Welcoming Abigail Lopez: Recreation, Choice & Community in Action
February 26, 2026
Please help us welcome our Recreation-Focused Social Work Intern, Abigail Lopez!
Abigail was drawn to Homeward Bound because she wanted to better understand recreation through a social work lens — particularly how thoughtful planning and person-centered engagement can positively impact individuals with disabilities. While recreation-focused social work was new territory for her, she saw it as an opportunity to learn how meaningful activities are intentionally designed to support connection, belonging, and fulfillment.
For Abigail, person-centered recreation means exactly what it sounds like: centering the individual. “If it’s person-centered,” she shared, “then you bet it must include people’s interests, desires, connection, and fulfillment of being an active participant in the community.” Over her first few weeks, she has been researching activities, organizing opportunities, and learning how much coordination goes into creating experiences that residents can truly look forward to.
What excites her most is the power of anticipation — the idea that even a simple planned activity can give someone something joyful to look forward to. “The mere emotion of anticipation is exhilarating,” she said. Creating those moments of excitement and connection is something she hopes residents will genuinely enjoy.
If she could design the perfect recreation day, it would be centered around choice. Abigail imagines an outing to a large entertainment space with options like bowling, karaoke, and dining — all in one accessible area — so residents could choose what interests them most. Or, she says, something as simple and meaningful as a cookout on a beautiful day. With fond memories of family cookouts growing up, she would love to recreate that sense of warmth, gathering, and shared experience for residents.
Though she describes herself as naturally quiet, Abigail brings a wide range of creative and recreational interests to the table. From crafts like clay projects, 3D wooden puzzles, Legos, and paper art, to exploring new places, hosting tabletop or video game nights, reading, movies, and music — she hopes to create spaces where residents can participate fully or simply enjoy being in good company. Her goal is to help residents ease into community experiences at their own comfort level.
During her internship, Abigail is especially focused on strengthening her analytical and research skills. She is interested in learning how to gather and apply data to plan activities that reflect residents’ preferences and community opportunities. “Social work applies data to seek the best option,” she explained. “Recreational work is a part of that — especially in disability services — because individuals should have the option to achieve what they want for themselves, not be restricted by what they can’t do.”
Her work this semester will include researching inclusive community events and recreational opportunities, helping to ensure residents have real choices and access to experiences beyond their homes. At the heart of her approach is empowerment: if the option exists and someone wants to participate, they should have the opportunity to do so.
Ultimately, Abigail hopes to see residents build bonds, experience joy, and never feel left behind by the world around them. We are excited to see the impact of her work this semester and grateful to have her partnering with our team each Wednesday.
Be sure to say hello when you see Abigail around!
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