For every child who rounds the bases at Miracle League LA, there’s a team of volunteers, coaches, families, and supporters cheering them on. And that teamwork includes the planning, collaboration, and leadership that ensure the organization can continue changing lives for years to come.
That’s exactly what happened through a recent partnership between Jericho Road Pasadena and Miracle League LA, a nonprofit dedicated to providing children, teens, and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball in a welcoming and inclusive environment. By pairing every player with a volunteer buddy and creating adaptive opportunities for athletes of all abilities, Miracle League LA builds confidence, creates friendships, and reminds every participant that they belong.
As the organization looked ahead to its next season of growth, it wanted to do more than simply continue its work. It wanted to sharpen its vision, strengthen its leadership, and prepare for even greater impact.
To help make that happen, Jericho Road connected Miracle League LA with volunteer Brian Biery, nonprofit organization consultant and documentary, who facilitated a strategic planning retreat for the organization’s board and leadership team.
Together, they tackled some of the questions every growing nonprofit eventually faces: Are we clearly communicating why we exist? Where do we want to be in five years? What opportunities should we pursue next?
The retreat focused on updating Miracle League LA’s mission statement, refining its vision and messaging, evaluating opportunities for future growth, and organizing plans for the organization’s upcoming 11th anniversary celebration. Just as importantly, it created space for board members to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and think strategically about the future.
For Oscar Madrigal, Program Director at Miracle League LA, the retreat has already begun shaping what’s next: “We came away with the foundation for a new mission statement that better reflects where we’re headed. We’re also launching a new program that will allow us to serve even more individuals with disabilities. Brian brought tremendous experience to the process and challenged us with thoughtful ideas that helped move our conversations forward.”
Although the planning timeline was compressed, Oscar credits the Jericho Road partnership with helping the organization stay focused. “Jericho Road and Brian kept us moving,” he said. “Their guidance helped make the retreat a success despite the tight schedule.”
Brian believes one of the retreat’s greatest accomplishments wasn’t simply producing a strategic plan. It was strengthening the people responsible for carrying it out.
“You could see the board becoming more unified throughout the retreat,” Brian said. “There was a renewed sense of enthusiasm, stronger communication, and a deeper commitment to the mission. Those kinds of conversations don’t end when the retreat is over. They continue shaping board meetings, programs, and decisions long afterward.”
The retreat also helped the organization prioritize its future. “By the end of our time together, the board had identified the initiatives that would make the biggest impact, understood the challenges ahead, and created a practical roadmap for moving forward,” Brian said. “That kind of clarity gives an organization confidence.”
What impressed Brian most, however, was the people behind the mission: “Miracle League LA is led by an outstanding group of volunteers who genuinely care about the families they serve,” he said. “It was an honor to help an organization that’s already making such a meaningful difference become even stronger.”
Brian also praised Jericho Road’s role in making the collaboration successful. “Jericho Road was a true partner throughout the entire process,” Brian said. “They kept everyone connected, coordinated schedules, shared information, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. They were always there to support the project while giving us the flexibility to do our best work.”
Strategic planning isn’t just about creating documents or setting goals. It’s about giving organizations the clarity and confidence to grow thoughtfully. Thanks to this collaboration, Miracle League LA is better positioned to expand its programs, strengthen its message, and continue creating unforgettable experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families.
That’s the power of skilled volunteerism. By connecting experienced professionals with nonprofits tackling important challenges, Jericho Road Pasadena helps organizations build stronger foundations so they can make an even greater impact in the communities they serve.
To learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena and opportunities to volunteer your professional expertise, visit JRPasadena.org.
To learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena and opportunities to volunteer your professional expertise, visit JRPasadena.org.
Want this kind of support for your nonprofit? Request a volunteer through our website.
Thanks to volunteer Wes Robinson for writing JRP Project Highlight posts!