Samantha's Harvest

Samantha's Harvest

Samantha’s Harvest’s story began on June 12, 2001, the day Samantha Rose was born. When Samantha’s parents, Rob and Lisa, learned their daughter had Down syndrome, they sprung into action. In the fall of 2002, Samantha’s Harvest hosted its first Charity Golf Open, and Rob and Lisa began raising awareness and funding for programs and organizations that directly enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. 

 

Part of Samantha Harvest’s vision is to celebrate inclusion in schools, with a keen understanding that those with disabilities are capable, strong, and smart individuals. To date, Samantha’s Harvest has donated more than $150,000 to like-minded organizations and has provided academic scholarships for those entering the field of education. 

 

Community of Inclusive Scholars 

Samantha is a 2024 graduate of Salem State’s Community of Inclusive Scholars (CIS), a program designed to support post-secondary access for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. While at Salem State, “Sammy” enjoyed taking health and wellness, communication, and theater courses, and she utilized her passion for cosmetics by joining the makeup crew for a university theatre production. Sammy has gone on to employment at Andrew Safar Salon on Newbury Street in Boston and works as an ambassador at TD Garden in the 1928 Club. She has recently applied to cosmetology school. Samantha’s story lies at the heart of CIS’s mission—opening doors of opportunity.

 

The Community of Inclusive Scholars program is grateful for the contribution from Samantha’s Harvest. Although CIS is funded through grants, community support from organization’s like Samantha’s Harvest helps expand the programming we can provide students. We thank Samantha's Harvest, Rob, and Lisa for their generous gift.