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HEAL Zoo Walk Wildly Successful in Raising Funds for Autism
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On Sunday, April 27, over 1,500 participants came out to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in support of the HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism. The Zoo Walk raised nearly $50,000, which will assist individuals with Autism living in Northeast Florida. A special thanks to Nimnicht Family of Dealerships who sponsored the HEAL after party “Party with Patty” Hosted by Patty Crosby. The HEAL Board of Directors made it possible for all participants to enjoy free train rides throughout the day.
The top four fundraising teams were able to designate a total of $2,000 to a school or organization of their choice. The first place team, Larry Celzo’s “Cameron’s Hero’s for Autism”, won first place and designated $1,000 Grant to Wards Creek Elementary ESE Classroom; the second place team, PVPV – Rawlings Elementary, designated $500 to their ESE Programs; and the third place team, Vistakon, designated $300 for Jacksonville School for Autism. Perry Palooza’s team came in fourth place and designated $200 to Alden Road Exceptional Student Center. Proceeds from the HEAL Zoo Walk will directly benefit local children, teens and adults with Autism.
It was a spectacular day for all to come to the HEAL Zoo Walk, spending the remainder of the day with friends and family enjoying the zoo. Mark you calendars for next years HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism Sunday, April 24, 2016. |
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HEAL Grant Spotlight: Willow the Autism Service Dog
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By ESE Teacher and Mother, Christen Surratt
My daughter Baleigh has ASD but is very high functioning, actually you would never know if you didn’t observe her in a social setting, or privately picking her lashes or skin. An angel in the form of an SLP for Duval County put us in touch with Project Chance. All of a sudden we were prospects for a service dog and not a few weeks later Willow came in our lives. Immediately we fell in love.
Not only has Willow significantly decreased signs of Baleigh’s behaviors, she has also helped my four-year-old son with his extreme behaviors and tantrums. Willow has now been in my class full time since mid-March. Tantrums in the room have decreased by 79.35%! Time on task has increased by 29.1%. Our room in general has a sense of peace and ease.
The responsibilities the students have with Willow gives them ownership and independence in their daily routines. She will actively seek out a child who is in pre-crisis and provides soothing reassurance with her gentle nudges. She even helps this teacher stay calm and focused. Willow has a tough job being both a service dog and a therapy dog, but she takes on these roles with grace and the experience of an old soul. We are blessed to have her in our lives.
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Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens VSA Festival
Very Special Arts Festival May 12-15
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Last week, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens hosted the 15th Annual Very Special Arts (VSA) Festival. Approximately 2,500 children from the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) departments of public and private schools in the five-county Jacksonville region participated in the annual festival.
The HEAL Foundation is a proud sponsor of the VSA, a national program where students with all kinds of special needs actively participate in art making projects inside the Cummer Museum and its spectacular river front gardens. The Festival, which also provides a musical interactive element, has touched the lives of thousands of students living in the Greater Jacksonville area. The festival also amasses over 1,000 volunteers from across the First Coast Area.
HEAL brought 5 volunteers to assist at the Garden Art Stop, where kids came and created their own watercolors, while listening to live bluegrass music. It was a beautiful day, and a pleasure to assist the Cummer with their mission of bringing Art to everyone.
Read the Cummer's blog post about the VSA.
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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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| May 28 |
Mainspring Academy Open House - Join Mainspring Academy as they host an open house for parents and caregivers about the change from Keystone Academy to Mainspring. Event is at 6:00 PM at their location, 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Ste 103, Jacksonville. Child care and refreshments will be provided. For additional information, contact them at 904-619-6071, ext. 6. |
| June 2 |
Addressing Food Over-Selectivity in Young Children - Principles, tips and strategies for working with picky eaters. It is recommended that parents attend the ABC's of Behavior class prior to this class. For more information or to RSVP contact Elise Summa, M.A. BCBA at 633-0768 or by email at elise.summa@jax.ufl.edu. |
| June 6 |
Fun For First Coast Kids Family Nature Hunt Kickoff - Join Fun4FirstCoastKids.com at the kickoff to their second annual Family Nature Hunt Sponsored by Chick-Fil-A. The event is free and at the Julington Durbin Preserve. Visit their website for more information. |
| 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 17 |
Got Transition? Essential Information for Becoming an Adult - CARD Regional Workshop from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Shands Charter Theater. Dr. Kristine Webb will present on key components that students and families need to know to actively participate in the transition process from high school to employment or post secondary education. Information will include helpful resources, key questions to ask during IEP meetings, and ideas to ensure students are self-determined decision makers in their transition to adulthood. Click here for more information or to register for this event. |
| 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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