Charlie Is Crushing It 🚗

Resilience & Growth| Dennis Rinaldi, MPA

September 11, 2026•1 min read

We are so grateful for the additional support Charlie has received as he continues working toward one of his biggest goals: getting his driver’s license.

We’re officially getting close. Charlie is ready to sign up for his permit test, and his confidence behind the wheel continues to grow every time we get in the car.

And this week, we took things to the next level:

Three-point turns. ✔️
More practice with positioning. ✔️
More confidence. ✔️

And, of course, plenty of repetition.

We’ve also been working on finding what works best for Charlie behind the wheel and making sure he feels comfortable and confident with his technique.

And yes… one foot is definitely better than two! 😂

Charlie is an amputee, so we’ll let him have that one.

Driving isn’t just about passing a test. For Charlie, it represents independence, responsibility, confidence, and another step toward the life he wants to build for himself.

We’re not rushing the process. We’re taking it one skill, one practice session, and one milestone at a time.

And now?

Permit test, here we come. 🚗💪

Keep crushing it, Charlie!

Dennis Rinaldi

Dennis Rinaldi is a former college basketball player who developed a deep passion for leadership, teamwork, and mentorship both on and off the court. Dennis Rinaldi, has called the Connecticut Shoreline home for the past 13 years he brings over a decade of experience in leadership, coaching, and education to his work with families and young athletes. A former standout college basketball player, Dennis has spent years both on and off the court helping individuals reach their full potential. With five years in nonprofit leadership, Dennis has worked closely with youth and families, developing programs that support personal growth, teamwork, and community engagement. His hands-on experience in high school basketball coaching allows him to connect deeply with student-athletes, helping them navigate challenges on and off the court with confidence and discipline. As an adjunct professor, Dennis also brings a thoughtful and academic perspective to his coaching approach, combining real-world experience with evidence-based practices. His work centers on building strong, trusting relationships with families and empowering young people to become resilient, purpose-driven leaders. Whether coaching on the hardwood or mentoring in the classroom, or helping navigate challenges in the community or at home Dennis is committed to creating supportive environments where individuals and families thrive.

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