Mission Field Trip: A Day of Connection, Compassion, and Community Impact
At the Parikh Giving Alliance, we believe the most meaningful philanthropy begins with presence. By stepping into the spaces where change is happening, listening to the people doing the work, and experiencing impact firsthand, we strengthen our ability to invest wisely and partner deeply.
That belief comes to life through our Mission Field Trip series — immersive days where our leadership team visits nonprofit organizations across Central Florida that are advancing healthcare, education, and human services in powerful ways. Each visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the programs, people, and passion driving real transformation.
On January 13, 2026, the Parikh Giving Alliance embarked on our first Mission Field Trip of 2026, spending the day with five inspiring organizations whose missions center on dignity, access, empowerment, and hope.
Stop 1: Central Florida Public Media
We began the morning at Central Florida Public Media, where we explored how trusted, community-centered journalism serves as a vital pillar of a healthy region. From local storytelling and investigative reporting to arts, culture, and public affairs programming, their work informs, educates, and connects Central Floridians every day. Meeting with their team offered a deeper appreciation for the role public media plays in strengthening civic engagement, elevating diverse voices, and fostering informed communities — all essential ingredients for positive social change.
Stop 2: Orlando Center for Autism (OCA)
Next, we visited the Orlando Center for Autism, an organization dedicated to providing specialized education and support for students with autism spectrum disorder. Touring their campus and learning about their individualized, evidence-based approach highlighted the profound impact that tailored education can have on student success and family stability.
OCA’s commitment to helping each student reach their full potential reflects the heart of inclusive education — meeting individuals where they are and equipping them with tools to thrive.
Stop 3: IDignity – Tour and Lunch
Midday brought us to IDignity, where we toured their facilities and shared lunch while learning more about their life-changing work. IDignity helps individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship obtain critical identification documents such as birth certificates, state IDs, and Social Security cards — often the first step toward housing, employment, healthcare, and stability.
Witnessing the scope of services and the compassion embedded in their model underscored a simple truth: restoring identity restores opportunity. IDignity’s work exemplifies dignity in action.
Stop 4: Center for Independent Living in Central Florida (CIL)
Our afternoon continued at the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, where we learned about their advocacy, education, and support services for people with disabilities. CIL’s mission centers on empowering individuals to live independently, make informed choices, and fully participate in their communities.
At the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, we gained a new perspective on what independence truly means. Experiencing barriers firsthand — and then learning how to remove them (shown above) — was a powerful reminder of the impact accessible design has on everyday life. Honored to visit as they celebrate 50 years of empowering people with disabilities.
Stop 5: American Muslim Community Clinics (AMCC)
We closed the day at American Muslim Community Clinics in Longwood, a nonprofit healthcare provider offering free and low-cost medical, dental, and behavioral health services to uninsured and underserved patients.
Touring the clinic and meeting the team revealed a compassionate, patient-centered model rooted in service, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility. AMCC’s work reflects the power of community-driven healthcare to remove barriers and improve outcomes.
Reflecting on the day, Co-Founder Beena M. Parikh, PhD, shared:
“Each Mission Field Trip reminds us that impact is personal. Behind every program are people who care deeply about their communities and are working tirelessly to make life better for others. Being able to witness this work up close strengthens our commitment to walk alongside these organizations and support their visions.”
Looking Ahead
This Mission Field Trip reaffirmed why the Parikh Giving Alliance exists: to listen, learn, and partner with organizations that are creating meaningful, measurable change across Central Florida. These visits inform our grantmaking, inspire collaboration, and deepen relationships that fuel long-term impact.
We look forward to continuing our Mission Field Trip series throughout 2026 and beyond. Because at the Parikh Giving Alliance, we believe that to accelerate change, we must first take the time to witness it.