Photographs courtesy Lucky and Blessed Fishing
Lucky and Blessed staff and board members enjoy the organization’s annual fundraiser, Reelin’ & Rockin’ Rockfish Bash, held in November.
Building an inclusive community through fishing and outdoor experiences
An entrepreneur, problem solver, and humanitarian, Scott Steers leveraged his personal experience with fishing to harness the therapeutic power of the outdoors and change lives. While seeking a new activity to enjoy on the water, he discovered the joys of kayak fishing. As he immersed himself in his adventures, he realized that the experience wasn’t about the actual fishing; it was about building a sense of community.
Since Steers knew that many people, especially disabled or neurodivergent individuals and those struggling with mental health challenges, lacked access to the outdoors, he decided to start a club that would offer fishing and outdoor education opportunities. His volunteer work with children, local homeless shelters, and church missions throughout the years had helped him gain a natural affinity for connecting with underserved populations. And in 2022, Lucky and Blessed Fishing (LABF) was officially born.
Steers, founder and president, LABF, chose the name of the organization to symbolize a common theme in fishing: feeling lucky to catch a fish and blessed to be on the water. More than a fishing club, the nonprofit organization offers access, inclusion, and connection in a welcoming environment where participants can enjoy the outdoors, build friendships, and create memories.
“We started as a fishing club for underserved populations,” Steers says. “But we have evolved into an inclusive organization that provides a service that no one else does. We’re not in the game of fishing; we’re in the game of providing community and wellness. Offering a sense of belonging is why we exist.”
Meaningful Adventures
Photographs courtesy Lucky and Blessed Fishing
Lucky and Blessed Fishing founder Scott Steers, center, and staff angler Michael Hoffman, right, with a young angler.
LABF offers a variety of programs for all ages and abilities. The organization partners with The Arc, Bay Community Support Services (Bay-CSS), Opportunity Builders, Inc. (OBI), and many other organizations to provide day programs once a month for adults with disabilities. The 12-month programs offer fishing and outdoor education as well as winter environmental education experiences.
“We were excited to expand our services to include winter programming, which we started last year,” Steers explains. “Winter can be a difficult time for many people—leading to isolation and sadness. By partnering with local parks, we ensure that participants can continue to enjoy the outdoors, learn about the environment, and build a sense of community.”
LABF also offers monthly programs for children, summer fishing camps, and a youth mentorship program, which offers high school and college students the opportunity to build leadership skills, serve the community, and make a difference in participants’ lives.
The organization’s newest program addresses youth wellness. Many middle and high school students experience anxiety, sadness, and social isolation. Cast & Connect, an after-school program, offers fishing experiences to help students develop skills, engage with nature, build confidence, connect with their peers, and gain a sense of belonging.
Since its inception, LABF has engaged participants and volunteers through its meaningful programs, and it seems as if the organization is making an impact in the seven counties it serves. According to its 2025 Impact Report, LABF served 1,664 participants, engaged 208 volunteers, including 12 student volunteers, and held 85 events. In addition, the total number of volunteer hours was 624, including 108 student volunteer hours.
“We’ve been able to introduce participants to something that they never had access to before and create opportunities for them to enjoy new life experiences,” Steers says. “They are so excited to learn, and they feel such joy. But our team also feels joy. Making a difference in the lives of the people we serve is an incredible experience, and we feel blessed.”
In addition to working with its partners to provide inclusive, therapeutic programs, LABF is also grateful for the generous support of its sponsors, including BGE, Exelon, Chick-fil-A, and many others. On November 12, the organization will host its annual fundraiser, Reelin’ & Rockin’ Rockfish Bash. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit rockfishbash.com.
Photographs courtesy Lucky and Blessed Fishing
Changing Lives
When Michael Hoffman first engaged with LABF, he was a member of a Bay-CSS group that participated in a fishing event. The LABF team immediately noticed that Hoffman had a passion for fishing and enjoyed being around people. He had faced many challenges in his life, and having a disability made it difficult to find a job—until he discovered LABF.
“At the event, I caught a fish, so Scott told me to wait until my friends caught some,” Hoffman says. “And I was like, ‘Oh man, that’s no fun.’ So, I said that I was going to go sit down. But Scott came to find me and asked me to help my friends catch some fish.”
After seeing Hoffman enthusiastically help his friends catch a lot of bluegills, Steers asked him to become a volunteer. Hoffman completed the Inclusive Workforce Program, which offers volunteer opportunities as an LABF angler, mentorship and leadership training, and fishing adventures. And on May 27, 2025, he officially became LABF’s first staff angler.
“Michael’s passion for fishing and his knowledge of the sport have made him a valuable asset to our team,” says Stephanie Reay, director of operations, LABF. “Having him work for us has had such a positive impact—not only on our organization but also on his personal life. Since working with us, he has moved out on his own and is now living independently for the first time. It’s been so rewarding to see him come into himself.”
Hoffman, who was recognized by Anne Arundel County for his collaboration with the disabled community, really loves his work and tries never to miss a fishing event. Two other LABF volunteers are also being considered for staff angler positions.
“We change the world from a societal standpoint,” Steers says. “It’s important to step outside your own clique, get to know other people, and accept their differences. We all have our own abilities, and it’s important to celebrate them. By creating inclusive, shared experiences, LABF helps remove barriers, build connections, and empower individuals of all abilities to grow emotionally and socially.”
