A Tuesday with Zak: Kindness, Baseball, and the Power of Support
In the fast-paced world of tech and advocacy, it is easy to get lost in data and deadlines. But every Tuesday in New York City, Zakary Bassel, known to us as Zak, reminds the Spring ACT team of the most important metric of all: human kindness.
Zak is a volunteer intern through the Cooke School in NYC, a programme dedicated to helping young people with special needs find their place in the professional world. While his tasks support our global operations, his true impact is found in his outlook on life.
The Cooke School & Institute is a leading, non-profit education institution for children with special needs based in New York City. The Cooke School core philosophy relies on a strengths-based approach, meaning teachers customize learning to build on what a student can do, rather than focusing purely on their learning deficit.
When asked how he sees himself, Zak shares a description we could all strive for. Zak doesn’t list job titles or skills first; he simply says:
“I would describe myself as kind, responsible, and always willing to help others.”
For Zak, work isn’t just a schedule; it’s a calling. He doesn’t see the work as just “tasks,” but as a tangible way to improve the community.
“My favorite part is helping others and feeling like I’m making a difference,” Zak explains.
He approaches every project with a deep sense of pride, not for the individual glory, but for the success of the group.
“I feel proud of the work I do to support others and be part of the team,” he says.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Zak’s story is his recognition of the support system that allows him to shine. He is quick to share the credit for his hard work. “I get a lot of help from my community inclusion assistant,” Zak notes, “and I’m really thankful because she really helps me do my best.”
Behind Zak’s seamless integration into the Spring ACT workforce is a brilliant model pioneered by the Cooke School & Institute, which provides comprehensive special education alongside to prepare young neurodivergent adults (ages 18–21) for independent career paths.
For hosting companies across any industry; large or small, partnering with Cooke provides high-quality help for vital operational needs (such as data entry, archiving, research, and mail prep) with a completely barrier-free structure:
- Zero Administrative Burden: Every Cooke intern is paired with a professional, on-site Job Coach (or Community Inclusion Assistant) who supervises the student for their entire shift, managing task workflows and ensuring quality control.
- Zero Financial Commitment: Hosting organizations incur no overhead or payroll costs; Cooke secures independent funding to provide stipends directly to the students.
- Proven Macro Impact: Nationally, the employment rate for individuals with disabilities sits at a stark 17%. However, thanks to real-world training, Cooke alumni boast a remarkable 53% employment rate.
To learn how your organization can effortlessly host a Cooke intern, visit cookeschool.org/school/internship or reach out to internships[at]cookeschool.org.
This spirit of gratitude is at the core of why he believes in our mission. When asked why helping people is so vital, his answer is profound in its simplicity:
“Because everyone needs support sometimes, and it feels good to be there for others.”
When he isn’t at his desk, Zak is a man of classic passions. He is a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, finding joy in the rhythm of music and watching sports with his family and friends. His vision for the world is a reflection of the spirit he brings to Spring ACT every week.
“I wish people knew how much this work really helps others in the community,” he says.
And if he could change one thing in the world overnight? He wouldn’t ask for a miracle, just a shift in how we see one another.
“I would make sure everyone is treated with kindness and respect.”
At Spring ACT, we don’t have to wait for that change; we get to experience it every Tuesday through Zak, and we are spreading that to the world through Sophia.
NewsBytes Highlights
Every Tuesday, our operations get a boost of dedicated energy and a profound reminder of why we do what we do.
In this edition of the NewsBytes, Meet Zakary “Zak” Bassel, a volunteer intern from the Cooke School in New York City. As a vital part of our support team, Zak brings a spirit of responsibility and a “people-first” attitude to every task he touches.
Whether he’s navigating the technical side of his volunteer role or sharing his passion for the New York Yankees, Zak’s presence reminds us of the power of community and the importance of kindness in the tech-for-good space.
This month, we’re proud to share his story of teamwork, gratitude, and his vision for a world where everyone is treated with respect.
Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering at Spring ACT?
“My favorite part is helping others and feeling like I’m making a difference. Everyone needs support sometimes, and it feels good to be there for others.”
Q: What are you most proud of in your work?
“I feel proud of the work I do to support others and be part of the team. I’m really thankful [for my inclusion assistant] because she really helps me do my best work.”
Q: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
“I would make sure everyone is treated with kindness and respect.”
– Written by Mustapha Lawal in Lagos, Nigeria, for Spring ACT
