About Mission ABLE

Why we exist.

Mission ABLE started with one sister, one little brother named Joey, and a Bradenton family that has long believed everyone deserves a seat at the table.

A portrait of two siblings outdoors, sharing a quiet moment.

Joey wearing a king's crown on a dance floor surrounded by friends and family.

The Baar family at an outdoor wedding — Joey, parents, siblings together in a Florida pine forest.

Amanda Baar, Executive Director. Sister of Joey.

My younger brother, Joey, was born with Down syndrome and has been my best friend and adventure partner my entire life.

I'm Amanda Baar, Executive Director of Mission ABLE. Growing up alongside Joey gave me a firsthand understanding of how important support and community are in helping someone feel truly included.

At 25, my own path took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After surgery, neurological challenges led me to step away from dental hygiene school and find a new direction.

Not long after, I took a job working with Beaver Shriver at Rise Up Café. That experience changed everything — I discovered my purpose: creating spaces where individuals with disabilities are supported and valued.

For the past 10 years, I've coached Special Olympics in Manatee County. For the last 5, I've worked in roles focused on supporting individuals with disabilities through employment, recreation, and community-based programming.

I grew up in a family that has long been rooted in Manatee County. Members of my immediate and extended family have helped start organizations including Manasota BUDS, Hunsader Farms, and Meals on Wheels Bradenton. I'm proud to continue that legacy.

I've always loved the outdoors — camping, hiking, exploring. Mission ABLE was built from that combination: a passion for inclusion and a belief that everyone deserves the chance to be included in outdoor and indoor social programming.

Amanda Baar
Executive Director

What we believe

Four commitments.

Short version of how we decide what to do and what not to do.

Inclusion is the program.

We exist because everyone deserves the chance to be included in outdoor and indoor social programming — not adjacent to it, in it.

Friendships, activity, community.

Three things we focus on every program: building friendships, encouraging activity, and strengthening community.

Partner first.

We do most of our work alongside established community organizations — Big Waters Land Trust, The Haven, Manasota BUDS, Inclusion Revolution, Sunnyside Village, Hunsader Farms.

Rooted in Manatee County.

Mission ABLE is built on a family legacy of local non-profits like Manasota BUDS, Hunsader Farms, and Meals on Wheels Bradenton.

We don't do it alone

Our partner organizations.

Mission ABLE works alongside a tight set of established community organizations — each one already doing meaningful work for people with intellectual and developmental exceptionalities.