The Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund was born out of the profound impact of a remarkable young man's life. Our son, Daniel, affectionately known as "DJ," illuminated our world with his radiant spirit despite facing the challenges of disabilities caused by hospital negligence. On his 23rd birthday, 9/22/22, Daniel departed from this earthly realm, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love and an enduring smile that touched countless lives.

In honor of Daniel's memory and his indomitable spirit, we established the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund. Our mission is simple yet profound: to perpetuate Daniel's legacy of love and kindness by supporting organizations that serve children with disabilities and their families. Each year, on Daniel's birthday, we gather the funds raised by people who were touched by DJ's life and combine them with a gift from Daniel's own fund, to bless a worthy nonprofit organization dedicated to disability inclusion.

Last year, our hearts overflowed with joy as we bestowed over $10,000+ to the David Posnack Jewish Community Center for their Sunrise Day Camp in Davie, FL. Witnessing the impact of our contributions fueled our determination to expand our reach and extend our support to church plants striving to create spaces of belonging for children with disabilities and their families.

Inspired by divine guidance and a stirring moment at the Multi-Ethnic Council gathering in Orlando during the Exponential Conference in March 2024, Dr. Liz Rios (Founder of Passion2Plant Network and The Passion Center) along with her husband Hiram felt a profound call to broaden the scope of the Daniel J. Rios Memorial Fund. Henceforth, in addition to supporting nonprofits, we seek to uplift organizations and their leaders who are championing disability inclusion within the church community.

We are in search of stories that exemplify the values we hold dear: holistic ministry, justice-oriented philosophy, and a commitment to disciplining congregations in ways that embrace and empower society's "others." We seek narratives of church plants where people with disabilities are not only welcomed but celebrated as valuable members of the body of Christ. These are places where worship is inclusive, where individuals with disabilities are given opportunities to serve, and where everyone learns and grows together.

Disability inclusion is not merely a concept; it is a fundamental aspect of our faith journey. We believe that the church should be a sanctuary where people of all abilities feel safe, supported, and loved. To achieve this vision, we encourage education, self-awareness, and advocacy within our communities. Together, we can create churches that mirror the boundless love and inclusivity of our Creator—a sanctuary where all are cherished, valued, and embraced. Join us in our mission to honor Daniel's legacy and build a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.