Break the Barriers

Break the Barriers the national role-model for Inclusion, was founded by Steve and Deby Hergenrader in 1984. Both wanted to create a place where people of all abilities, ages, and ethnicities could come together to participate in sports, performing arts and education. This dream was sparked because of Deby’s sister Kathy. Growing up, Kathy was not able to take gymnastics or swim classes with her siblings because she had Down syndrome. Deby dreamed of a place for all abilities and when she met and married Steve, he helped her dream become a reality. The Hergenraders began offering gymnastics and dance classes in their backyard, not knowing that this program would grow to become an internationally known ability center. Today, Break the Barriers has over 28 programs that include performing arts, gymnastics, martial arts, archery, aquatics, health and fitness, Veterans Program, Buddy Program, inner-city outreach, and a neurological recovery program.