Samantha's Harvest
Samantha鈥檚 Harvest鈥檚 story began on June 12, 2001, the day Samantha Rose was born. When Samantha鈥檚 parents, Rob and Lisa, learned their daughter had Down syndrome, they sprung into action. In the fall of 2002, Samantha鈥檚 Harvest hosted its first Charity Golf Open, and Rob and Lisa began raising awareness and funding for programs and organizations that directly enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
Part of Samantha Harvest鈥檚 vision is to celebrate inclusion in schools, with a keen understanding that those with disabilities are capable, strong, and smart individuals. To date, Samantha鈥檚 Harvest has donated more than $150,000 to like-minded organizations and has provided academic scholarships for those entering the field of education.
Community of Inclusive Scholars
Samantha is a 2024 graduate of 缅北禁地鈥檚 Community of Inclusive Scholars (CIS), a program designed to support post-secondary access for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. While at 缅北禁地, 鈥淪ammy鈥 enjoyed taking health and wellness, communication, and theater courses, and she utilized her passion for cosmetics by joining the makeup crew for a university theatre production. Sammy has gone on to employment at Andrew Safar Salon on Newbury Street in Boston and works as an ambassador at TD Garden in the 1928 Club. She has recently applied to cosmetology school. Samantha鈥檚 story lies at the heart of CIS鈥檚 mission鈥攐pening doors of opportunity.
The Community of Inclusive Scholars program is grateful for the contribution from Samantha鈥檚 Harvest. Although CIS is funded through grants, community support from organization鈥檚 like Samantha鈥檚 Harvest helps expand the programming we can provide students. We thank Samantha's Harvest, Rob, and Lisa for their generous gift.