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HEAL Gives $1.4 Million in Charitable Donations
Message from Leslie Weed, Co-Founder of HEAL
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Haley, Leslie, Lanier, Carley, and Bobby Weed
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Our daughter Lanier, age 17, non-verbal and profoundly affected by Autism, was the inspiration for Bobby and I establishing HEAL. Last summer, we were stunned when Lanier began typing her thoughts to us via iPad, using a technique called Facilitative Communication. She recently wrote: “I am a smart girl I want my purpose to bring big change.” - “You teach that my voice is loud in silence.” -“Took me a lifetime to get here do not give up hope.” Lanier’s newfound “voice” has ignited our passion in our mission of helping those with Autism.
As the Autism numbers escalate to a staggering 1 in 45, the needs of HEAL assisting those with Autism is also on the rise. The need is dire, many families are in crisis and we appreciate your help more than ever.
Since its inception, HEAL has given $1.4 million, funding over 100 local grants towards specialized programs. This year alone, HEAL awarded $150,000 to area schools and organizations. Through our partnership with Project CHANCE, 17 Autism Service Dogs were trained. HEAL also established an endowment through the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, ensuring future resources.
HEAL’s many great accomplishments are due to the efforts of Executive Director Scottie May, the HEAL Board, donors, volunteers and most importantly, those who benefit from our programs.
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Give the Gift of HEALing – Donate iPads to iHEAL Program
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This December, HEAL is asking for donations – either monetary or iPads – so that hundreds of local non-verbal children, teens and adults can find their “voice.”
If you are planning on upgrading your iPad or tablet this holiday season, please donate your gently used one to HEAL. All previously used devices will be professionally wiped clean, and donated to a self-contained Autism classroom. The iPads are revolutionary in assisting students who are non-verbal or have communication challenges. The technology gives students the ability to communicate their wants and needs.
In 2015, HEAL awarded $150,000 in grants to assist those with Autism in our community. These grants serve thousands of children, teens, and adults who have participated in a multitude of programs ranging from the arts, sports leagues, horseback riding, iPads in schools and Autism service dogs.
Be an Autism Angel and give the priceless gift of a voice. To donate, visit: www.HealAutismNow.org or send your tax deductible donation to HEAL, PO Box 140, Ponte Vedra FL 32004. All previously used iPads will be professionally wiped clean of all your data, and given to self-contained classrooms for children with special needs.
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HEAL Awards $150,000 Through Grants in 2015
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This year HEAL awarded $150,000 for specialized programs and iPads. The foundation continues its initiative, iHEAL – iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives. To date, HEAL has donated 100 iPads to K-12 Autism classrooms serving over 500 students throughout 4 school districts.
HEAL Surf Camp
In spring 2015, HEAL funded 18 summer camps serving over 350 children, teens and adults with Autism. These camps are fun, educational and provide much-needed respite for parents.
The list of recent fall grants awarded include:
- ACCEPTS – iPad typing - Facilitated Communication Skill Building Workshop
- BASCA Inc. – Baptist Association for Special Children and Adults
- Best Buddies – Best Buddies School Friendship and Ambassador Project
- Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens – Very Special Arts Festival
- Flip Dog Yoga – Special Needs Awareness Yoga Program
- Haven Horse Ranch – Therapeutic Riding Center
- Henderson Haven – After School Programs
- Highland Elementary – Sensory equipment for CSS Classroom
- Inclusion Solutions – Bowling Buddies Bowling League
- Jacksonville School for Autism – Musical and Visual Arts Program
- Lake Asbury Elementary – Equipment for sensory room
- Ponte Vedra/ Palm Valley Rawlings – Equipment for sensory room
- Project CHANCE – HEAL funded 17 Autism Service Dogs
- Rotary Club of Palatka Sunrise –Tracking bracelets
- World Arts Film Festival – Short films by students with Autism
- Yulee Primary School – iPads in ESE classroom
This year hundreds of children, teens and adults have been touched by HEAL through the school system, camps and programs. Our generous donors and volunteers are vital to making these initiatives and programs possible. Thanks to all whose involvement helps HEAL assist those living with Autism. For more information of the grants awarded since 2007, visit our website.
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Special Needs Yoga Awareness Program
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Yoga awakens the mind, body, and soul. And, starting in January, those with Special Needs will have the opportunity to experience its benefits. Yoga can improve muscle tone, enhance sensory processing, teach self-control, and improve speech and language skills.
The HEAL Foundation has awarded Flip Dog Yoga a grant to offer yoga classes to those with Special Needs. Anjelica O’Shea, owner of Flip Dog Yoga, is RYT-200 Certified, a Yoga for the Special Child Practitioner, and a KAY Licensee. She has been teaching yoga to children with Special Needs for over a year now and has witnessed first hand the impact it can have on a child.
Anjelica will offer an Introduction to Yoga Workshop on January 10 and then a six-week yoga class series starting on January 17. Three classes, each targeting a different age group, will be offered once per week at Big Fish Power Yoga in Jacksonville Beach. Each class will be 30 minutes long with no more than 10 students per class.
The registration fee is $10 and forms are currently being accepted. Class size is limited so we encourage you to contact Anjelica at flipdogyogallc@gmail.com for class times and details and to receive a registration form.
The mission of Flip Dog Yoga, LLC is to teach yoga to, and share its benefits with, those who have Special Needs. Private or group instruction is available.
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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 12 |
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 |
Two Feet Forward: Social Security - What Parents Need to Know - Parents will receive an introduction and gain an understanding of government benefits, which include: Social Security, Medicare, Supplemental Security and Medicaid. Registration required - Click here. |
| December 15 |
CARD 101 - An introductory training for families just beginning their journey with CARD. The training informs families about the services provided at the UF-Jax CARD. It also gives parents some much needed questions and answer sessions, and opportunity to fill out consent forms for services. CARD 101 is for parents only. Event starts at 9:00 AM. Register online. For more information contact Katrina.Ressa@jax.ufl.edu. |
| December 17 |
CARD FDLRS Satellite Clinic – Clay County - The UF Jacksonville Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) offers clinics to outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family. Location: The Fleming Island Library, 1895 Town Center Blvd, Orange Park. To schedule an appointment please contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-0816. |
| December 22 |
Sensory Friendly Films: Star Wars The Force Awakens - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. Now showing 4 movies a month! This showing is at 7:00 PM, and may not be appropriate for all ages. Click here for more information. |
| December 26 |
Sensory Friendly Films: Star Wars The Force Awakens - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. Now showing 4 movies a month! This showing is at 7:00 PM, and may not be appropriate for all ages. Click here for more information. |
| Jan. 5, 2016 |
Dr. Stephanie Holmes: “Reducing Anxiety” - Join First Coast Autism Support for their monthly meeting at Greenland Pines Elementary, 5050 Greenland Road, Jacksonville. Their mission is to connect families raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder so they can share resources, discuss ideas, and support each other. There is also a Sibling Support Group for siblings 7-13 years old running at the same time run by professionals with an understanding of the impact a special needs child can have on a family. For more information, contact Angela.mann@unf.edu. |
| Jan. 6, 2016 |
CARD Constituency Board Meeting - The public and individuals served by CARD are invited to attend these meetings and provide input to the board and CARD staff. The meeting will be held in the UF Developmental Pediatric Center on St. Augustine Road. |
| Jan. 7, 2016 |
CARD / FDLRS Satellite Clinic – Nassau County - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Jacksonville CARD Center with FLDRS-MDC offers clinic in outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family. This clinic is offered in collaboration with the Nassau County School Board. Location: the Family Education Center/Full Service School, 86207 Felmor Road, Yulee, FL 32097. To schedule an appointment, please contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-0816. |
| Jan. 9, 2016 |
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 beachestutoring@gmail.com. |
| Jan. 11, 2016 |
CARD/FDLRS Satellite Clinic – Flager County - CARD and the FLDRS-MDC offer clinics to outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family and the clinic is open from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Location: the Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW. To schedule an appointment, please contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-0816. |
| Jan. 11, 2016 |
CARD/FDLRS Satellite Clinic – St Johns County - CARD and FLDRS-MDC offer clinics to outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family and available from 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Location: the Auditorium at the Fullerwood Training Center, 10 Hildreth Drive. To schedule an appointment, please contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-0816. |
| Jan. 12, 2016 |
CARD/FDLRS Satellite Clinic – Baker County - CARD and FLDRS-MDC offer clinics to outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family and the Clinic is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Location: Family Services Center, 418 S. 8th St., Maclenny, FL 32063. To schedule an appointment, please contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-0816. |
| Jan. 13, 2016 |
Girls Circle Support Group with CARD - Girls Circle is a support group and informational session facilitated by Anne Wilson and Audrey Bringman designed to engage young girls ages 14-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorders who are CARD Constituents. The sessions will include discussions of topics such as personal care and hygiene, self-esteem, healthy friendships, social media safety, setting boundaries, personal and community safety, and more. All sessions take place at the UF Developmental Pediatric Center. Space is limited. Girls must commit to all 5 sessions. Registration is required. Walk-ins will not be accommodated. For more information please contact audrey.bringman@jax.ufl.edu. |
| Jan. 15, 2016 |
Special Olympics Duval - All Medicals and Consent forms due in order to participate in the 2016 Duval County Summer Games on March 5. Visit specialolympicsflorida.org for more information and to download your forms. Events include Track & Field, Soccer, Bocce and Tennis. |
| Jan. 29-31, 2016 |
Save the Date for CARD's Annual Autism Conference The conference will be held at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center in Orlando. |
| Jan. 30, 2016 |
Jacksonville Beach Polar Bear Plunge & Run 5K - Join Special Olympics Duval at the Jacksonville Beach location for a statewide fundraiser during which individuals and teams raise money alongside Special Olympic Athletes. Start building your team now! |
| Feb. 2, 2016 |
Kris D’Esterhazy: “Guardianship & Estate Planning” - Join First Coast Autism Support for their monthly meeting at Greenland Pines Elementary, 5050 Greenland Road, Jacksonville. Their mission is to connect families raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder so they can share resources, discuss ideas, and support each other. There is also a Sibling Support Group for siblings 7-13 years old running at the same time run by professionals with an understanding of the impact a special needs child can have on a family. For more information, contact Angela.mann@unf.edu. |
| Feb. 12, 2016 |
Angelwood Parents Night Out - Register now for this 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM camp for school-age children with disabilities and their siblings. The children will do crafts and and have a meal and a snack. The event will be at the Angelwood Career Development Center located at 11251 Philips Parkway Drive East, Jacksonville. A non-refundable deposit of $10 is due to save your children’s space. Once your children’s spots have been secured, you will receive a registration packet. Call 904-288-7259 or visit angelwoodjax.org for more information. |
| Feb. 18-19, 2016 |
HEAL Valley of Dreams Gala and Charity Golf Classic Save the date for HEAL's annual fundraiser. Join HEAL at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra for cocktails on Thursday, February 18! We will be back in the morning for golf on Dye's Valley Course! Find your favorite foursome and join us for a round of golf! |
| Feb. 22, 2016 |
CARD FDLRS Satellite Clinic – Clay County - The UF Jacksonville Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) offers clinics to outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family and are offered from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Location: The Fleming Island Library, 1895 Town Center Blvd, Orange Park (conference door to the left of the main library door). To schedule an appointment please contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu or 904-633-0816. |
| Mar. 5, 2016 |
Special Olympics Duval Summer Games - Start training for this awesome event. Sports offered include Athletics (Track & Field), Soccer, Bocce and Tennis. Must have your medical & consent forms in by January 15, and scores, times and Soccer rosters are due by February 26. Event will be held Saturday, March 5 at the Atlantic Coast High School’s Football Stadium. Call Special Olympics Duval at 904-307-4221 with questions. |
| Apr. 24, 2016 |
HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism! Save the date now! Stay in town that weekend! Start telling your friends and family! See you at the Zoo for another beautiful walk, after-party, and day of Walking on the Wild Side! |
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