instantly that we needed to do something about the issues that we see everyday. We wanted to be the voice for children who cannot advocate for themselves and be able to give them the same opportunities as others. With that being said we provide opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in various ways, whether that be a sporting event, hangout, social gathering, or school function. We are working to end the stigma around disabilities and be able to help fund our local classrooms with the necessary resources for every student to succeed.
Our mission
Our nonprofit is committed to transforming the lives of children with disabilities by raising funds and dismantling the pervasive stigma surrounding their unique abilities. Our mission is to cultivate a society where every child, regardless of their abilities, is embraced with empathy and empowered to reach their full potential. Through targeted fundraising efforts, we aim to provide essential resources, support, and opportunities that enable these children to thrive. Simultaneously, we strive to challenge societal misconceptions surrounding disabilities, fostering understanding and acceptance. Our unwavering dedication to inclusivity drives us to create a world where every child can shine, unburdened by the limitations of stigma, and where compassion triumphs over preconceived notions.
Our vision
Our vision is a world where every child with disabilities experiences boundless possibilities and limitless potential. As a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for these children, we envision a future where financial barriers cease to hinder access to essential resources, therapies, and educational opportunities. We aspire to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers children with disabilities to flourish, fostering an inclusive society that recognizes and celebrates their unique strengths. Through our fundraising efforts, we aim to build bridges of opportunity, ensuring that no child is left behind. Together, we envision a compassionate community that champions the rights and dreams of every child, irrespective of their abilities, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Our team
The Ability Bridge Foundation has a team devoted to ending the stigma surrounding disabilities where each member embodies a mosaic of expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Each board member brings a unique perspective to the table, fostering a comprehensive approach to dismantling stereotypes and fostering societal understanding.
Gwendolyn Clavet
Founder and Chair
Gwendolyn, the founder and Board Chair of the Ability Bridge Foundation is 14 years old attending Smithfield High School. She found a passion during her middle school years, working with her peers that have disabilities. Over the years, Gwendolyn has discovered the importance of being a leader, being an advocate, and most of all, being a friend. With taking on this role, Gwendolyn hopes to show the people in our community that choosing to include everybody despite their abilities and being kind will make the biggest difference on everyone in town. Gwendolyn has a kind heart and is always looking to make others days better. Gwendolyn is know to have a contagious smile that always brightens her peers day. Over the years, Gwendolyn has done various Unified Sports teams, volunteered in classrooms as well as ESY, participated in numerous fundraisers, and activities to raise awareness. Her main goal is to raise awareness as well as putting an end to the stigma surrounding disabilities. While doing so, she hopes to donate money to help the special needs community. She believes if we do this together, we will make the biggest difference.
Mallory Clavet
Co-Founder and Secretary
Mallory, the Co-Founder and Secretary of the Ability Bridge Foundation is 17 years old attending Smithfield High School. Since a young age, Mallory has had a passion for working with peers that have disabilities. She has always been known to have a kind heart that is willing to always put others before herself. Mallory has learned many lessons from working with her peers, many of which she has carried with her to succeed in other aspects of life. She believes kindness will take you the farthest in life and a simple smile can change ones day. She has participated in various unified programs including unified sports, helping out in classrooms, inter mural activities as well as various events to raise awareness. Mallory is excited to partner with her younger sister Gwendolyn, the Founder and Board Chair of the Ability Bridge Foundation, to bring awareness to disabilities and help bridge the gap and bring everyone together.
Ericka Carrascoza-Zambrano
Co-Chair
Ericka Carrascoza- Zambrano, the Co-Chair of the youth non profit organization Ability Bridge Foundation, has been working with kids with disabilities for a little less than a year now. She started working with these students in 8th grade, and now moving in to high school hoping to make a difference for this community. Her mission by joining this organization is that the stigma surrounding people with disabilities will end.
Elijah Barros
Treasurer
Elijah is the Board Treasurer for the Ability Bridge Foundation. Elijah finds this position to be right for him because he has a strong suit in math and quick with his numbers. He has also found an interest over the course of his eighth-grade year in working with the students with disabilities in his school. Over the years, Elijha has discovered the importance of teamwork and being a role model for these students. He has seen such a difference in not only the students he has been working with, but also himself. Elijah hopes that with this organization being in effect, the community of Smithfield finds a similar outcome he has.