Mission
Our Mission Statement
The James Gang is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2017 dedicated to pursuing opportunities for inclusion for adults living with intellectual disabilities.
The organization is named for James Anderson, a member of the intellectually disabled community who lives with a NARS1 gene disorder.
Each year, the James Gang demonstrates inclusion and promotes awareness through direct participation in road races and cycling events. The James Gang provides grants to local recreation and adult day habilitation programs to foster friendship and inclusion over a shared love of sports and recreation.
The James Gang also supports research toward a cure for the NARS1 gene disorder through The Rory Belle Foundation.
Where does your donation go?
I Can Swim Program
The James Gang is excited to partner with the Burlington Recreation Department to bring an I Can Swim program to our local community. The iCan Swim program focuses on helping each participant age 3 and older work toward their individual aquatic goals such as learning new swim skills, improving existing swim skills with a daily emphasis on life-saving water safety skills in and around aquatic environments. This program will run August 19-23, 2024 in Burlington. Lookout for more information in the Summer 2024 Burlington Parks & Recreation Brochure. Read more about I Can Shine here.
Research Grant for NARS1
The James Gang hopes to provide funding to the Rory Belle Foundation to advance research of NARS1 Gene Disorder. James is one of only 10 in the United States with this disorder and is currently the oldest diagnosed patient. Learn more about NARS1 and the Rory Belle Foundation here.
Grants for Local Dayhab Programs
The James Gang hopes to provide grants to local adult dayhab programs that service intellectually disabled adults. These grants will provide opportunities for enrichment and inclusion, especially over a shared love of sports.
To apply for a grant, please fill out this form.
Our Previous Impact on the Community
Basketball Hoop at Communitas
The James Gang was able to donate a basketball hoop to local dayhab Communitas in Woburn. The basketball hoop allows for social inclusion through sports and helps foster a sense of community over love of the game.
Bike at Communitas
The James Gang was able to donate a recombinate bike to local dayhab program Communitas. The bike helps program attendees with mobility.
Best Buddies
The James Gang has participated in the Best Buddies Hyannis Port Challenge for the past 24 years! Best Buddies creates opportunities for friendship and inclusive living for those with intellectual disabilities.