Our Mission:
To help as many people suffering from mental and physical illness as our resources will allow.
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.
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.
Joins us for BeneFiesta 2025
This year marks the 20th year since the creation of JMMF in memory of Jimmy Miller. Thanks to our amazing friends, supporters and community, JMMF has evolved into a world leader in providing Ocean/Surf Therapy to an increasing number of populations in need of mental health resources.
Ocean Therapy is an adaptive surfing program developed to assist populations dealing with trauma-induced mental and physical illness through group talk discussions led by licensed therapists coupled with surfing. Supported by an amazing team, the JMMF will conduct over 80 Ocean Therapy sessions this year, helping hundreds of men, women, and children and touching thousands of lives. Our Ocean Therapy Program has adapted, grown and improved over the years, so it’s fitting that this year’s theme for the BeneFiesta is “Evolution.”
The BeneFiesta is an important event that raises funds and awareness for our world-leading Ocean Therapy Program and the populations we serve. It is an opportunity for our community and supporters to come together in unity, to raise funds through ticket sales, silent and live auctions and other fun activities and be inspired by the testimonies and stories of those whose lives have been touched and saved by
Ocean/Surf Therapy. We expect to sell out on General Admission and VIP tickets again this year so buy your tickets early to secure your spot! (Note that this year all VIP ticket holders will have reserved table seating in the VIP area.)
Full Circles
When I sat down to write this April blog, where I usually talk about Jimmy’s birthday on April 28th, or share other momentous events that
A Tribute to Greg Browning
With heavy hearts, the Jimmy Miller Foundation announces the passing of our dear friend and esteemed member, Greg Browning. Greg was a beacon of light
April Updates
APRIL IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH! Brianna’s dropping some major wisdom on stress relief this week, check it out below! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6C6O6s-wVs4 STAY CALM ALL MONTH LONG
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
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
