This week's KNX Helpful Honda Hero is on a mission to change the way society views individuals with Down Syndrome.
Senior Rachel Phillips of Santa Margarita High School tells Hero host Heather Jordan that it all started when she was asked to volunteer with a camp hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County.
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"When I was there, I met a girl who was differently abled, but not really because she was basically the same as us, and it reminded me that we're all just people - with dreams and talents, so ever since then, I kind of just started working closely with these individuals," said Phillips.
The experience was so powerful that Phillips wanted to do more, so she started a volunteer club at her school called "Buddies Beyond Boundaries."
The club has around 200 members who volunteer with the DSA and Gigi's Playhouse, a nationwide organization providing a range of free programs.
Not only do they work with these two well-established organizations, but they also host their own events. For instance, their kitchen program helps teenagers and adults with DS navigate the world of cooking while staying safe and healthy.
Rachel has been helping out at Gigi's Playhouse in Orange County for a few years now, teaching classes for three to seven-year-olds, "It's kind of a way for kids that age to meet other people, socialize, get into the habit of being confident in themselves, connecting with individuals with Down syndrome and uniting the community," she explained.
18-year-old Rachel Phillips is our KNX hero of the week.
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.