TEAM Dixon is kicking off its 11th season of Challenger Baseball, with practices already underway. Games are typically at 6 p.m. Fridays. Photo courtesy of TEAM Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - TEAM Dixon, or Together Everyone Always Matters, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Erica Hurtado. The organization exists to bridge the gap for children and teens with special needs and disabilities by offering social experiences and opportunities generally unavailable to this demographic.

As the parent of a son with special needs, as well as three typically developing children, Hurtado wanted more opportunities for her son, Ryan, to be included in activities and events with his peers.

“The significance of TEAM Dixon can be seen during any of our events or activities,” said Hurtado. “It is kindness in action, which proves there are still a lot of good things going on in our world. We believe in removing the barriers that keep our special needs community from being included while enriching the lives of those who step up to help.”

Additionally, through her other three children, Hurtado recognized there are a lot of children looking to make a positive change. TEAM Dixon’s buddy program offers this opportunity while giving them the opportunity to learn about the Neurodiverse world. 

Buddies act as encouragers, friends and guides, safely supporting members through TEAM Dixon’s inclusive activities and adaptive sports. TEAM Dixon currently has 25 volunteers on staff and parents help out when necessary. Photo courtesy of TEAM Dixon

“When looking for buddies… Well, they usually find us. There is a certain caliber of teen seeking out the opportunity to make a difference like our TEAM Dixon buddies do. Typically, we require they be 12 years or older and have a heart for helping others,” said Hurtado.

Buddies act as encouragers, friends and guides, safely supporting members through TEAM Dixon’s inclusive activities and adaptive sports. According to Hurtado, because Buddies tend to be students, they are allowed to pick and choose which activities work for their schedule.

The organization currently has 25 buddies and a governing board of six members. Parents are also prone to helping out with various activities as needed.

The organization offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including a summer recreational swim, adaptive art, Halloween events and Christmas activities, such as brunch with Santa and a unique journey on the Polar Express. 

“We are also kicking off our 11th season playing Challengers Baseball here in Dixon. Challengers is its own organization through Dixon Little League but all our players are TEAM Dixon members. Games are typically Friday nights at 6 p.m.”

TEAM Dixon members practice their dance moves in preparation for Together We Can, a live dance performance, at 5:30 p.m. on March 8. Tickets are available at givebutter.com/teamdixonperformance. Photo courtesy of TEAM Dixon

Alongside their 11th season of baseball, the schedule of which can be found on the TEAM Dixon Facebook page, the organization is also hosting Together We Can at 5:30 p.m. March 8. The live performance, held at the Dixon Community Performing Arts Center, 555 College Way, offers dance and musical mashups throughout the decades. Tickets are available at givebutter.com/teamdixonperformance.

“It is a lot of work as a nonprofit because everybody is volunteering time that is already stretched thin between their families, school and jobs,” said Hurtado. “But we continue to see support from our amazing community and families, and that allows us to forge ahead.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit teamdixon.org