The Jimmy Miller Surf Therapy Foundation
To help as many people suffering from mental and physical illness as our resources will allow.
The Jimmy Miller Ocean Therapy Foundation
About The Jimmy Miller Foundation
The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is the world-leader in providing Ocean Therapy programs for people suffering from trauma-induced mental and physical illness.
JMMF pioneered the formation of Ocean Therapy where the challenge of surfing is combined with therapist-led group discussion sessions to provide relief, promote healing, and increase self-esteem and self-efficacy in individuals suffering from mental and/or physical illness.
We serve a variety of populations including active duty military and veterans, at risk (“at promise”) youth, healthcare workers, first responders (police, fire, medics, dispatch), special needs/disabled populations and survivors of cancer, domestic abuse and other mental and physical illness.
Thanks to our amazing supporters, all of our sessions are offered free of charge to our participants.
What We Do
The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is the world-leader in providing Ocean Therapy for people suffering from trauma-induced mental and physical illness. All of our Ocean Therapy sessions are led by licensed ocean therapists who focus on creating a safe space and meeting our participants “where they are.”
We serve a variety of populations including active duty military and veterans, at risk (“at promise”) youth, healthcare workers and special needs/disabled populations.
Thanks to our amazing supporters, all of our sessions are offered free of charge to our participants.
12 Days of Giving: Endless Waves of Healing
This holiday season, join the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation for 12 Days of Giving — a fundraising celebration of community, compassion and the healing power of the ocean. From December 20–31, we’ll share daily stories of transformation that highlight the people and partners who make our ocean therapy programs possible: veterans and first responders finding peace through surf, youth gaining confidence at the shorebreak, and volunteers who bring every session to life. Each day offers a new glimpse into the waves of change created by your support. Together, we can make waves that carry hope, healing, and connection into 2026.
Please visit the Campaign page for more information and to make an end of year donation:
Seize the Day
Seize the Day: Part One On a sunny September Friday, Jeff texted from the lifeguard stand where he was finishing up his required hours to
David and RL Peters receive Jimmy Miller Foundation 2025 Legacy Award
Kevin Cody | August 16, 2025 The Jimmy Miller Foundation 2025 Legacy Award, presented last month at the foundation’s annual gala, was shaped in the
The Benefiesta Recap Video & The John Detemple’s “Aquatic Echoes”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R0LHPu4X50&t=1s What a magical night for the the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation. Twenty years ago, family and close friends united to honor the life of
Upcoming Ocean Therapy Sessions
Our season is in full swing and we need volunteers.
Join us in the joy of healing others one wave at a time!
You will be glad you did!
Who We Help With Our Ocean Therapy
Pioneers of Ocean/ Surf Therapy
The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation pioneered the development of Ocean/Surf Therapy under the early direction of Dr. Carly Rogers during her Masters and then Doctorate programs at the University of Southern California. The JMMF team collectively wrote the Ocean/Surf Therapy manual that has been adopted by most organizations offering surf therapy today. As a founding member of ISTO (International Surf Therapy Organization), JMMF continues to lead the field, expanding to serve more populations in more areas and has the largest staff of trained ocean/surf therapists in the world.
Our Impact
Numbers tell part of the story, but not all of it. Last year alone:
Sessions Held 70+
Participants 410+
Volunteers 600+
20+ Years of Experience
Sessions Held 55
(62% increase over 2021)
Participants 400+
(77% more than 2021)
Volunteers 600+
3000+ Volunteer Hours (79% increase)
105% Funding Increase Over 2021
Maintained 80% Goal of Budget Going Directly to Programming
Check out JMMF Ocean Therapy In Action
Don't miss out!
2025 will be our busiest year to date with 50 Ocean Therapy sessions scheduled plus the BeneFiesta and “The Jimmy” Surf Fiesta. Add your email to receive updates and our monthly news letter!
VETERANS DAY LIMITED EDITION BLUE CAMO HAT!
Only 100 Hats Produced – Reserve Yours NOW! They will sell out fast!
$50.00 Minimum donation to reserve your hat, but you can opt to donate more.
South Bay supporters can pick up their hat after November 11th (Veteran’s Day) at Spyder Surf at 2461 N Pacific Coast Highway in Hermosa Beach only.
All others will receive their hat in the mail.
No international shipping available.
