PROVIDING HOPE
CHANGING LIVES
BUILDING FUTURES
PROVIDING HOPE.
CHANGING LIVES.
BUILDING FUTURES.
Our Story
One May 24, 2014, Erica and John Garwood tragically lost their 24-year-old son, Mark,
to complications of substance use disorder and type I diabetes.
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Our Story
On May 24, 2014, at the age of 24, Mark Garwood lost his battle with substance use disorder. Throughout Mark's struggle, the Garwoods witnessed the hopelessness, frustration, and desperation so many people endure while battling substance use disorder. They also witnessed the change that support fosters in individuals who are committed to creating a sober, stable, and productive future.
The Mark Garwood Foundation was established to honor Mark’s life by providing a way forward for men and women who are committed to pursuing a path out of the darkness. If we can reach one individual, save one life, ease one person’s struggle back to wholeness, then Mark’s legacy will be well-served.
One May 24, 2014, Erica and John Garwood tragically lost their 24-year-old son, Mark,
to complications of substance use disorder and type I diabetes.
Throughout Mark's struggle, the Garwoods witnessed the hopelessness, frustration, and
desperation so many people endure while battling substance use disorder. They also witnessed the change that support fosters in individuals who are committed to creating a sober, stable, and productive future.
The Foundation was established to honor Mark’s life by providing a way forward for men and women who are committed to pursuing a path out of the darkness. If we can reach
one individual…save one life…ease one person’s struggle back to wholeness, then Mark’s legacy
will be well-served.
The Mark Garwood Foundation provides hope, changes lives, and builds futures for adults in south Florida who are recovering from substance use disorder.
What We Do
What We Do
The Mark Garwood Foundation
provides hope, changes lives and builds futures
for adults in recovery in Florida.
What We Do
The Mark Garwood Foundation
provides hope, changes lives and builds futures
for adults in recovery in Florida.
How We Help
We provide educational grants to adults in Florida
who are recovering from substance use disorder,
provide assistance to sober living communities and support initiatives to preventdrug and alcohol abuse.
How We Help
We provide educational grants to adults in south Florida who are recovering from substance use disorder, provide assistance to sober living residences and support initiatives to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.
How We Help
We provide educational grants to adults in Florida who are recovering from substance use disorder, provide assistance to sober living residences and support initiatives to prevent drug and alcohol misuse.
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OUR BELIEF
OUR BELIEF
We believe RECOVERY+EDUCATION=SUCCESS!
"Education is proving to be a powerful incentive for adults
in recovery to maintain long-term sobriety. It rebuilds
self-esteem and self-worth and develops accountability
in individuals who are determined to find a sober and
productive future." John Garwood, vice president
Mark Garwood Foundation
"Education is a particularly important aspect of human capital that supports recovery, because education increases
the potential for productive and professional engagement.”
H. Harrington Cleveland, Timothy R. Brick, Kyler S. Knapp, and Julie M. Croff (2021) Recovery and Recovery Capital: Aligning Measurement with Theory and Practice.
What do researchers say?
We believe RECOVERY + EDUCATION = SUCCESS!
"Education is proving to be a powerful incentive for adults in recovery to maintain long-term sobriety. It rebuilds self-esteem and self-worth and develops accountability in individuals who are determined to find a sober and productive future." John Garwood, Mark Garwood Foundation.
Our Belief
Since 2015, the Mark Garwood Foundation has been providing scholarships to adults in Florida who are in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety and ready to begin or continue their education. Phoenix Scholarships pay for tuition, books, supplies, and fees not covered by other grants and aid. Phoenix Scholarship recipients become part of our Foundation Family and gain a network of individuals who celebrate each other's successes and support each other's educational goals and sobriety.
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About Our Business
Our Impact
$450,000
67
90%
24
32
Phoenix Scholarships
awarded
of Phoenix Scholarship
recipients remain
sober while in our program
program alumni
have completed
their
educational goals
alumni
degrees earned
in scholarships
awarded through our Phoenix Scholarship
program
in scholarships
awarded throuh
our Phoenix
Scholarship
program
Our Impact
Since 2015, the Mark Garwood Foundation has provided scholarships to adults in south Florida who are in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety and ready to begin or continue their education. Phoenix Scholarships pay for tuition, books, supplies, and fees not covered by other grants and aid. Phoenix Scholarship recipients become part of our Foundation Family and gain a network of individuals who celebrate each other's successes and support each other's educational goals and sobriety.
"Early recovery presented an uphill battle and going back to school seemed like a distant dream. I got more than a scholarship when the Garwoods entered my life. I developed friendships, a
support system and a fierce determination to finish my education. I graduated in May 2021 with my M.S.W."
Chris Collins
Success Stories
"The Phoenix Scholarship I received in 2016 allowed me to focus on my sobriety and my education. In May 2023, after almost 10 years of sobriety, I earned my doctorate in nursing science. That would
not have been possible without the support, encouragement and family that the Mark Garwood Foundation provided.
Dr. Alana Warner
"Education was one of my priorities I lost to addiction. Since receiving the Phoenix Scholarship, I have increased my GPA by 1 point, graduated with my first degree and transferred to FAU where I
earned a bachelor's degree. The foundation supports my dreams and my ability to achieve them."
Whitney Ducharme
"Having a foundation that believed in me and my dreams gave me the courage and motivation to continue my education and pursue a career. I am now a college graduate and a radiology technologist.
Because of the Mark Garwood Foundation I am a better me, and I am finding my purpose.
Ly Sotalbo
I had all but given up on my educational goals. What a blessing this scholarship has been. This scholarship and the Garwoods have given me not only a means to complete my education, but a family
that believes in me and supports me every step of the way. " Niki was the 2022 FAU Distinguished Student of the Year and earned her M.S.W. in 2023.
Niki Tartal
in scholarships
awarded
through our
Phoenix
Scholarship
program
Phoenix
Scholarships
awarded
of Phoenix
Scholarship
recipients
remain sober
while in our
program
program alumni
have completed
their educational goals
alumni
degrees
earned
$450,000
67
90%
24
32
Achieving Growth