Making a Difference One Family At A Time!

Miracle 4 Michael was founded in 2017 with one goal in mind –to inspire, preserve, protect, and enhance Special Need children by engaging in leisure activities contributing to their quality of life. 

With frequent request for resources and calls to help assist families it became apparent to our founder Monique Whitaker, that the need for an organization like Miracle 4 Michael & friends was much needed.  It was also common to hear stories of parents not attending events or anything within the community due to having financial limitations, no transportation, or simply not enough money to pay regular utilities bills if they had missed days of work to care for their special need child. Filling that gap was and continues to be the mission of Miracle 4 Michael & Friends. What started as a one-person show out of our founders’ spare bedroom has grown into an organization that proves that a small group of dedicated people can make a positive difference in the world. By using funds secured from a child’s local community, we are able to support our dedication to improving the lives of underserved special need children living in a single parent household within the Tampa Bay. 

Miracle 4 Michael & Friends proudly offers six programs to assist families in need.

All of these programs serve our community at no charge to our Miracle 4 Michael & Friends families.

Our "Day Of Play" program focuses on socialization and inclusion. Families are invited to join us for accessible, confidence-building, extraordinary experiences. They make memories that will last a lifetime! These experiences help them make connections with each other, as well as communicate and engage with their peers. 

The Parent Support Group is a facilitated mental health support program designed to help parents and caregivers—particularly those raising children or adults with special needs—navigate emotional stress, burnout, and mental health breakdowns.  Caregivers often experience chronic stress, isolation, grief, anxiety, and depression due to the ongoing demands of caregiving. This group provides a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space where parents can openly share their experiences, receive emotional validation, and develop healthy coping strategies. 

The Sibling Support Group is a structured mental health program created for siblings of individuals with special needs or disabilities who are often overlooked but deeply impacted emotionally.  Siblings may struggle with anxiety, confusion, guilt, anger, grief, or feelings of invisibility. Many suppress their emotions to avoid burdening their parents, which can lead to emotional breakdowns, behavioral challenges, or long-term mental health concerns.  This group offers siblings a developmentally appropriate, supportive environment to express their feelings, build emotional awareness, and feel seen and heard.

• Prevents emotional crises and mental health breakdowns
• Reduces caregiver and sibling burnout
• Strengthens family communication and resilience
• Promotes emotional stability and healing across the household

 These programs ensure that no family member is left unsupported, reinforcing Miracle 4 Michael & Friend's commitment to holistic, compassionate care. 

The financial crisis for a single parent with special need child/children in the home often arise from the need to cover cost of medical expenses, and the need to balance work with caregiver responsibilities.  The reduced income due to caregiving can further strain financial situations. To help navigate these financial challenges we strive to be the support by providing $1000 per family to help assist with financial crisis.

The Back-to-School Bash for Special Needs Families is a unique, workshop-style event designed specifically for families of children with special needs in Pinellas County. It’s the only program of its kind in the area that combines fun, community celebration, and practical skill-building workshops focused on helping families confidently navigate the school system.  T

his event is the only one in Pinellas County that:
✔ Is specifically tailored to special needs families
✔ Combines advocacy education with community support
✔ Offers IEP and 504 plan workshops in a welcoming, accessible environment
✔ Provides school supplies and fun activities for children 

The Weekend on the Beach Respite Program provides single-parent families raising children with special needs a restorative, accessible beach retreat designed to reduce caregiver burnout, support mental wellness, and strengthen family bonds.

Single parents of children with disabilities often experience chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and limited opportunities for rest. This program offers qualifying families a fully supported weekend experience that includes accessible lodging, meals, transportation assistance, and inclusive recreational activities. Families also participate in guided wellness sessions, peer connection opportunities, and sensory-friendly beach experiences.

The program creates a safe and nurturing environment where parents can decompress while children engage in adaptive play and therapeutic outdoor activities. By removing financial and logistical barriers, the program promotes emotional healing, reduces isolation, and restores hope.

Miracle 4 Michael & Friends provides targeted disaster relief to families raising children or adults with special needs who are disproportionately impacted during emergencies. Services focus on immediate safety, stability, and continuity of care before, during, and after natural disasters.

Support includes food; delivery of essential supplies such as medications, medical equipment, hygiene items, diapers, and adaptive resources; and coordination of accessible transportation and shelter options. The organization also assists families with disaster preparedness planning, replacement of lost or damaged medical equipment, and connection to community resources.

Recognizing the emotional toll disasters place on caregivers and dependents with disabilities, Miracle 4 Michael & Friends offers trauma-informed emotional support and referrals to mental health services. These efforts reduce crisis escalation, prevent service disruption, and help families recover with dignity and stability. 

We’re able to fund these programs through grants, community partnerships, and donations from caring community members like you! 

Thank you for helping us help over 148 families since inception. We’re looking forward to what the future will hold and are grateful for the dedication and support that we have received since opening our doors.