The IM Able Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to support its adaptive fitness and wellness programs, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The Berks County-based nonprofit serves individuals with physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities through inclusive physical activities aimed at building confidence and community.
The donation is part of more than $1 million distributed by the FirstEnergy Foundation so far in 2025 to enhance community wellbeing in areas served by FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania Electric Company (Met-Ed).
“Through the FirstEnergy Foundation, we’ve granted over $1 million in the first half of 2025 to enhance community wellbeing through organizations like IM Able,” said John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania. “The Met-Ed team is excited to volunteer with IM Able to bring their programming to life – it’s all about having fun, fostering community and building confidence through engaging physical activity.”
The funding will directly support IM Able’s Operation Lead from the Front initiative, which focuses on addressing the challenges veterans often face after service, including social isolation, mental health issues, and loss of purpose. The program currently reaches around 2,500 participants, both veterans and non-veterans, through outdoor fitness activities like hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, ropes courses, and adaptive competitions.
The grant also enhances training for veterans serving as peer mentors and coaches to others with disabilities.
“We are incredibly grateful to the FirstEnergy Foundation for its generous support of our Operation Lead from the Front veteran program,” said Alex A. Pilkington, Chief Executive Officer of IM Able Foundation. “This $25,000 grant will directly empower veterans with physical, cognitive and behavioral disabilities by expanding access to adaptive fitness, wellness coaching and peer mentorship.”
Hawkins recently visited the IM Able adaptive gym, where he toured the facility and tested one of the organization’s hand crank-propelled cycles. The specially designed equipment, used by individuals with physical disabilities, can cost up to $20,000.
IM Able was founded with a mission to remove obstacles to physical fitness for people of all abilities. The organization’s veteran-focused programming continues to grow through partnerships like this one, offering new opportunities for participants to regain strength, rediscover purpose, and connect with others.
