Bucks County’s Handicapped Crusaders to Mark 50 Years

In her nearly 50 years of volunteer service, Anne Mauro has met thousands of families, as well as individuals with handicaps and special needs.

Yet, none are as memorable as the folks she’s met since she began volunteering with – and for the last 15 years running – the Handicapped Crusaders. The nonprofit organization, which meets monthly in Bucks County, is celebrating its 50th anniversary and planning a “Rock Around the Clock” themed celebration on Sept. 10.

“It’s like a big family, but very little of the fighting and arguing,” said Mauro of the monthly social club. “They’re very supportive of each other. The prayers and the support that they give each other - I’ve never seen it anywhere else in my life.”

Mauro became involved with Handicapped Crusaders in 1968, raising her children and now grandchildren around the organization she lovingly describes as her “niche.”

“It was just a fit for me. I could make them feel good and I could do it in a way without letting them have the self-pity,” she said. “I learned so much about people and it amazes me what people can deal with.”

Special education teacher Edmund Hopper started the group in 1966 as a way to provide social opportunities for people ages 21 and older with a variety of disabilities. At the outset, the gatherings were a respite of sorts for parents of adult-aged children.

“Families were never encouraged to stay,” Mauro said. “It gave the parents a four-hour window that they could go out and have lunch together and not have to worry about their child being taken care of.”

For the most part, today’s Handicapped Crusaders live in group homes or with siblings.

The group’s meetings offer a blend of entertainment activities, as well as educational speakers. When it first began, Mauro said she focused more on education. Now, she characterizes the time as 25 percent educational and 75 percent fun.

Handicapped Crusaders has 40 active members and is always looking to socialize with other would-be Crusaders.

“I want people in my backyard,” she said. “We have more than enough people in my backyard who benefit from this.”

In addition to allowing time for socialization and lunch, gatherings feature various themes, including sports day and a bar-b-cue, Hawaiian luau party, DJs and dancing, and various favorites, including square dancing and Courtney’s Christmas Carolers.

“We get them up and we do our best,” she said. “Usually I get my feet run over with wheelchairs. It’s fun and they have a blast.”

Other than the $10 in annual dues that each member pays, Handicapped Crusaders sustains itself through the Peruzzi Nissan annual Run the Gates 5-mile run and 1-mile walk. Since its inception, proceeds from the fundraiser are split evenly between Handicapped Crusaders, the Center for Independent Living of Bucks County and Delta Community Supports Inc.

“My guys are really good with that,” Mauro said. “They try to raise their money.”

Three Crusaders did the 1-mile walk, while other members stayed in the park and did laps.

To learn more

Handicapped Crusaders meet the second Saturday of the month (with the exception of July and August) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Faith Reformed Church of Levittown, 479 Stonybrook Drive in Levittown. New members are welcome, but must notify Anne Mauro in advance to ensure adequate supplies and food. She can be reached at aema828@aol.com. The Handicapped Crusaders will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Faith Reformed Church. Festivities include a DJ, music, dancing and lunch.