Stella Husch of Clarkston started STRIVE Recreational Therapy Service Inc. in 2003.
STRIVE, Success Through Recreation Inclusion Vigilance and Excellence, is recreational therapy for individuals with disabilities. This includes physical and developmental, and individuals with brain injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and psychiatric issues.
‘Originally I had gotten into home rec therapy because of a hospital that I was employed with through a grant position,? said Husch. ‘It just so happened that the grant program was ending and I was having my first child. I thought, ‘well I guess I could just start STRIVE and keep it moving.??
Working through the grant program, Husch saw a need for this type of organization.
Husch originally started with just one patient and thought she was going to be doing it all on her own.
‘After four years of business now, we have quite a few patients and nine contractual staff people.?
STRIVE is growing past the Metro-Detroit area up to Saginaw, and have even treated patients in the Ohio border area.
‘There is definitely a need and I think other people are seeing that,? she said.
Husch graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, emphasis in therapeutic recreation, and got her master’s in public administration at Central Michigan University.
STRIVE was originally a non-profit organization, because they were getting so many referrals from physicians, other physical therapists, and occupational therapists of patients who had been injured in auto accidents. They were also working with many auto insurance re-reimbursement patients, which caused them to start a for-profit side.
The non-profit side focuses on grant writing, people who can’t afford it, as well as social group outings.
‘It’s for those who don’t have the insurance to afford coming ? they can still get the recreational therapy experience through group programs,? she said.
Some of the group outings include concerts and sporting events, such as the Pistons and Tigers.
STRIVE also offers sports programs such as Bocce Class, aquatic therapy, and Yoga.
‘We partner with Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bloomfield Hills, and other park and recreation agencies, as well as Independence Parks and Recreation to offer whatever sports programs for therapeutic recreation industry,? said Husch.
The best part about STRIVE is ‘it grounds you,? she said.
‘It helps you realize exactly the things you need to be concerned about in the world,? she said. ‘It’s nothing if someone cuts you off or you get mad because you overspent on gas. All of that is just things that happen in life, so it’s really nice to be in a profession that you care about, that you know that you’re completely helping somebody else. You can walk away saying ‘you know what, there is more to be concerned about with this life.??
STRIVE has been contracted out to run the Michigan Victory Games, a Michigan sporting competition for individuals with disabilities.
They are also applying for a grant with Wayne State and possible Michigan State to incorporate employment, recreation, and integration for individuals with disabilities.
They hope to reach out beyond those with disabilities and into the senior population.
‘Over this next year, we are hoping to partner with various fire departments and senior centers to provide a fall prevention grant which would focus on things seniors need to be healthy and to stay current. To do all that stuff as a recreational side and a therapy side, which isn’t usually touched,? she said.
Husch is currently studying to get her certification in personal training as well as becoming a yoga instructor.
She has been married to her husband, Ryan, for nine years and has two boys, Lucas, 4, and Caden, 2.
‘I love my husband because he is my number one volunteer,? Stella said. ‘He is probably more active in most of the stuff that I do. If we do group outings and there are men in my group, my husband will volunteer to help them out.?
Ryan is on the board of the Michigan Disability Sports Alliance, which is the governing body of Michigan Victory Games.
‘It’s so much easier to do your job when you know that there are other people that you can depend on and do a great job for you,? she said. ‘To know that I have people that I can trust, depend on, that are hard working, and are just as passionate about the job or they wouldn’t continue to work.?
Jessica Hohenberger, contractual worker who has worked for STRIVE for three years, said Stella is a good friend.
‘Stella is a lot of fun to work with. STRIVE is very flexible with patients, working around schooling and family,? said Hohenberger.
All workers must have Certified Trainer Recreation Specialist certification.
STRIVE also sponsors lots of events such as Detroit Lions Charity, and Bloomfield Fire Department Union dodge ball tournament to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
For more information, call 248-922-1236 or visit www.striveonline.org. For more information on the Michigan Victory Games, visit www.michiganvictorygames.com.