Quality of Life Grantee Spotlight: Pools of Hope

Patricia Dixon believes the benefits of aquatic therapy cannot be understated.

“The pool is the greatest equalizer,” says Dixon, executive director of Pools of Hope, a Los Angeles area aquatic and wellness facility. “It doesn’t matter your size, ethnicity or physical ability; everyone is supported to belong in the water, which improves the quality of life for all who come here.”

Founded over 60 years ago by a professional swimmer with polio who provided free swim lessons for children with disabilities in her backyard pool, the organization purchased and later enclosed an 8,000 square-foot facility. The organization’s warm, 94-degree pools are equipped with accessible ramps, hydraulic lifts and assistive devices for paddleboarding and more.

“We’ve evolved to include lessons and programs for children and adults of all abilities, with a specific focus on aquatic therapy and exercise for veterans and people with spinal cord injuries,” says Dixon. “We strive to help anyone who feels disenfranchised to feel good and get exercise.”

In 2024, Pools of Hope received a $24,999 Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant to support year-round access to aquatic exercise and adaptive sports for 50 low-income veterans from under-resourced North Long Beach, Compton and Paramount communities. The grant also supports the cost of certified water-safety instructors/lifeguards who implement classes.

“We are excited to be able to make a significant impact for veterans impacted by aging, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke,” says Dixon. “We are so grateful to serve those who have served us. Together with partners like the Reeve Foundation, we can fill a gap and provide an outlet for vets to feel included and not forgotten.”

Dixon notes that the pool’s benefits reach far beyond exercise to offer social, mental and wellbeing benefits as well. She has observed how excited participants feel by doing something they didn’t think was possible. Once they feel comfortable in the water, they start to ask themselves what else they can do.

“I get to see hope in action every day. It is so encouraging to see people have the freedom to move without discomfort and pain,” says Dixon. “Most people only weigh 10% of their actual weight in the water, which makes movement possible, which may not be possible on land.”

Many program participants agree. Max, an Army veteran, stated, "Pools of Hope is where I find my peace. I am a better swimmer, and it has helped my mind and body.”

Another Army veteran named Floyd stated, "When I first came to use the pool, I was in a wheelchair, but now, I only use a walker. My wife tells me all that I have to keep going because it has helped me strengthen my muscles and made me stronger."

A prior Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant helped Pools for Hope purchase an adaptive van to shuttle participants to and from aquatic therapy and rehab. Dixon also leveraged the Reeve Foundation grant to secure additional resources, including an Adaptive Sports Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“The Reeve Foundation grant provided the seed money for other funding that allowed us to expand our hours of operation to include opening on Mondays exclusively for vets and to take our paddleboard classes beyond the pool to the beach.”

Pools for Hope serves roughly 2,500 people annually, including over 250 veterans. The organization partners with over 40 organizations, including hospitals, rehab centers and clinical programs for referrals. An onsite food pantry also offers healthy options to over 300 people weekly.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Reeve Foundation to provide aquatic programming for veterans living with paralysis,” says Dixon. “We’ve been around a long time and hope to continue to grow to meet the needs of this community.”