Emily Singer, 2015

Hello! My name is Emily Singer, I’m from Satellite Beach, Florida (near Orlando) and I am pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at Florida State University, where I also graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work.

I found Sprout through a fortunate internet search. I was looking for opportunities to work with people with disabilities in recreational or travel settings. I had a lot of experience working at a camp for people with disabilities and special needs, but I wanted to see what else was being done to give people with disabilities the same opportunities and experience others get to travel and experience the world.

One of my very first trips with Sprout was a cruise to the Bahamas. This was such a unique experience and so much fun! First of all, it was a cruise, it doesn’t get much better than that. We danced for hours, swam in the Caribbean, explored the sights, and ate a LOT! Also, seeing our participants interact with the people and families on our cruise was eye-opening, with beautiful moments of acceptance and integration. This was also a really long trip, and it stretched my patience and my endurance in ways that I know made me a stronger and more compassionate person.

I would come back to Sprout in a heartbeat. It is rare to find an organization so centered in fun and vacation, while simultaneously being so well organized and able to make volunteers prepared and confident in their mission. I not only would recommend Sprout to friends but I already have. It is an incredible way to see New York City and beyond, while also contributing to a very important mission for people who truly deserve it.