Hanley Foundation is partnering with the Mark Garwood Foundation to offer educational scholarships to adults in recovery in South Florida.
Mark’s Story
“My God has shown me forgiveness and strength, and that is what I want to portray unto others….God bless you.”
This was the last message Erica and John Garwood received from their son, Mark, the day before he died on May 24, 2024, at the age of 24.
Mark was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14, but this condition never diminished his passion for life and love of athletics. Throughout high school and into his college years, he excelled in several sports.
Mark had a charismatic and persuasive personality, yet he was caring and sincere in all his relationships. No matter where he was or his personal circumstances, he was always eager and available to reach out and offer help to his friends.
In 2009, Mark was assaulted during a pick-up basketball game. He required surgery after the attack and quickly became addicted to prescription pain medications. Like so many others, Mark’s life began to spiral out of control. He dropped out of school, alienated friends and family, and had scrapes with the law.
Knowing he was on a destructive path, Mark became determined to get his life back on track. He entered treatment and committed to participating in NA and AA recovery programs. After moving into a recovery residence and finding strong spiritual and emotional support from his peers, Mark secured his dream job and was on a path to a successful career.
Substance use disorder, however, is a powerful and baffling foe, and after a five-year battle, Mark died due to complications of his addiction and diabetes.
Mark Garwood Foundation
The Mark Garwood Foundation was established in 2014 by Mark’s parents, Erica and John Garwood, to provide a legacy of service by providing hope, changing lives, and building futures for adults in recovery in South Florida.
Throughout Mark’s struggles, the Garwoods saw the hopelessness, desperation, and frustration prevalent in so many people who are battling substance use disorder. They also saw how a loving and supportive environment could bring profound change to the life of someone who is working to build a sober, stable, and productive future.
If the work of the Foundation can help one person on their journey back to wholeness, then Mark’s legacy will be well-served.
”“Education is proving to be a powerful incentive for adults in recovery to maintain long-term sobriety. It rebuilds self-esteem and self-worth and develops accountability in individuals who are determined to achieve a sober and productive future.”
John Garwood, Mark Garwood Foundation
Mark Garwood
Phoenix Scholarships
RECOVERY + EDUCATION = SUCCESS!
Since 2015, the Mark Garwood Foundation annually has awarded Phoenix Scholarships worth up to $5,000 to adults in St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties who are in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety, and ready to begin or continue their education.
Scholarships can be used to pay for college or trade school tuition, fees, books, and supplies not covered by other grants or aid. In addition to the financial support, Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship recipients gain a new scholarship family, who celebrate each other’s successes and support each other’s educational goals and sobriety.
Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship applications are accepted annually from July 15 to September 15. To learn more about qualifications, requirements, and the application process, please visit the Mark Garwood webpage by clicking here.
Phoenix Scholarships
by the Numbers
2015
The year the Mark Garwood Foundation awarded its first Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship.
76
Total number of Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarships awarded.
$590,000+
Value of Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarships awarded.
31
Number of Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship alumni who completed their educational goals.
38
Total number of alumni degrees earned.
6
Number of alumni associate degrees earned
19
Number of alumni bachelor’s degrees earned.
11
Number of alumni master’s degrees earned.
2
Number of alumni doctoral degrees earned.
13
Number of associate degrees in progress.
14
Number of bachelor’s degrees in progress.
8
Number of master’s degrees in progress.
1
Number of doctoral degrees in progress.
3.4 + GPA
Average GPA of Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship recipients.
90+%
of Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship recipients remain sober while part of the Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship program.
Support the Mark Garwood
Phoenix Scholarship Program
9th Annual Shoot for the Moon Sporting Clays Competition
Friday, November 7, 2025
