Why We Do This

Like many great endeavors, the Family Fund Foundation was inspired by a deeply personal event.

When our founder’s best friend was suddenly diagnosed with Leukemia, he spent many weeks in the hospital and then many more weeks at home, unable to leave the house and unable to work. As a self-employed person, this physician's assistant did not have any paid time off to count on, or, ironically, good health insurance. That left his wife to not just fear the absolute worst about her husband's fate, but also to take care of their two young boys alone and continue working as the family's sole provider. Their loved ones all felt powerless to help.

While there was no doubt the most contribution anyone could make to the family was the work being done by the doctors and nurses, the financial and practical everyday issues couldn't be ignored either. Our founder couldn't believe that a couple who had done well for themselves and had been responsible with their money could be facing ruin on top of what else could happen... And that's how the idea for the Family Fund Foundation was born.

It's a way for good, caring people to reach out and Lend a Hand to others going through the worst time of their life. Anyone can be there for fun. A true friend reaches out to you when you're down. We do it because it's the right thing to do. We do it because we hope someone would do it for us one day if we needed it. And we do it because it's something personal that has already touched our hearts deeply.

We are tax-exempt and can work with families and individuals in need as a result of a medical hardship by providing an uplifting experience that will help set that positive mindset vibe.

#familyfirst

#ahelpinghand

pictured: Executive Director Brian Gonzalez with his late mother Blanca, father Jorge, brother Jorge Kevin, wife Niurys, sons Noah and Brandon and dog Sky

Brian Gonzalez

I was born and raised in Miami and attended St.Theresa School, Columbus High School, Miami Dade College, Florida State University and NOVA. I got my career started as a teacher and coach for 13 years with Miami Dade County Public Schools and met some of the coolest and smartest kids, families and colleagues our community has. I also met my wife Niurys who is a teacher as well and we worked many years together serving Hialeah and Kendall as elementary school teachers. I also taught for 5 years as a Professor at Miami Dade College and got to work with a diverse amount of motivated and caring adults who were majoring in education to become teachers. I have spent the last 7 years working in commercial real estate with our office based out of Brickell and serve as an advisor who continues to educate in the field we are in.

I get a kick out of spending time with family and friends by hanging out at the beach or pool, partaking in dominoes, football, baseball, basketball, and exercise. I also enjoy watching my children play sports and going to eat at all the local spots we have nearby.

I want to lend a hand to our Miami community and try to just pitch in more during my time on Earth and provide some support to those in need during their most trying times. While it will be impossible to help all, we will help one at a time and continue to help more as we grow together.

Miami is our FAMILY.

Family First,
Brian