MISSION

To Enhance the well-being of children and adults with disabilities and veterans through therapeutic boating experiences.

  • Boat outings for children and adults with life threatening illnesses, special needs, veterans and their families.

  • Individual fishing trips for all and fishing tournaments for at-risk youth.
  • Adaptive sailing and annual regatta in conjunction with Collier County Parks and Recreation.

  • Individual and group boat trips for veterans.

About Freedom Waters Foundation

“We all had a wonderful time. It was great meeting you both and feeling the kindness from you. It means the world to me. Your foundation is a wonderful program and I hope you can continue it for many years!”

Stacy Bunting

“The experience that are provided for both Vets and Special needs individuals are opportunities most of us would never be able to experience withou

William & Darlene Bilger

 

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Debra Frenkel, LCSW

Freedom Waters Foundation’s beacon of light is the LOVE that is shared by our entire crew – the people we serve, staff, volunteers, boat owners and community partners. YOU!

That light is shining even more brightly as we go into celebrating our 19th Anniversary of service! I am in awe and so grateful for all the love and support to “Make it Happen” for so many.

In 2021, a boat owner asked me how many lives I thought we have touched over the years. I had to pause and think about it. Surprising me, tears welled up as I responded, “maybe 25,000-30,000”. That overwhelmed me in the best way!

And, now onto our future…Freedom Waters Foundation’s Board of Directors are visionaries. They want to expand the organization to reach even more participants in South Florida and then move onto other communities across Florida. Eventually, they plan to establish programs in other states to help more veterans and individuals with special needs through therapeutic boating experiences. Once we go national, it could even grow to become international, some day! And, we have the incredible staff and group of volunteers to Make it Happen!

Freedom Waters Foundation is the ship we are all navigating together to serve others, and I am forever grateful for all of you and our 19 years of serving! Sharing Freedom and Joy On and Off the Water! Thank you!

ORGANIZE

Recruit private and commercial boat owners and volunteers to provide on the water experiences. Coordinate all individuals we serve, those with disabilities. life threatening illnesses, youth at risk and veterans with the right boat owners and volunteers for a positive, memorable boating experience.

EDUCATE

Manage approximately 400 boat trips to provide over 4,600 participants on the water experiences. Sharing Freedom and Joy on and off the Water!

SUPPORT

Our therapeutic programs take place year round on the water in Collier, Lee, Broward and Palm Beach counties, and once a year for full weekends in Georgia and Indiana.

CHANGE A LIFE TODAY

Freedom Waters Foundation is the ship we are all navigating together to serve others, and I am forever grateful for all of you and our serving since 2006! Sharing Freedom and Joy On and Off the Water! Thank you!