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The latest on great events, HEAL grants and more opportunities in Northeast Florida!
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February 2015

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DEAL for HEAL Celebrity Poker Tournament - Sign Up Today!


Thursday, February 19

Join local celebrities and HEAL for the DEAL for HEAL Celebrity Poker Tournament at bestbet Jacksonville. The Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar selected HEAL as the charity to receive proceeds from this poker event.

Local celebrity players will serve as "bounties" in the tournament. When you knock out a celebrity from the game, you win a prize! Some celebrities participating include Jacksonville Jaguar Ziggy Hood, Melissa Ross, host of WJCT's First Coast Connect, the Honorable John Delaney, President of University of North Florida, Hank Coxe, Past President of the Florida Bar, Megha Parekh, General Counsel of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and more.

Board Members Patty Crosby with Jaguars JT Thomas and Poker Celebrity Ziggy Hood.

Beginners are welcome! Learn poker from the pros! Poker lessons and cocktails from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM; tournament starts at 6:00 PM and concludes at 8:45 PM. Proceeds benefit the HEAL Foundation, and stay in Northeast Florida through grants to Autism programs, camps and schools!
 
More Info & Registration

HEAL Accepting Spring Grant Applications


Deadline: February 27

HEAL-HUG Golf Camp at 17 Island Green, TPC Sawgrass

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, HEAL has granted over 1.2 million dollars to provide educational assistance throughout Northeast Florida. The HEAL grants impact a huge population of children, teens and adults with autism through schools, specialized summer camps and programs. We are grateful and honored to be aligned with such a great outpouring of support.

To continue to make an impact on our community, HEAL is now accepting grant applications for spring & summer camps and recreational activities. These mini grants are capped at $2,500.

If your organization is interested in applying for a HEAL grant, please visit our website to download a grant application. Also is a list of previous grants awarded.
 
HEAL Grant Deadline for Submission is February 27, 2015. Those organizations awarded grant requests will be notified by March 20th

Spring Brings Baseball Leagues To Northeast Florida!
 

Sandon Witt from the Ponte Vedra High School Baseball Team coaches Thomas Danese on the field.

Kids with special needs wanting to play baseball in Jacksonville have three great opportunities to join and play on a baseball team. Registration is open for three local baseball leagues, Rising Stars Baseball, Field of Dreams Baseball and Jacksonville Miracle League.
 
Rising Stars Baseball has been a HEAL partner for the past 8 years and we have watched this league grow under dedicated father and Coach, Bob Culliton. Coach Culliton had a desire to start a baseball league his son could participate in. Today the league has grown and has partnered with Ponte Vedra High Baseball team and the Ponte Vedra Athletic Association. Their goal this year is to reach more boys and girls ages 8-15. Register here.
 
Field Of Dreams Baseball League is a recreational baseball league played on a specially designed turf field that allows children with mental or physical disabilities the opportunity to play baseball, wear a uniform and be a member of a team of their own. Field of Dreams is a place where exceptional kids' dreams of playing baseball comes true. Register here.
 
 
Jacksonville Miracle League provides opportunities for children, teens and adults with disabilities to play baseball, regardless of their abilities. They provide an opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing baseball. Register here.

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.
February 9 College Bound - Presenter Kelli Bloom M.Ed. talks about Hope Academy - Project Search, a business-led, one-year, high school transition program serving young adults with special needs. This program is for those that would benefit from a training program providing employability skills. Presentation is from 4:30 - 6:00 PM at CARD. Attendees must be CARD constituents and RSVP to Anne Wilson at 633-0764.
February 9 The ABC's Of Behavior - CARD Parent Training- This is an introduction to the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and therapies based on these principles. This session covers foundations of understanding behavior and strategies to address behaviors such as tantrums and food over-selectivity. Event runs from 10:00 to 1pm. This training is for parents of CARD constituents. Participants must have completed CARD 101, and RSVP. Please email elise.summ@jax.ufl.edu for more information or to RSVP.
February 9 Two Feet Forward - Presenter Kelli Bloom M.Ed. talks about FAAST - Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology. This is a non-profit organization that provides Floridians of all ages with access to assistive technology. Attendees will learn about the services available and how assistive technology can be used by and for people with disabilities. Presentation is 6:00 - 7:30 PM at CARD. Attendees must be CARD constiuents and RSVP to Anne Wilson at 904-633-0764 or anne.wilson@jax.ufl.edu.
February 11 Girls Circle Support Group - CARD is hosting a support group and information session, facilitated by Anne Wilson and Audrey Bringman, designed to engage girls 14-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The sessions will include topics such as personal grooming and hygiene, self-esteem, healthy friendships, social media safety, nutrition, and more. This group will be a forum to learn valuable independent living skills and enhance social skills. Sessions held on the second Wednesday of the month from 4:30-6:00pm. From February 11 through May 13. Must register in advance. Contact audrey.bringman@jax.ufl.edu for more information.
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 14 Sensory Friendly Films: Spongebob Square Pants: Sponge Out Of Water - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
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 5:00-9:00 PM at bestbet Jacksonville on Monument Road. Register online at www.HealAutismNow.org. Beginners welcome!
February 20 Lindamood-Bell Open House - Join Lindamood-Bell for an overview of their services at their new location in Jacksonville. The luncheon starts at noon at 7645 Gate Parkway, Suite 104. This is a great opportunity to learn more about their reading programs. For more information or to RSVP contact 904-642-1917, or send an email.
February 23 Toilet Training - Join CARD for principles, tips and helpful pre-requisites for toilet training the special needs child. For more information or to RSVP contact Elise Summa at 633-0768 or elise.summa@jax.ufl.edu. Parents must RSVP and trainings are for parents only.
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 5-6 Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities - 2 day free workshop at UNF's University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville. Participants will gain a greater awareness of Behavior Analysis as a Science of Learning. A focus will be on utilizing B.F. Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behavior to assist in the acquisition of language skills for children with developmental disabilities. Participants will also receive training on effective teaching procedures and building instructional control. You must register by February 27 to Cassandra Tuohy at (904) 744-5110 or jerichoschool@yahoo.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.
March 28 Sensory Friendly Films: Home - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
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 18 Sensory Friendly Films: Underdogs - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
April 20 11th Annual JSA Golf Classic - Join JSA at Deerwood Country Club for their annual golf outing. Shotgun start at 9 AM. Visit jsakids.org for more information.
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 25 Flavor Run Jacksonville - Taste the Flavor! Bring the family out for this fun 5K and 1-mile fun run at Nocatee. Register here.
April 25 Arc Village Meet & Greet - Sessions will include important updates regarding construction, services and some "sneak previews" of what life for Arc "Villagers" will be like. There will be save the date reminder in February with more complete details. Attendees are required to submit a residential interest form in advance to attend the event. Please visit arcjacksonville.org for more information.
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 15 - July 31 Social Superheroes - Navigating through the social world of childhood and adolescence is not an easy task. The CARD course is designed to help your child become more adept at making and keeping friends, handling conflict, and standing up for themselves when necessary. The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Michele at michele.bellbadger@jax.ufl.edu.
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.
June 27 Sensory Friendly Films: Inside Out - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
July 18 Sensory Friendly Films: Minions - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
August 3-6 One Week Study Strategies Camp Designed for Middle School Students - Keeping up with homework, planning for long term assignments, learning to read effectively, and studying for tests can be quite difficult for many middle school students. This week long CARD camp will equip middle school students to be organized with their school assignments, manage time well, and become test-wise. Contact Carolyn at carolyn.fagen@jax.ufl.edu.
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.
September 26 Sensory Friendly Films: Hotel Transylvania - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
October 17 Sensory Friendly Films: The Jungle Book - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
November 14 Sensory Friendly Films: The Peanuts Movie - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
December 5 Sensory Friendly Films: The Good Dinosaur - 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. All viewings are held at 10 AM. Click here for more information.
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