A Week of Connection That Transformed One Family’s Journey
Like many families caring for a child with different abilities, the Naeem family had not taken a vacation in years before joining ESP’s Atlanta Community. ESP by the Sea offered them the chance to take their three children on a memorable trip to the beach — and to experience some much-needed rest. ESP Volunteers travel alongside families for the annual retreat, offering extra hands so caregivers can truly unwind. In addition to this support, ESP by the Sea provides the accommodations and mobility assistance needed to help every participant enjoy the ocean and sand up close.
Aahil and his younger brothers, Raheem and Arhum, loved their first trip to the beach in 2025 and are already counting down the days until next year. Parents Maha and Rizwan are now planning to enroll Aahil in overnight camp this summer — a big step for their family, but one made possible by the trust they’ve built with ESP staff. As Rizwan shared, “Griffin (ESP staffer) sent us pictures throughout the camp experience so we could see that Ahil was enjoying his time there. It really helped make us more comfortable, knowing he was being well cared for.”
For Maha and Rizwan, connection has been one of the greatest gifts of ESP. “Meeting other families who are going through the same challenges has been uplifting for us,” Rizwan said. “It makes us feel as though we are not alone. If they can get through it, so can we.”
As hugs and smiles are exchanged between their family and ESP staff members, it’s clear that the love and connection flow both ways — a testament to the community they now call home.
"Meeting other families who are going through the same challenges has been uplifting for us"
For Maha and Rizwan, connection has been one of the greatest gifts of ESP. “Meeting other families who are going through the same challenges has been uplifting for us,” Rizwan said. “It makes us feel as though we are not alone. If they can get through it, so can we.”
As hugs and smiles are exchanged between their family and ESP staff members, it’s clear that the love and connection flow both ways — a testament to the community they now call home.
Stories like the Naeem family’s remind us why moments of rest, joy, and connection matter so deeply – and why they’re only possible through donor and volunteer generosity that fuels our mission.
