Lakeshore Foundation and United Spinal form national partnership

Lakeshore Foundation and United Spinal Association have formed a strategic partnership to expand adapted sports, health programming and advocacy for people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities nationwide. The groups said the agreement will also support community outreach, veteran engagement and new resources for newly diagnosed patients.

Why it matters: - The partnership links two national nonprofits with overlapping missions in accessibility, advocacy and disability services. - The agreement is meant to expand access to health, recreation, peer support and community resources for people with disabilities nationwide. - Lakeshore Foundation and United Spinal Association said the collaboration is intended to help people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities live more active, healthy and independent lives.

What happened: - Lakeshore Foundation and United Spinal Association announced a strategic partnership in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 11, 2026. - John D. Kemp, president and CEO of Lakeshore Foundation, said the partnership combines Lakeshore’s adapted sports and fitness programs with United Spinal’s peer support and spinal cord injury resources. - Matthew Castelluccio, CEO of United Spinal Association, said the collaboration expands national advocacy, community programming and chapter engagement.

The details: - Lakeshore will assist United Spinal with adapted sports and health programming. - United Spinal will distribute the programs through its network. - The organizations will work together on marketing and outreach to underserved communities, including veterans. - The partnership includes initiatives in Outdoor Access and Health Equity. - The groups said Lakeshore’s expertise in recreational programming, health and wellness, and oral healthcare will support the effort. - One early project will be co-branded “New Beginning Backpacks” for newly diagnosed spinal cord injury patients. - The backpacks will include recovery essentials, peer-led resources and expert guidance.

Between the lines: - The partnership gives each group a way to extend its reach without building every service alone. - Lakeshore brings program expertise and facilities experience. - United Spinal brings a national membership network and direct access to wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries. - The focus on veterans and underserved communities suggests an effort to widen access beyond core member populations.

What's next: - The organizations will roll out adapted sports and health programming under the agreement. - The co-branded backpack distribution appears to be one of the first visible joint efforts. - Both groups plan to keep building community engagement and advocacy through the partnership.

The bottom line: - Lakeshore Foundation and United Spinal Association are combining national reach and specialized expertise to broaden disability services and advocacy across the U.S.