Bella’s Angels: Bridging the Gap for Families of Children with Disabilities

Charity Influencer: Lori Griffith

Since its founding in 2008, Bella’s Angel’s has been a vital source of financial assistance for families of children with lifelong physical disabilities—covering expenses that go beyond what insurance provides

Alexander is one of Bella’s Buddies. He was born with a rare genetic disorder. He has low muscle tone and is not able to sit or walk on his own.

“Our goal is to support families who fall through the cracks, those who don’t have the financial means to give their child the care they need,” says Deborah Jaffe, Executive

Director of Bella’s Angels. “We want to help these children become the best version of themselves while allowing their families to maintain as normal a life as possible.”

The families Bella’s Angels serves in Palm Beach County often find themselves in challenging financial situations. Many were saving for a home or had recently moved when they learned their child was born with a disability—draining their savings almost instantly. In most cases, one parent must leave their job to become a full-time caregiver, placing an immense strain on the household budget. Bella’s Angels steps in to ease this burden, ensuring that these children receive the essential treatments and resources they need.

Deborah Jaffe, executive director of Bella’s Angels, says, “Our goal is to support families who fall through the cracks.”

One of the most impactful ways Bella’s Angels supports families is by funding home renovations that make daily life more accessible.

For one family, a small bathroom posed significant challenges for their child who uses a wheelchair. The parents, struggling to lift their 100-pound child over barriers, were experiencing physical strain. Bella’s Angels hired a contractor to modify the space, adjusting the sink’s width to allow better wheelchair access and creating a slight ramp for easier shower entry—transforming the bathroom into a safe, accessible space.

Another family, with a 13-year-old who is wheelchair-dependent and too heavy to be lifted manually, needed a specialized lift system to increase his independence. Thanks to Bella’s Angels, a contractor installed a lift that allows him to move from his bed to other parts of his room and even into the bathroom—giving him newfound autonomy and reducing his parents’ caregiving demands.

In the coming year, Bella’s Angels will provide up to $15,000 in essential expenses such as:

Home modifications, doctor and prescription co-pays, therapy sessions, medical-related travel costs, and supplies vital to their child’s care.

Bella’s Angels is making a profound difference in the lives of families navigating the challenges of childhood disabilities. To learn more about their work and how you can help, visit bellasangels.org.