Freedom to Move. Freedom to Be a Kid.
Two Orange County community advocates are coming together to open a world of possibilities for children and their families.
Imagine being unable to take your child for a walk through the mall, enjoy a family vacation, or spend an afternoon exploring the beach—not because your child doesn't want to go, but because the equipment needed to make it possible is out of reach.
For families raising children with mobility challenges, these ordinary experiences can require extraordinary planning, specialized equipment, and financial resources. Sometimes, something as simple as the right stroller can change everything.
That's the difference Operation Freedom Wheels is working to make.
Through this initiative, Sandra Brownsey, Director of Intervention Services for the Department of Health, and Robbie Jacobs, owner of Back in the Game Sports, are combining their experience, community connections, and shared commitment to children and families to help make adaptive mobility equipment more accessible.
And the results are already being felt.
Operation Freedom Wheels: When Compassion Becomes Action
Sandra brings decades of experience understanding children's developmental needs and the challenges families face when seeking support. Robbie brings an extraordinary ability to mobilize community generosity, collect resources, and turn a desire to help into something tangible. Together, they're working to expand access to adaptive mobility equipment for children whose families need it.
For a child, an adaptive stroller can mean participating in a family outing, visiting a park, navigating a busy public space, or experiencing a new environment with greater comfort and support.
For parents and caregivers, it can mean greater confidence, fewer barriers, and the opportunity to create family memories that might otherwise have been difficult to imagine.
The photographs and messages shared by participating families offer a powerful reminder that the impact of this work is measured not only in equipment provided, but in experiences made possible.
A vacation. A walk. A first day of school.
Moments that matter.
More Than a Stroller
One parent shared a photograph of their child enjoying a family vacation beside a lighthouse, accompanied by a simple message:
"The stroller made this vacation possible. Thank you!"
Another described a first visit to the beach and boardwalk, where a child named Jaryd experienced something new, and his family captured the joy reflected in his smile.
Other parents have shared equally meaningful milestones: taking a walk through the mall, attending the first day of preschool, and enjoying family outings that previously seemed impossible.
One parent wrote:
"We took a walk in the mall today; without it, we couldn't have gone."
Another described how borrowing an adaptive stroller made everyday life and travel significantly easier for their family.
These aren't simply stories about equipment. They're stories about inclusion, independence, and the freedom to participate in experiences many families take for granted.
The initiative's shared materials report that 26 families have been able to borrow an adaptive stroller—26 opportunities for children and caregivers to experience greater freedom together.
Sandra Brownsey: A Career Devoted to Children and Families
Sandra Brownsey serves as Director of Intervention Services for the Orange County Department of Health, bringing more than 30 years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, children with developmental needs, and their families.
A New York State-certified special education teacher and school district and building leader, Sandra has spent her career helping children access the services and opportunities they need to thrive.
Before joining Orange County, she served as Educational Program Coordinator at the Center for Spectrum Services in Ellenville, where she supervised teaching staff, collaborated with school districts, and helped develop specialized educational programs.
Today, her work focuses on early intervention, family engagement, and strengthening partnerships that connect children and families with essential resources.
Sandra's commitment extends beyond her primary responsibilities. She recently helped advance the Little Learners Literacy Collection at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, a partnership with the Orange County Department of Health and Newburgh Free Library that opened in August 2026.
The collection provides children from birth through age five with access to books, early literacy experiences, and developmental resources.
Sandra also serves on the Orange County Community Services Board and has shared her expertise as an adjunct lecturer at SUNY New Paltz.
Throughout her career, one principle has remained central to her work: children and families deserve access to the resources that help them participate, grow, and reach their potential.
Robbie Jacobs: Making Kindness a Way of Life
For Robbie Jacobs, giving back isn't an occasional activity. It's become the foundation of his business and his everyday life.
Robbie owns Back in the Game Sports in Florida, New York. After leaving a successful corporate sales career, he purchased the sporting goods consignment shop in 2021, initially hoping to help families afford quality sporting equipment.
His mission soon became much larger.
What began with giving a bicycle to a military family who couldn't afford one grew into an extraordinary community effort. By June 2026, Robbie reported having donated more than 30,000 bicycles to children and families.
His generosity doesn't stop with bicycles.
Through his shop and community connections, Robbie has helped families obtain strollers, diapers, baby formula, food, and other essentials—often meeting needs that might otherwise go unanswered.
In March 2026, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus recognized Robbie as Orange County Citizen of the Month, honoring his exceptional generosity and service to the community.
A longtime youth sports coach and community volunteer, Robbie has built a reputation for responding when someone needs help, often turning donated goods and community goodwill into practical assistance.
His familiar message, printed on a shirt he proudly wears, says it simply:
"Make it a Kind Day."
Through his work, he shows what those words mean in practice.
Come Hear Their Stories
On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the Rotary Club of Goshen will welcome Sandra Brownsey and Robbie Jacobs to share the experiences that have shaped their work, how their collaboration began, and their hopes for Operation Freedom Wheels.
Their stories reflect the spirit of Rotary's commitment to service: recognizing a need, bringing people together, and taking action to make a difference.
We invite our entire community to join us.
You do not have to be a Rotarian to attend. Whether you're interested in learning about Operation Freedom Wheels, meeting people who are making a difference, or simply connecting with your neighbors, you're welcome.
Meeting Details
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 AM — Please arrive early for coffee, bagels, and conversation.
Goshen Public Library and Historical Society
366 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!
