Samantha's Purpose was co-founded by Jose "Manny" & Michelle Garcia and inspired by their daughter, Samantha, who has Cerebral Palsy. This organization is their way of following through with the promise they made to their daughter, they would give her disability a "purpose".
Samantha’s Purpose is a 501(c)(3) charity.
The mission of Samantha's Purpose is to increase awareness and understanding of Cerebral Palsy. We hold various awareness and fundraising events and the proceeds from these events are used to give back to the Cerebral Palsy community by:
- Providing funding for programs, schools, and camps that are fully inclusive and support and improve the quality of life of children with Cerebral Palsy;
- Providing guidance and support to families of children with Cerebral Palsy (and other special needs) by helping them navigate the maze of insurance, government programs, education and doctors;
- Advocating for greater inclusion of those with Cerebral Palsy throughout the community. Our first step towards this is by raising awareness in the community about the need for fully inclusive restrooms throughout South Florida, so that the disabled community (despite age or diagnosis) that require special bathroom assistance have the ability to enjoy their community and beyond.
Samantha’s Purpose (together with Blossom Therapy Center) is also responsible for making sure that National Cerebral Palsy is now acknowledged and celebrated in Miami-Dade County, Florida on March 25th. In 2014 and 2015, we were responsible for having the Freedom Tower, Miami Tower (f/k/a Centrust Building) and Hotel Intercontinental illuminated “green” in honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. We are also the proud recipients of a Proclamation from the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County Commission acknowledging that March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, and a Proclamation acknowledging March 1st as “Samantha’s Purpose Day”.
Another great accomplishment we achieved together with Blossom Therapy Center is on Friday, March 27, 2015, House Resolution 9057 was adopted confirming that March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the State of Florida. This House Resolution was sponsored by State Representative Eric Fresen (District 114 – Republican). The request was made by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan C. Zapata (District 11).
