2025 marks 20 years that the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation (JMMF) has been conducting Ocean Therapy. Let’s be honest…20 years is a long time for a memorial foundation to be around. Most only last a couple of years after the person passes away and then the fire fades, and the busyness of life re-consumes our thoughts and schedules. 20 years is a long time to do anything consistently.
JMMF is an anomaly. Not only have we survived through 20 years, we’ve THRIVED, evolved and grown to become the leading organization in the field of ocean/surf therapy in the world. While Jimmy’s life and his passion of sharing surfing with others was and continues to be our inspiration, JMMF has endured and expanded because of our Ocean Therapy Program and our focus on providing a resource for mental and physical health for those affected by trauma. Almost every year, we increase the number of Ocean Therapy sessions we offer to meet the growing demand for alternative, outdoor therapy. And we add new populations in the mix. 2025 is no different. This year, we are looking at 80+ Ocean Therapy sessions (and adding more as our resources will allow) at a minimum of seven different locations up and down the West Coast. We’re excited to offer Ocean Therapy to some new groups including:
- Stepping Forward LA – underprivileged youth that are “aging out” of the LA foster care community
- Boys & Girls Club, West San Gabriel Valley – giving boys and girls the opportunity to succeed in school, develop skills and care for their mental and physical health
- You’re Just My Type – addressing the mental health challenges of youth battling Type 1 diabetes
- Just Keep Livin’ – while we already do a large beach day with JKL, we are working with several inner-city high schools to offer our traditional Ocean Therapy sessions
- Agape Fund – a very rare Down Syndrome Regression Disorder that affects a very small percentage of our neurodivergent population we work with
In addition to these groups, we are expanding our FROPOWR (First Responders Oceanic Performance Optimization Wellness & Resiliency) Program to serve more first responders in more locations. We are wrapping in the Navy Wounded Warriors into our existing Ocean Therapy sessions at Camp Pendleton (US Marine Corp base) and expanding sessions on base at Point Magu and Port Hueneme in Ventura. And if that wasn’t enough, a small leadership team traveled to Oahu in February to participate in a pilot program and explore the possibility of expanding our Ocean Therapy program in the Hawaiian islands! It’s been a busy first quarter already!
None of this would be possible without the incredible support from our amazing community, donors, funders, sponsors, volunteers and staff. On July 12, we hope you can join us in celebrating our 20-year birthday at our annual gala – the BeneFiesta. This year’s theme is fittingly: Evolution. Sponsorships are available (contact me) and tickets will be on sale starting in April. This is going to be a great birthday party you won’t want to miss!
We kick off our “busy” season of Ocean Therapy in April and there are tons of opportunities to get involved and volunteer with us. Click the link below and become part of our community, family and the next 20 years of healing others, and ourselves, one wave at a time.
Waves of gratitude,
Andy Dellenbach
CEO, Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation
