Southeast Missouri State University junior fullback Ron Coleman is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. What he does off the field is proving to have more of an impact on the community than he ever would have imagined.

Coleman has volunteered his time and efforts at the Horizons Enrichment Center since the summer of 2012. The center is the only one of its kind in Cape Girardeau. It is designed to encourage independence and community interaction for individuals with special needs who are currently cared for at home or in an assisted-living situation.

Coleman, a family studies major with a minor in social work, took the opportunity as a way to complete his practicum and get some real-world experience. However, it has turned into much more than just an experience. After completing his practicum in late August, Coleman continued to serve at the Horizon Center.

Coleman now volunteers his time at the Horizon Center on a weekly basis. Schedule permitting, Coleman usually can be found there every Thursday.

"It's hard to find the time to go, but I always end up making it there," Coleman said. "If I'm not practicing or sleeping, I'm at the Enrichment Center."

Coleman, an Omaha, Neb., native, said each day is different. But no matter what, one of the individuals at the Horizon Center always is teaching him something about how to be a better person.

"The center really helps me appreciate life," Coleman said. "I see these people for who they really are and for what they have to offer. People come in all shapes and sizes, and I now see that they appreciate the little things more than I ever have."

Each day at the Horizon Center, Coleman participates in Wii Fit games with participants of the center, then it's lunchtime. Coleman, along with the other 25 staff members on hand at the Horizon Enrichment Center, serve lunch to the more than 50 disabled adults over the age of 21 who attend the Horizon Center for a chance to exercise, to learn new skills and to socially interact with others.

The center provides hands-on programming each day by teaching basic life skill lessons, offering a variety of services and providing an opportunity for attendees to access community facilities and events.

Horizons Enrichment Center director Cindy Schmoll has noticed how big of an impact Coleman has made in her life and those at the Horizon Enrichment Center.

"Many times we get volunteers who just can't handle being around people with disabilities," Schmoll said. "That's just not the case with Ron, though. He embraces them, and they love everything he does for them."

After lunch, Coleman is right there teaching participants all about these new life skills. Sometimes the skill involves football. Coleman recently has shown them proper football techniques, such as holding the football and proper footwork.

No matter what the day brings, Coleman always leaves the Horizon Center with a smile on his face.

"I just can't help it, there's always something that makes me laugh or appreciate what I have in my life just a little bit more when I leave the center," Coleman said. "And for that I am grateful God put me in this place."

On the football field, Coleman has had a formidable career. He rushed for 320 yards in 2010, finishing as the second-leading rusher on the team behind running back Henry Harris.

Last year he was fourth among Southeast rushers and carried the ball 33 times for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

With one more year of eligibility left, Coleman is focused on his future and what he considers one of his strongest traits -- helping people.

While growing up in Omaha, Coleman saw his friends and family struggle to get by. Coleman said many times he wasn't sure if he would ever get out of Omaha and into a better, safer environment.

Football gave him that way out, and now Coleman is dedicated to serving. He plans to continue his endeavors at the Horizon Enrichment Center.

Eventually, he plans to help kids who have been in the same situation that he was. With his degree in family studies, Coleman will set his sights on being a social worker who can work with youth and set them on a straight path.

"I really want to help children that don't have the opportunities that other kids have," Coleman said. "I'm a servant of God, and all I want to do is help serve children, that's what I love to do."