Non-profit Break the Barriers looking for donor to help them make big improvements to facility

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Non-profit organization Break the Barriers helps thousands of people in the Central Valley. They primarily improve the lives of those on the autism spectrum and veterans.

Now they are looking at helping thousands more through a new pool. Currently, their facility is one of the only places that can serve those with disabilities.

Deby Hergenrader, CEO of Break the Barriers, said, "Some of our kids that might be diagnosed with autism, or any other kind of special need, they are not allowed in public pools or high school pools."

Right now, they can take full advantage of the pool -- it's outdoors -- and in the winter, they need to close it down, limiting their use to six months. The Splash Year-Round campaign would enclose the pool, add locker rooms, pool heating, and so much more.

It's not just about making improvements to the pool; it's also about teaching people the necessary skills to stay safe.

Splash Year-Round Chairman, Al Perry, said, "The second leading cause of accidental death for children up to the age of 15 is drowning."

To make it all happen, they need one million dollars. Perry said they need to find their hero donor soon.

"My home run as campaign chair is to be able to come over here on a January, a cold January night for a board meeting, come through that door and hear kids squealing and laughing and learning to swim."

But time is running out. They need a donor in one week. And while a million dollars is a lot of money, the benefits it will bring to the Valley are priceless.