Such A Positive Environment

Paige Baker - Volunteer

“I am proud to be volunteering with an organization that has helped me so much over the past couple of years. The first time I had ever rowed was at RCIR, after I had recently lost my mother to domestic violence. Since becoming involved, I have connected with others who are managing PTSD, grief, anxiety, and depression like me, as well as many other amazing people with a wide variety of challenges.

Rowing is such an effective coping strategy for me because it forces me to focus on the present moment, to breathe, and to trust myself, while on land those things can sometimes feel impossible. RCIR is such a positive environment for me and I always feel better when I leave compared to when I arrived that day.

And I have to say - I’ve gotten pretty good at rowing! It feels incredible to now have the ability to teach others how to row, and to support others in working through their own challenges."