At just twelve and a half years old, Nate Nelson is already a seasoned fundraiser and a powerful advocate for STEPS Pathways College. Inspired by his grandfather, who became a quadriplegic in later life, Nate initially thought disability was something only adults experienced. “He was blown away to learn that young people also had disabilities and was set on his own mission to help from that moment forward,” explains his mum, Kerryn.
Kerryn’s volunteering at STEPS opened the door for Nate’s involvement. “Nate doesn’t see the disability, he just sees the person,” she says. What Nate sees are friends – the 24 boarding students who live and study at the college and the many others who attend as day students, all of them learning vital skills for independent living, from cooking and budgeting to catching public transport.
Nate has seen firsthand the value of the work STEPS does and this is what drives him. “When they first began at STEPS, two of the students I met didn’t have any confidence to talk to you or look you in the eye,” he shares, “but when they graduated two years later, they had the best personality and they’d built so much confidence in themselves, all because of the range of life skills that they’d learnt at STEPS. They also now live with another student in their own home, enjoying an awesome independent life.”
This year, for the Steps for STEPS Walk on May 1, Nate is walking 24km to represent the 24-month learning journey that each student undertakes at STEPS. His goal is to raise $24,000 to help bridge the gap not covered by NDIS funding, ensuring his friends can complete their life changing two-year education.
“He is a very determined young man,” his mum, Kerryn, says with evident pride. “And because Nate is a minor, whatever Nate sets his mind to, I get to do it right alongside him!” Fortunately, she won’t be walking alone – Nate has enrolled community members, including Kendall Morton, to take some of the steps beside him on May 1.
“I’m really hoping that the local community can get behind me, because whatever people and businesses donate, no matter how large or small, will help me make a difference for my friends at STEPS and it’ll put a spring in every step I take,” Nate added.
Donate at www.stepspathways.com.au/nate.
