HEAL Zoo Walk 4-26-15 ~ HEAL Grants $70,000 to Autism Community

Catch up with the latest updates on local events and great activities from HEAL!

View this email in your browser
Forward this email to a friend

March 2015

In this issue:

HEAL Awards $70,000 For Autism Programs
HEAL Zoo Walk – Helpful Tips from HEAL
Upcoming Events in Northeast Florida

Website

Facebook

Twitter

HEAL Awards $70,000 For Autism Programs

Haven Horse Ranch

HEAL recently awarded $70,000 for summer camps, programs and Autism Service Dogs. Over 400 children, teens and adults will be participating in the various programs throughout the summer months

The HEAL Foundation is proud to have donated $1.25 million dollars assisting individuals with Autism and their families throughout the Northeast Florida Area. Through grants, HEAL supports schools with educational enhancements, providing funds for specialized camps, programs and team sports.

HEAL has two new initiatives:

iHeal – iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives: HEAL has partnered with Apple and is currently installing iPads in ESE classrooms in 6 school districts. To date, $30,000 has purchased iPad’s for Duval and Clay Autism Classrooms.

HEAL Autism Service Dogs: HEAL has partnered with Project CHANCE in the training and pairing of service dogs. In the past year, HEAL has awarded $75,000 towards the Autism Service Dog Program.

Recent Grants:

HEAL recently awarded the following grants serving over 400 children, teens and adults in Northeast Florida:

DOSA Camps: Camp I Am Special - Overnight Summer Camps
ACCEPTS: Facilitative Communication Training and Assessments
City of Jacksonville Beach: Autism Super Surf Camp
Cummer Museum: VSA & Camp Cummer Art Camp
Family Farms of NE Florida: Behavioral Support Camp
Haven Horse Ranch: Horse Therapy Programs
Henderson Haven: Camp Possible Summer Day Camp
Hope Therapy: Horse Therapy Programs
KARMA: Music Therapy Camp – Producing Music Videos
Beaches Tutoring: HEAL Bowling Buddies & Peer to Pier Fishing
Jacksonville School for Autism: JSA Summer Enrichment Camp
Little Star Center: Summer Camp and Field Trips
Morning Star School: Educational Enhancements for Speech
Keystone Behavioral: Sensory Vegetable and Botanical Gardens
HEAL: Project CHANCE Autism Service Dogs
North FL School of Special Education: Flora, Fauna & Fitness Camp
Church of the Redeemer: Special Nation Summer Camp
Ridgeview High School: School Prom for Students with Disabilities
Southside Elementary School: Speech Enhancements
Young Life: Capernaum - Special Needs Winter Formal

DOSA Camp I Am Special Hay Ride

Visit HEALAutismNow.org for more information about HEAL's past grants and grant process. Fall grants will focus on school and educational enhancements and after school programs.

HEAL Zoo Walk – Helpful Tips from HEAL

“I usually am hesitant to bring my boys to public places like the Zoo; however, we all ended up having a blast! We got up close and personal with some of the Jacksonville Jaguars, meeting and interacting with families, and spending the day at the Zoo. Our entire family is looking forward to this year's Zoo Walk.”

- Sheila, mother of two with Autism

Join us for the 7^th HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism on Sunday, April 26, at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This walk raises funds to assist individuals and families with Autism in our local area and brings families and our Autism community together on one day for a special purpose. The top three fundraisers may select a grant recipient to receive funds totaling $1,800:

1st place - $1,000
2nd Place - $500
3rd Place - $300

This is a great opportunity to award funds to your favorite school or organization! Below are some tips and pointers to help make the HEAL Zoo Walk accessible and fun.

Pre-register in Advance & Enter to Win $50 Visa Gift Card

Avoid long lines and pre-register for the HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism! You can register, form a team, or join a team by clicking here. This fun family event and the walk is accessible for all ages. The Zoo lets us get a head start, and the doors don’t open to the public until 9:00. This makes the HEAL Walk a great opportunity to see the Zoo in a safe and private setting.

Children 12 and Under FREE

The HEAL Zoo Walk makes it affordable for a family of four to spend the entire day at the Jacksonville Zoo! Register for the Zoo Walk the admission to the Zoo is FREE for children 12 and under- $15 per person for ages 13 & up.

Creating or Updating your Firstgiving Fundraising page:

To make your team page to raise funds simply click here and follow the easy steps to start your team page. If you run into problems, contact support@firstgiving.com.

Donate to a Team or to HEAL

If you can’t make it to the HEAL Zoo Walk, but would like to make a donation to a specific team or to HEAL click here search for a team to donate online.

Zoo Walk Route

The Zoo Walk route is fun and enjoyable with exotic animals along the way. We took into account the many families who have a member with Autism. The route is less than a mile long, which meanders alongside the animals on a shaded pathway. This is not a race, so everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace. There is shade, benches, water fountains and bathrooms along the way for necessary breaks if needed.

A link of the route is provided, if you would like to map it out. We start at Main Camp loop through Africa, follow the wide pathway through the gardens and animals and end up at the Great Lawn. The HEAL After Party “Party with Patty” hosted by First Coast News Anchor Patty Crosby sponsored by the Nimnicht Family of Dealerships will greet you at the finish line with fun and games for all! Download the map.

FREE Train Rides at the Zoo - Compliments of HEAL

When you Check-in, tickets will be offered for free train rides. Explore Zoo the easy way, aboard the exciting Zoo Train. Your train ticket takes you around the entire Zoo. It stops at the Kids’ Shop and at Main Camp where you may disembark and explore at your own pace. A great and fun way to see the zoo animals is on the train.

“Party with Patty” After Party hosted by Patty Crosby

Compliments of Nimnicht Family of Dealerships

The walk concludes at the Great Lawn. Participants are welcomed with a festive after party of music, bouncy houses, bouncy slides, face painting and more! The event concludes at 11:00 a.m. so family and friends may enjoy the Zoo for the rest of the day.

"Party with Patty" After Party FUN!

Vendor Table Information

We are offering the opportunity for vendor tables which will be set up at the Great Lawn for the HEAL After Party! We ask you to provide a simple, fun activity for kids. Download the form.

For All Other Questions

You can reach us at HEAL at info@healautismnow.org, or by calling (904) 716-4198. Call or email us if you have questions or concerns!

We thank you and encourage those who have teams, continue raising funds and for all those participating to continue spreading the word far and wide about the HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism.

More Info & Registration

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.
Now - May 31	Survey for The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) - Parents of students who have an individual educational plan, receive ESE services and are currently attending a Florida public school. This survey is open now through May 31. You can complete the survey at esesurvey.com.
April 1-28	Pinedale Elementary Autism Awareness Blanket - Help Pinedale Elementary, in Duval County, by participating in an online auction for a handmade crocheted afghan blanket. To see the afghan and place a bid to win, click here. Bidding is already at $80 on this beautiful blanket!
April 2	Autism Symposium - Hosted by Spectrum of Success Club (SOS) at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Open to people on the Autism Spectrum as well as organizations who advocate for them to come out and provide and activity, have a booth, give a presentation, or showcase a talent to promote autism awareness and promote neurodiversity. The event will be from 9 AM to 4:30 PM in room U-135A at FSCJ South Campus, which is located at 11901 Beach Boulevard. If you are interested in participating, please email fscjspectrumofsuccess@gmail.com as soon as possible.
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 4	Celebration Church Special Needs Egg Hunt - Rain or shine from 10 AM to 12 PM! This fun event offers activities and fully accessible egg hunt courses for children with special needs. In addition to the egg hunt there will be games, food, prizes, bounce houses, and more. Family members welcome to join in the fun! Held at Celebration Church, 9555 RG Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville. Email them at info@celebration.org for more information.
April 4	Trinity Baptist Special Needs Egg Hunt - From 10 AM to 1 PM. Children with special needs and their families are invited to attend this Easter egg hunt. In addition to the hunt, there will be refreshments, bounce houses, family photos, and more! This free event will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 800 Hammond Blvd, Jacksonville. Call 904-596-2400 for more information.
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 12	Fun with the Suns! - Join the City of Jacksonville's 12th Annual Fun with the Suns, with free tickets for those with disabilities. First pitch is at 3:04 PM. For more information and to get tickets, contact Disabled Services at 904-630-4940.
April 18	Access Life Expo Tour 2015 - Free event for individuals and families living with disabilities from 10-2pm at Bethesda Park, Keyhaven Blvd in Jacksonville. Boat rides, games, arts and crafts, food and fun! Register to participate or volunteer at www.access-life.org.
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! Registration now open! Join HEAL at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for another fun HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism! This great day includes seeing the Zoo before other guests, and an after party Party with Patty sponsored by Nimnicht family of dealerships! Visit HealAutismNow.org for more information or to register. 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.