Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University are changing lives, including their own, through involvement with The Ability Experience.

The philanthropy’s charge is simple: to create a community of servant leaders who recognize and celebrate the incredible abilities of individuals living with disabilities.

The weekend of February 21-22, NSU Pi Kapps traveled to Down Home Ranch in Central Texas to participate in an Ability Camp, a service weekend where members from campuses across the country roll up their sleeves to make facilities more accessible for people with disabilities.

Students from the NSU and Texas State chapters built more than 100 feet of accessible pathway, set up fishing access for campers and spent time alongside residents, including at a ranch-wide dance. During the weekend, The Ability Experience presented a $7,500 grant to help Down Home Ranch continue serving individuals with disabilities.

Beta Omicron Chapter members have also been working to expand opportunities to serve people with disabilities in the Natchitoches area.

Earlier this month, the chapter held a friendship visit with the Natchitoches Arc, building new connections and creating some great memories along the way. The two organizations have collaborated on projects over the last two decades, but this latest event restores a partnership that had been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic.

hapter member Zach Sepulvado says he was inspired by the Valentine’s Day dance.

“Seeing the joy and pure happiness on everyone’s faces was a gift. Inclusion is very powerful, and everyone deserves to feel celebrated, seen, and loved. Spending time with individuals with disabilities is always a reminder of the strength, joy, and perspective they bring to our community.”

Another NSU Pi Kapp is taking his involvement with The Ability Experience from coast-to-coast. K.C. Thompson is currently training and fundraising to participate in the Journey of Hope, a 4,000-mile cross-country cycling trek. He will become the 17th Beta Omicron Chapter member to participate in the event since 2000.

“This journey is about more than cycling, it is about raising awareness, building connections, and making a lasting impact in the lives of others,” Thompson said.

He has set a fundraising goal of $7,500 by this Summer.

Learn more about The Ability Experience here.