After retiring in 2018 following 38 years of service with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Brett Carpenter, former senior engineer of wind and solar, gives back to his local community by founding Childrens' Health And Mentor Program Inc (CHAMP) with his wife Angie. Brett’s organization, established in 2019, is making a positive impact in Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties.

As parents of a 23-year-old son with autism, Brett and Angie have first-hand knowledge of the gifts and challenges of their son’s autism. They have used retirement as an opportunity to give back and use their experience to help others. Their philosophy is see something, say something, do something.

By providing free recreational activities, CHAMP’s mission is to help individuals with special needs improve their social and conversational skills and help them reach their full potential. Improvement leads to confidence, independence and ultimately employment. CHAMP has expanded its mission to help employ CHAMP’s special needs members through several employment strategies.

Recently, CHAMP coordinated an impactful event which included taking 20 young adults and 25 parents and caregivers on the Brightline, an inter-city express train, to visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami. CHAMP members learned about sea life from the aquarium, space from the planetarium and public transportation from the Brightline. One of the Brightline supervisors that supported the event expressed an interest in CHAMP’s mission – and she has volunteered for several events and continues to support CHAMP today.  

“I encourage others to support CHAMP by visiting our website, www.myychamp.com, and increase your awareness of the organization,” Brett said.

When Brett isn’t supporting CHAMP, he enjoys staying connected to the NextEra Energy family.