Erica Garwood, John Garwood, and Dr. Rachel Docekal
July 28, 2025 ─ Hanley Foundation is pleased to announce its merger with the Mark Garwood Foundation to expand the impact and reach of the Mark Garwood Foundation’s Phoenix Scholarships program. The unification will integrate the scholarship program into Hanley Foundation’s well-established prevention, treatment, and recovery support efforts in South Florida. This strategic initiative will increase access to education and recovery programs that are critical to lasting sobriety.
The Phoenix Scholarships program provides financial assistance to adults in South Florida who are in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety, and ready to begin or continue their education. Scholarships pay for tuition, books, supplies, and fees not covered by other grants and aid. Since its establishment in 2015, the program has awarded more than $570,000 in educational scholarships to 76 individuals across South Florida. Ninety percent of the program’s recipients have maintained long-term sobriety.
“We are dedicated to expanding the scholarship program exponentially by offering enhanced support and integrating it as part of Hanley’s continuum of care,” said Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of Hanley Foundation. “Our alliance with the Mark Garwood Foundation emphasizes our mutual commitment to equipping individuals facing substance use disorder with long-term recovery resources and educational opportunities.”
Hanley Foundation’s integration with the Mark Garwood Foundation will enhance Hanley’s 35-year mission of empowering individuals and families on the journey of recovery. The Mark Garwood Foundation was established in 2014 by Erica Garwood, a board member of the Hanley Foundation, and her husband John, in memory of their son Mark Garwood who passed away at the age of 24 after struggling with substance use disorder. The nonprofit uses education as a tool to provide hope and change lives for adults who are recovering from substance use disorder.
“Partnering with the Hanley Foundation is a meaningful way to honor Mark’s legacy,” said Erica Garwood, president of the Mark Garwood Foundation. “Together, we’re not just helping individuals achieve sobriety, we’re helping them rediscover their worth, rebuild their lives, and hold onto hope for a brighter future. This collaboration allows us to extend that healing impact even further.”
About Hanley Foundation
Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction. Through its four mission areas of prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support, Hanley provides evidence-based holistic addiction treatment, recovery scholarships to those in need, and youth prevention programming, while reducing stigma and informing policy. For more information, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 855-741-4673.
About Mark Garwood Foundation
The Mark Garwood Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation created in October 2014 by Erica and John Garwood. During his life, Mark always felt it was vital to be a source of encouragement and strength to any of his friends and acquaintances who were struggling. The Foundation is dedicated to building a legacy of service and support for the recovery community in memory of Mark by providing hope, changing lives, and building futures for individuals in Florida who are battling the devastating effects of substance use disorder. The initiatives and resources of the Mark Garwood Foundation are specifically targeted toward the promotion and support of substance abuse recovery efforts in the St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, and Broward counties in South Florida.
