May 6, 2026

Noa Garcia: Finding Purpose on the Water

How one mentor found purpose, friendship, and belonging by the water.

Photo of Noa Garcia — story of impact at Shake-A-Leg Miami adaptive water sports

For over 30 years, Shake-A-Leg Miami has been the backdrop for thousands of life-changing stories. Kids who stepped onto a boat for the first time and walked away with a new sense of who they could become. Families who found a community. Mentors who discovered purpose, friendship, and a place to belong.

This summer, as part of the Batchelor Challenge, we're sharing some of those stories — one each week — to celebrate the real, lasting impact of what a single summer by the water can do.

This week, we're sharing Noa's.

Where it all began

Noa Garcia first discovered Shake-A-Leg Miami less than a mile from home. What began as a nearby opportunity to give back quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of her life.

In We Can Sail, Noa found more than a volunteer role. She found a community, close friendships, and a weekly reminder of the power of connection on the water.

"I stumbled upon Shake-A-Leg Miami less than a mile from my home, and it quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my life. What I found there wasn't just an opportunity to give back, it was a community where I genuinely belonged."

"I've been a mentor in We Can Sail for two school years now, and it's always the highlight of my week. I've grown such strong connections with all the kids, staff, and mentors. Through Shake-A-Leg, I have made some of my closest friends and created memories that will last me a lifetime."

"Watching kids who might struggle in traditional settings come alive out on the water is something I'll never take for granted. I came thinking I was there for them, but they gave me far more than I ever gave back."

— Noa Garcia

A place to belong

Noa came to Shake-A-Leg Miami hoping to make a difference. Along the way, the kids, staff, and fellow mentors made a difference in her life too.

"They taught me patience, perspective, and the value of relationships with people who are different from me in some ways and identical in all the ways that count."

— Noa Garcia, We Can Sail Mentor

Today, Noa continues her work with Shake-A-Leg Miami as both a Summer mentor on Adventure Island and a mentor during the school year — carrying forward the same sense of purpose and community that first made her feel at home.

Somewhere out there,
the next connection is waiting.

Noa's story is a reminder that programs like We Can Sail and Adventure Island Camp are more than activities by the water. They create connection, confidence, and community for the kids who participate and the mentors who show up for them. For many families, the cost of camp is the door that stays closed. This summer, thanks to the Batchelor Foundation, you have a rare chance to open it.

The Batchelor Challenge

Every dollar you give
is doubled.

Your gift unlocks matching funds — turning one scholarship into two, and one summer into countless stories like Noa's.

Our goal this summer

$165,000

in scholarships, every dollar matched.

Open the door → Donate now

100% of your gift funds summer camp scholarships.

This is part of a series of impact stories we'll be sharing throughout the Batchelor Challenge 2026. Stay tuned for more stories of lives shaped by a summer on the water.

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