Special Angels Foundation

A Word
From the Founders

Special Angels Foundation: Bringing Hope, Resources, and Support to Families Raising Children With Special Needs

In communities across Southern California and throughout the United States, countless families caring for children with special needs face emotional, physical, and financial challenges every day. For many of these families, access to therapy, adaptive equipment, mobility assistance, and specialized care can often feel financially overwhelming. That is where Special Angels Foundation continues to make a life-changing difference.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Gary Carpenter and Crystal Carpenter, the nonprofit organization was created from deeply personal experience and an unwavering commitment to helping families raising children with disabilities receive the support they deserve.

Based in Chino Hills, Special Angels Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to removing financial barriers so children with disabilities can access critical therapies, mobility equipment, communication tools, medical support, and life-enhancing resources.

A Mission Born From Personal Experience

The foundation’s journey began after the Carpenter family experienced firsthand the challenges many special needs families encounter. Their twin grandchildren, Ezra and Eli, were born prematurely at 28 weeks and later diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. The family quickly learned how limited insurance coverage and income restrictions often leave many middle-income families without the assistance they desperately need.

Rather than allowing those struggles to define them, Gary and Crystal Carpenter transformed their family’s experience into a mission of compassion, advocacy, and action.

According to the organization, their mission is to “remove financial barriers so children with disabilities can access the tools, therapy, and support they need to thrive.”

Today, Special Angels Foundation provides financial grants and community support to families nationwide, helping children gain greater independence and improved quality of life.

Supporting Families Beyond Financial Assistance

• Wheelchairs and mobility device
• Occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy
• Communication tools
• Medical copays and therapy expenses
• Summer camps and developmental programs
• Adaptive equipment and accessibility support

In addition to financial support, the organization also connects families to trusted community resources, advocacy organizations, therapists, medical professionals, and developmental support services.

The foundation’s work reflects a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of physical, developmental, sensory, or behavioral challenges.

Leadership Rooted in Service

Both founders bring decades of professional and public service experience to the organization.

Crystal Carpenter spent years serving in education, including special education and alternative education programs within California school districts. Her extensive work with at-risk and special education students has provided valuable insight into the educational and developmental needs of children with disabilities.

Gary Carpenter served with the Los Angeles Fire Department for decades as a firefighter, fire inspector, and fire captain. His background in emergency services and public safety helped shape the organization’s commitment to compassion, leadership, and community outreach.

Together, the Carpenters have built an organization centered on integrity, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and outstanding service to families in need.

Community Recognition and Growing Impact

The organization’s impact continues to gain recognition throughout Southern California. In 2026, Special Angels Foundation is being recognized as “Unsung Heroes” during the 2026 State of the City Address hosted by the City of Chino Hills.

The foundation has also partnered with community organizations to provide toy drives, holiday outreach events, respite programs for caregivers, fundraising events, and family-centered activities designed to encourage hope and connection.

Through initiatives such as their TopGolf charity fundraiser, community outreach campaigns, and volunteer programs, the foundation continues expanding its reach while building stronger support systems for families navigating the realities of raising children with special needs.

A Foundation Built on Compassion

At its heart, Special Angels Foundation is more than a nonprofit organization — it is a support system for families who often feel overlooked or underserved. Their work reminds communities that behind every diagnosis is a child deserving love, opportunity, dignity, and hope.

As the foundation continues to grow, its mission remains focused on helping families overcome obstacles and ensuring children with disabilities have access to the tools and resources needed to live fuller, healthier, and more empowered lives.

~ Gary & Crystal Carpenter