Maryam Parman Foundation for Children, Inc.

The mission of the Maryam Parman Foundation for Children is to provide customized therapeutic aid to low-income children and their families who are affected by catastrophic injury, illness, or disabilities. Through our Therapy for Kids program, we support children and youths throughout the United States with various types of therapies that families cannot afford and health insurance does not cover. Additionally, our Medical Devices program pays for medical devices not covered by insurance, and our Home Modification program covers slight home modifications to improve accessibility and quality of life.

The Maryam Parman Foundation for Children (MPFC) is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation founded in 2017 by a personal injury attorney who witnessed children suffer from life-altering injuries as a result of accidents. The foundation was created to fill in the financial gaps that settlements and insurance did not cover. But as we began accepting applications, we found that more children were in need than those we first proposed to help. Children who are victims of abuse or are born with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and other genetic disorders also struggle to afford appropriate care. As a result, we expanded our vision so that a broader array of children’s needs can be met. Our current mission is to provide funding for therapies, medical devices and small-scale home modifications to low-income families across the United States who have children who are living with disabilities.

At the Maryam Parman Foundation for Children, we believe that every child—regardless of income, background, or ability—deserves access to life-changing therapy. Through our Therapy for Kids program, we fund critical services for children living with physical and mental disabilities, empowering them to gain strength, mobility, communication skills, and confidence.

Serving families in low-income and medically underserved communities across the country, MPFC bridges the funding gap where insurance falls short. With 90% of our participants showing meaningful progress, our impact is not only measured in milestones—but in moments of joy, independence, and hope for a brighter future.
Together with families, therapists, and communities, we’re building a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The need for MPFC’s Therapy for Kids program is both urgent and significant. According to the CDC, as of 2019, over 3 million children in the United States—approximately 4.3% of those under 18—were living with a major disability. Even more face psychiatric challenges: nearly 20% of children ages 3–17 were reported to have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. Alarmingly, mental health issues are the leading cause of death and disability in this age group. These children often require a range of therapies—including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and sensory integration—to support basic mobility, communication, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. However, access to these essential services remains limited, particularly for families facing financial hardship or living in medically underserved areas.

In 2023, 25 million Americans lacked health insurance. But even insured families often encounter substantial barriers to accessing the therapies their children need—either due to a lack of coverage for essential treatments or restrictive annual caps. Raising a child with special needs can cost over $500,000, yet health insurance often fails to fully cover critical medical treatments, leaving families with overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses. This is the critical funding gap the Maryam Parman Foundation for Children is dedicated to closing—ensuring that every child has access to the care and support they need.

United States

At the Maryam Parman Foundation for Children, we believe every child—regardless of diagnosis or ability—deserves access to the therapies and resources that unlock their full potential. Since our founding, we have focused on removing financial barriers for families so that children with complex medical and developmental needs can receive the life-changing support they deserve.

This past year, the impact of our Therapy for Kids program has been powerful. From helping a young boy take his first independent steps to supporting a child on the autism spectrum as he builds confidence through equine therapy, we are seeing real, measurable outcomes. Behind every grant we provide is a family that feels seen, supported, and hopeful.

Our work is only possible because of partners like you. As we look ahead, we are committed to expanding our reach, strengthening our programs, and ensuring that no child goes without the therapies they need due to cost or access. Thank you for standing with us in this mission.

With gratitude,
Taylor Smith
Executive Director
Maryam Parman Foundation for Children

As Chair of the Board of the Maryam Parman Foundation for Children, I am proud to represent an organization that stands at the intersection of compassion, impact, and accountability. Our board is deeply committed to ensuring that every dollar entrusted to MPFC is used strategically and effectively to advance our mission.

This past year, we’ve seen firsthand how access to therapy can transform the trajectory of a child’s life. Through thoughtful oversight and collaborative leadership, we’ve supported the growth of our Therapy for Kids program, expanded our fundraising capacity, and built strong partnerships with both local service providers and national funders.

Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear: to sustain high-quality programming, scale our impact responsibly, and maintain the trust of the families and supporters we serve. We are grateful to our donors, partners, and fellow board members who make this work possible—and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Sincerely,
Maryam Parman
Board Chair
Maryam Parman Foundation for Children