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Challenges Foundation’s mission is to provide sailing experiences to individuals who wouldn't otherwise have the ability or means to participate in such an activity, including disabled or underprivileged adults and children,  and also our U.S. Veterans.   

Early Beginnings

Army Veteran and Actor Nicolas Coster has had the drive and passion to help disabled individuals live their lives to the fullest since 1982.  First it started with scuba diving, and then sailing.  In 1998 when it became clear that sailing was a healing and powerful way to benefit our wounded veterans, Nicolas founded Challenges Foundation and additional board members have joined to accelerate the charity.  Hundreds of wounded Veterans suffering from brain injuries, PTSD, and other injuries have benefited from our sailing program since 1998.   In fact, one Veteran decided against taking his own life after a day of sailing with us.   We can change lives, one person at a time!

 

Programs/Services

Now with David at the helm, the focus is to also add sailing programs and activities geared towards our youth.   In collaborating with community youth programs, hundreds of children from all over the Greater Los Angeles area will be able to participate in our sailing program after school and on weekends.  Team building, confidence, self esteem and other interpersonal skills are just a few of the benefits that can be realized by those youth participating in our program.

The Challenges Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization and currently has a volunteer executive board members, with several open volunteer general board positions.  The Challenges Foundation currently owns one Vessel, a 60’ yawl named Emerald.