When the Santa Barbara Make A Wish foundation reached out to 17-year-old Grace Fisher, she said that before her next birthday, she wanted to help children by bringing artistic expression, music, dance, crafts, to kids of all abilities.

In 2014, during her senior year of High School, Grace’s spine was taken over by Acute Flaccid Myelitis, leaving her whole body paralyzed. She later participated in music therapy and adaptive art. Afterwards, it sparked her interest in helping people who could benefit from something similar to the program she was in.

Eight years later, in March of 2023, the Grace Fisher ClubHouse opened in La Cumbre Plaza, as part of the Grace Fisher Foundation.

The Grace Fisher Foundation strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children, teens, and adults, particularly those who have visible or hidden disabilities. Participants spend their time at the clubhouse dancing, creating art, and making new friends.

“I’m honored to be a part of Grace’s vision to be able to give back to others. It makes me feel good,” said Rachel Quittner, one of the dance teachers at the Grace Fisher ClubHouse.

The clubhouse is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for private or special events. It’s also completely free for everyone.

The clubhouse provides an opportunity for children to make friends who are similar to them.

“Many of my clients are isolated, they don’t have many friends. When they do have friends, they are family most of the time. And they are afraid to go out because they don’t have much confidence in themselves. I think this is a great opportunity for them to meet others that are like them, or others that they know will accept them for who they are without being judged in any way. And it’s just fantastic,” said Becky Fritz, physical therapist for CCS-MTU (California Children’s Services-Medical Therapy Unit).

The Grace Fisher Clubhouse is said by many that it’s a wonderful place and all the volunteers, participants, decorations, and colors make it welcoming. When you walk in the building, you are greeted with smiles from everyone.

“I love that during the dance class it brings out joy and it’s therapeutic at times. When people leave the studio they have smiles,” Rachel said.

The Grace Fisher foundation has helped tons of people for the eight years of it being open for all. If you are interested in learning more about the Grace Fisher Foundation, the clubhouse, or Grace Fisher, go to GraceFisherFoundation.org for additional information.