Mission Field Trip: A Day of Inspiration and Impact

At the Parikh Giving Alliance, we believe the best way to fuel meaningful change is to experience it firsthand. That’s why we’ve launched our new Mission Field Trip series — immersive days where our leadership team ventures out into the community to meet with the organizations that are moving Central Florida forward in healthcare, education, and the arts. These journeys help us see behind the scenes, strengthen relationships, and deepen our understanding of the work being done to create lasting impact.

On August 21, 2025, we held our inaugural Mission Field Trip — and what a day it was. From morning to late afternoon, we traveled across Central Florida, connecting with four powerful organizations whose missions embody compassion, resilience, and innovation.

Stop 1: Children’s Safety Village

We began the day at Children’s Safety Village, a unique campus dedicated to teaching children lifesaving safety skills through immersive experiences. From fire safety to traffic awareness, their programming empowers young people with tools that can save lives. Walking through the mock city streets and hands-on classrooms, we were reminded that prevention and education go hand in hand — and that safety education is foundational to building stronger communities.

Stop 2: Grace Counseling Center

Next, we visited Grace Counseling Center, where we toured their beautiful new facility designed to expand access to mental health care. Grace is committed to walking alongside individuals and families on their journey toward healing and wholeness. In meeting their team, we witnessed a community of professionals devoted not just to treatment, but to fostering resilience, hope, and long-term well-being. Their mission to provide compassionate, faith-based counseling for all who need it underscores how vital

mental health is to thriving communities. https://gracecounselingcenter.org/

Stop 3: Hope Community Center

Midday brought us to Hope Community Center in Apopka, where we were welcomed with warm hospitality and a homemade lunch. Hope’s mission of empowering immigrant and working families through education, advocacy, and service came alive in every story we heard. Touring their classrooms and community spaces, we saw firsthand how Hope provides more than resources — they create belonging. Their work is a living example of how dignity, respect, and opportunity transform lives. https://hcc-offm.org/

Stop 4: Chance 2Dance

We closed the day at Chance 2Dance, where the heartbeat of the organization lies in their studio. Here, we were surprised and delighted by a specially curated and rehearsed performance — showcasing true superstars whose talent, joy, and confidence filled the room. Chance 2 Dance is breaking barriers by creating inclusive dance opportunities for individuals with special needs, proving that the arts uplift and empower everyone. Watching their performance reminded us of the extraordinary impact that creativity, acceptance, and community can have when combined. https://chance2danceinc.org/

Reflecting on the day, Co-Founder Beena M. Parikh, PhD, shared:

Looking Ahead

This first Mission Field Trip was more than a series of visits — it was a day of inspiration, reflection, and connection. By stepping into the spaces where impact happens, we saw how our grants and partnerships help fuel real change. And this is just the beginning. We’re excited to announce that our next Mission Field Trip will take place on January 13, 2026. We look forward to continuing this journey of learning, listening, and walking alongside the nonprofits shaping a stronger Central Florida. For more information on my mission field trips, visit at https://www.parikhgivingalliance.org/events-experiences,

Because at the Parikh Giving Alliance, we know that to accelerate change, we must first take the time to witness it.