We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christine Ross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christine below.
Christine , appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
We actually started with the Champions baseball team — just a local league for kids with disabilities to have their moment on the field. That first game was emotional. Seeing the kids light up, the families feel seen — it hit me that this needed to be more than just one season. That was the moment the idea for Aid Another really came to life.
The very next week, I started doing research: how to start a nonprofit, how to apply for 501(c)(3) status, how to build a board, and how to host inclusive programs legally and safely. I didn’t have a background in nonprofits — I was working in hospitality full-time — so I learned everything from scratch. I read books, attended webinars, reached out to other nonprofit founders, and spent hours researching after my kids went to sleep.
Within the first few months, we held our first adaptive dance, then a beach day, then more sports programs. Each event gave us clarity on what was needed — and it snowballed from there. I created a basic website, applied for our EIN, opened a bank account, and recruited a few board members who believed in the mission.
For five years, I juggled both worlds — my job and Aid Another. But the community kept growing. The need kept growing. And eventually, I realized this wasn’t just a side project — it was my purpose. I made the leap and went all in. That’s when everything changed.
Launching wasn’t about having all the answers upfront. It was about starting with what I had, listening to the people we served, and learning as I went. And honestly, it still is.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi, I’m Christine Ross — a wife, mom of three boys (two of whom are on the autism spectrum), and the founder and executive director of Aid Another, a nonprofit based in Virginia Beach. We create inclusive programs, adaptive sports, and sensory-friendly events for individuals with disabilities and their families. I got into this work not through a business plan, but through lived experience. I was a mother looking for spaces where my sons could feel seen, accepted, and included — and when I couldn’t find them, I decided to build them.
What started with a local adaptive baseball league quickly grew into a community. We now offer everything from summer camps and adaptive dance to inclusive beach days and teen social clubs. We also partner with major events like the East Coast Surfing Championships to make large-scale experiences sensory-friendly and accessible.
What sets us apart is our heart. We don’t just accommodate — we celebrate every individual. We create spaces that feel joyful, safe, and community-driven. We focus on the whole family experience — because when one member has a disability, it affects the entire family.
I’m most proud of the way we’ve turned personal pain into public purpose. I never imagined Aid Another would grow the way it has, but now it’s a movement — one that’s creating jobs, transforming community events, and making inclusion more than a buzzword.
For anyone learning about us for the first time, know this: we are here to make sure everyone has a seat at the table — and a moment in the spotlight. Whether you’re a parent, a volunteer, or a potential partner, there’s room for you here.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
Yes — I’m in the nonprofit world, and that feeling of “how are we going to make it?” seems to haunt me monthly. There have been so many moments where we secured a grant or a sponsorship check, only for something unexpected to pop up — an urgent equipment need, a new insurance requirement, or a last-minute program cost we couldn’t ignore.
Running a nonprofit is truly a rollercoaster. It’s all highs and lows — one day you’re celebrating a big win, and the next you’re praying for a miracle. But what I’ve learned is that it’s not about chasing stability, it’s about staying anchored in purpose. We lead with value, serve with heart, and trust in faith that what we’re building is meant to work. And somehow, even in the tightest moments, it always does.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
My team members are humans first — going through real-life experiences just like everyone else. That’s something I never lose sight of. I believe in building a team of people who genuinely give 100% and believe in the mission. When that’s the foundation, it’s easier to lead with grace when life gets in the way — because it will.
To maintain high morale, I focus on trust, communication, and compassion. We celebrate wins, support each other through challenges, and stay aligned on our “why.” At the end of the day, this isn’t just a team — it’s a community. And that makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aidanother.com
- Instagram: Aidanother
- Facebook: AidanotherVa
- Linkedin: Aidanother
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aidanother?si=43xnKQxunpbZiX65
