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HEAL Foundation Receives $750,000 Gift for Autism Service Dogs
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Inaugural team of HEAL/Project Chance Autism Service Dogs
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Susan and Thomas Danese with Crosby
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The HEAL Foundation – Healing Every Autistic Life, was recently granted $750,000 to facilitate an Autism Service Dog program in Northeast Florida. Through The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, the estate of Eleanor Blanchart awarded HEAL $250,000, in addition to an endowment of $500,000.
HEAL Board President, Patty Crosby of First Coast News was elated over the news. “I am so excited about the HEAL service dogs project. These dogs will be able to expand the opportunities of children on the Autism Spectrum allowing them to experience more of what life has to offer in a non-threatening and loving way,” said Crosby.
HEAL has appointed Project CHANCE, under the direction of BJ Szwedzinski, to provide professionally trained service dogs with specific skill sets for individuals with Autism. Service dogs help the children achieve independence by executing therapeutic, social, and physical tasks.
These trusted companions also keep Autistic children safe. Susan Danese saw at the Jaguars game when her son, Thomas, became scared and ran. His service dog, Crosby, immediately ran after Thomas and stopped him. "Crosby saved his life because he could have tumbled and fallen down the stairs and just been gone in the crowd," Danese explains.
The inaugural group of Golden Retrievers has been paired with a child and have begun their year of training together. Under the guidelines of the grant, both the training facility and recipient must reside in the 5 counties surrounding the Greater Jacksonville Area.
The HEAL Foundation has matched all service dogs with children for 2015.
For more information about HEAL please visit healautismnow.org
For more information on Project Chance, visit projectchance.com
View the recent First News Story on HEAL and Project Chance.
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HEAL Awards $20,000 to Duval County for 30 iPads
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Students Utilizing iPads in the Classroom
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Through a new initiative called iHEAL – iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives, the HEAL Foundation awarded Duval County $20,000 for iPads to use in ESE Autism Classrooms. The HEAL Foundation has set the iPad initiative into motion, working closely with Apple Education Representatives. A strategic plan has been implemented starting in Clay and Duval Counties. The plan includes placement of iPads in elementary, middle and high school ESE classrooms, teacher training and vouchers for special education apps for each iPad.
One in 50 US students are diagnosed with Autism, and 1 in 140 are non-verbal. The iPad has many features which assist students who have learning disabilities that fit their unique learning styles while helping them stay focused and organized. For students who are non-verbal, a simple touch of the iPad can open up a whole new world finally giving them a "voice" to communicate. See the latest news story on iHEAL and how the iPad gave Lanier Weed a voice.
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Give the Gift of HEALing This Holiday Season
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This year, HEAL is offering a HEAL e-donation in honor of friends, relatives, or co-workers. Your donation will directly impact the lives of those living with Autism.
HEAL is honored to have given over $1,100,000 towards grants and programs which serve hundreds of families and individuals affected by Autism living on the First Coast. Community donations allow HEAL to disburse grants that support projects such as iHEAL (iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives), summer camps, schools and teachers, educational seminars, and community projects.
A charitable donation in honor of an individual lets them know that together you are making a difference in the lives of those who face difficult challenges every day. Tragically, Autism Spectrum Disorders strike 1 in 50 US school-aged children, and as the numbers grow, so do our local community needs. With your support, HEAL can continue its mission to assist families and individuals living with Autism.
To buy someone the perfect holiday gift, simply click here to make a safe Pay Pal donation.
E-Certificates will be emailed to the recipient of your choice. Gifts to the HEAL Foundation are tax-deductible.
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Leave the Holiday Baking to Seagull Bakery!
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Baker Lara Lombardo at Work
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Lara's White Chocolate Granache Minty Bars
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Congratulations to Lara Lombardo, a young adult on the spectrum, for following her passion and starting her own business, Seagull Bakery. She can provide you with custom baked goodies, delivered right to your (Beaches area) door! Sign up on her website at seagullbakery.net, and each month a new menu will appear in your email in-box. Select your favorites, email her your order, and voila! Delicious baked goods!
This month, Seagull Bakery features many holiday treats, but quantities are limited so order soon and keep your flock happy! Items from previous menus are always available for order, so get "squawkin" for all your favorites! And don't forget, Seagull Bakery offers gluten- and dairy-free items as well!
Lara learned about baking from pastry chef Nils Roland of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club and Elizabeth Kerns from Let Them Eat Cake. They were willing to work with Lara and share their skills. Thanks to people like this in our community, young adults with Autism have more opportunities than ever. Lara is now "Paying It Forward" and tutoring other girls who have an interest in baking!
For orders over the ditch, there's a convenient San Marco drop-off!
Click here to email Lara or visit them on the web at seagullbakery.net.
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Upcoming Events in Northeast Florida
| DATE |
EVENT |
| Ongoing |
Social Skills and Support Groups - Dr. Maria Tapia, Licensed Psychologist with the UF/Jacksonville's CARD Program, runs several support groups for adolescents and adults with Asperger's syndrome, as well as for the siblings and mothers. If you are interested in joining any of these groups or gathering additional information, such as date, time and ages, please contact Dr. Tapia at maria.tapia@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-4330. |
| December 11 |
An Evening with Santa At CARD - Visit Santa from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the CARD offices. Bring your wish list and camera! There will be snacks, crafts and activities. For more information contact autumn.mauch@jax.ufl.edu. |
| December 12 |
Metamorphoses at Henderson Haven - Join Henderson Haven from 7:00 to 10:00 PM for a Christmas Celebration. |
| December 13 |
Mom's Day Off - Thanks to Henderson Haven in Orange Park for hosting a Mom's Day off at the Holidays! You must make a reservation in advance, but who doesn't need a little help! Click here to access the reservation system. |
| December 13 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 pm. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| December 14 |
Dinner Under the Stars for JSA - Support Jacksonville School for Autism at this fun event at Fantasy Farms, 194 South Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra. Dinner and Wine Provided by Restaurant Medure's and Matthew's. Visit JSAkids.org for details. |
| January 3 |
Bring It On 2015 Nocatee 5k Trail - Run Benefitting Special Olympics Florida ~ Duval & St Johns County Athletes! Join Special Olympics Duval and local food trucks for lunch and awards following the race! Register online now at SpecialOlympicsDuval.org. |
| January 5 |
Movement Adventures Class at Dansations - This class is geared towards ages 5 to 9 years old and will explore music, movement and creativity. This class will run every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM and continue through May. Visit their website for more information or to enroll. |
| January 8 |
Parent Support Group Meeting at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics. Monthly meeting with different topics each month. Join Keystone at their offices at 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Visit them at keystonebehavioral.com. |
| January 10 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| January 16-18 |
22nd Annual Card Conference - Orlando The Annual Statewide CARD Conference is Florida’s premier conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders for professionals and families. National experts and regional professionals offer informative and stimulating presentations on a variety of topics on research, innovation, and effective educational programs for people diagnosed with ASD. This year’s conference will be held January 16-18, 2015 at the Florida Hotel & Conference in Orlando. Registration is now open. |
| February 5 |
Parent Support Group Meeting at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics. Monthly meeting with different topics each month. Join Keystone at their offices at 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Visit them at keystonebehavioral.com. |
| February 13 |
Night To Shine - 2nd Annual Special Needs Prom at Christ's Church Mandarin. This prom is for anyone 13 and older with developmental or physical impairments. Each participant paired with a buddy. Great opportunity to get dressed up and have a limo ride and walk a red carpet and get free portraits! Sign up now to attend OR volunteer. Visit NightToShineJax.com. Please spread the word about this great event! |
| February 14 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| February 19 |
Deal for HEAL Charity Poker Tournament - Join the Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association at their fundraiser to benefit HEAL from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at bestbet Jacksonville on Monument Road. Details TBD. |
| February 26 |
Tools for Success Family Conference Save the date and plan to join HEAL at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! Email us with suggestions at events@healautismnow.org. See you all for another fun filled day at the zoo! |
| March 5 |
Parent Support Group Meeting at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics. Monthly meeting with different topics each month. Join Keystone at their offices at 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Visit them at keystonebehavioral.com. |
| March 11 |
Seventh Annual Autism Symposium will take place at the University of Florida Unversity Center. Speakers include Bryan H King, MD, MDB, and Raphael Bernier, Ph.D. More information coming soon. |
| March 14 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| March 20-22 |
Deliver the Dream - Retreat weekend providing structured family centered activities offering respite, relaxation and recreation for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. Located at Camp Weed in Live Oak, Florida, this weekend is at NO expense to the family. Click here for more information or email autumn.mauch@jax.ufl.edu. |
| March 28 |
Peer to Pier Fishing - Fishing off the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Great activity for children and teens with Autism, and for parents to connect. To register, contact Mary Erickson-Verdi at inclusionsolution@gmail.com or 904-994-1005. |
| April 2 |
Parent Support Group Meeting at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics. Monthly meeting with different topics each month. Join Keystone at their offices at 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Visit them at keystonebehavioral.com. |
| April 11 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| April 25 |
Peer to Pier Fishing - Fishing off the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Great activity for children and teens with Autism, and for parents to connect. To register, contact Mary Erickson-Verdi at inclusionsolution@gmail.com or 904-994-1005. |
| April 26 |
HEAL Zoo Walk For Autism! Save the date and plan to join HEAL at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! Email us with suggestions to make 2015 the best Zoo Walk ever at events@healautismnow.org. See you all for another fun filled day at the zoo! |
| May 7 |
Parent Support Group Meeting at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics. Monthly meeting with different topics each month. Join Keystone at their offices at 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Visit them at keystonebehavioral.com. |
| May 9 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| May 23 |
Peer to Pier Fishing - Fishing off the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Great activity for children and teens with Autism, and for parents to connect. To register, contact Mary Erickson-Verdi at inclusionsolution@gmail.com or 904-994-1005. |
| June 13 |
Bowling Buddies - Join Inclusion Solution at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Mary and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing inclusionsolution@gmail.com. |
| June 27 |
Peer to Pier Fishing - Fishing off the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Great activity for children and teens with Autism, and for parents to connect. To register, contact Mary Erickson-Verdi at inclusionsolution@gmail.com or 904-994-1005. |
| September 7 |
The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle! Join us for the 4th Annual Great Ponte Vedra Paddle benefiting HEAL. Stand Up Paddle board races, and an "Anything that Floats" Challenge make this fun for the whole family. See you at Mickler's Landing. |
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