Meet Debra Frenkel | Founder/Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debra Frenkel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I feel like I was meant to put Freedom Waters Foundation on the earth and I have done my job. I started with $1000 in my bank account and no idea of how to create a non profit and we are going strong 17 1/2 years later, providing therapeutic boating for people with disabilities, life threatening illnesses, youth at risk and veterans. We bring people together who may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet, while also providing a loving, caring, natural environment to lower stress and create new ways of being.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Waters Foundation, I have spent 17 1/2 years as learning as I and the organization grows and goes. Making it happen every step of the way to help others. It took a long time for me to see all that has been accomplished because I was busy “making it happen.” I have worked with incredible people along the way who each broke their own uniquenesses and talents forward to help move the mission of providing therapeutic boating for those with special need and veterans further along. Once a volunteer/donor asked me how many lives that we have touched – I thought about it – and this was years ago already – and with tears of joyful disbelief, I said, “maybe 35,000-45,000.

I got to where I am today with a great deal of dedication, passion, hard work and the willingness to learn, grow and let go., allowing others to help and guide the organization as well. Not always easy, but always an adventure that unfolds on a daily basis. i overcame challenges by getting out of my own way and allowing the organization to have its own natural growth. Sometimes, I just had to stretch and grow with it, instead of it with me.

I want the world to know that LOVE leads and heals all. We just use boating as the vessel to share that love and care for others and well, since our bodies are 70% water and we came from water, it has a natural healing effect too, that is good for everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Anywhere on the water. I would suggest – Pure Florida, Naples Princess, Freedom Boat Club, MarineMax Naples, The Dock Restaurant, the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club. And, of course, I would suggest they take a look at our website and join us at one of our special events. www.freedomwatersfoundation.org

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Freedom Waters Foundation is a non profit organization and it relies on a small staff of three full time people, two part time people and over 300 volunteers each year, from Board members to those who volunteer in our office, with our special events and provide direct service with our participants. Each person is valuable, unique and bring their individual strengths forward to care, love and serve our participants – Sharing Freedom and Joy on and off the Water!

Website: www.freedomwatersfoundation.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/freedomwatersfoundation?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==S

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3244607/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomwatersfoundation

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomWatersFoundationNaples

Image Credits
Freedom Waters Foundation