Parker resident Nathan Goodman, 42, was born with ataxic cerebral palsy, but that doesn't stop him from giving back to his community. Goodman is the president of the Rotary Community Corps (RCC) of Parker, a branch of the Rotary club that consists of adults with special needs who carry on the Rotary motto of "Service Before Self."

“I have been the president for three years, and I open each meeting with the Rotary Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance,” said Goodman. “We do a lot of good things, like we help the Parker Task Force gather backpacks. I love helping others, it's always a lot of fun helping people out.”

Project C.U.R.E — a Centennial-based charity that provides donated medical supplies and equipment to people in developing countries — was a recent recipient of the RCC'S efforts. The 20-member RCC team collected items for Kid Kits, which include toiletries and emergency supplies a family in a developing country might need in case of an emergency.

“If a child gets hurt, families might have to travel a long distance by bicycle, bus or even on foot to receive care at the nearest hospital or medical clinic,” said Kam Breitenbach, who oversees RCC. “Working with pediatricians and nurses, Project C.U.R.E. developed Kits for Kids to give parents in developing countries the supplies they need to provide basic care at home.”

RCC meets the second Tuesday of each month, and members have the opportunity to socialize and learn leadership skills while they decide which project they will tackle next. Guest speakers attend the meeting, and RCC members have heard from local officials, law enforcement members and first responders.

“The RCC helps developmentally disabled youth and adults 15-plus to become active in their community, learn leadership skills, feel like a vital part of their community, become socially active and give back to their community, as well as build friendships and have fun in a safe environment,” said Breitenbach.

Goodman's mother, Marion, said they moved here four years ago, partly because of programs like RCC that help her son lead a more active, fulfilling life.

“North Carolina had cut back so much on programs for Nathan, and I heard from a niece about RCC and other day programs that were in the Parker area,” said Marion. “It was a no-brainer. Nathan is happier than he's ever been.”

Breitenbach, a Rotarian herself, presented the idea of RCC to the Rotary Club of Parker in 2010, and with a start-up fund of $50, RCC was born and has grown to more than 20 members. Since then RCC members have made blankets to donate to Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, helped assemble toys for Englewood-based international orphanage network God's Kids, and each year look forward to adopting a family for the Christmas season.

“Adopt-a-family, that's lots of fun,” said Goodman. “We get help from the Rotary Club of Parker and the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club to buy the toys, then we get to wrap them. It's really fun.”

Breitenbach said she has seen a difference in many of the members throughout their time in RCC.

“Being part of the community is a big thing,” said Breitenbach. “Quiet people are starting to laugh and getting to know other people.”

RCC is open for anyone over 15 with a disability. For more information contact Breitenbach at kamiebreitenbach@gmail.com.