Cole Caruso’s passion to serve those with disabilities began at age 11, when he was involved with Florida Studio Theater in Sarasota working with disabled and underprivileged children. As a teenager, he used his acting background, advocacy and tools to make a difference in the world through educational plays, videos and talks that toured throughout North America.

Years later, he’s still active in that mission. “I am compassionate and determined to provide the best dependable care to all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Caruso says. He gives $15,000 annually to the same scholarship fund at Florida Studio Theater that benefited him as a child, so it can continue making a positive impact on children’s lives, and also supports the arts in schools with his donor-advised Cole Caruso Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Collier County.

At Community Resource Network of Florida Inc., Caruso helps provide life skills programs for the disabled in Lee and Charlotte counties.

“My goals are to expand our reach and functionality with great efficiency everyday, so that we can impact lives who do not have access to providers, supports or services that will ultimately provide them with a better quality of life,” Caruso says. “My heart is driven by their needs.”

Caruso loves to travel, visiting places such as Los Angeles, New York City—anywhere near the water. He plays dad full-time to two Yorkies, Samantha and Preston James.