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The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Raises Thousands for Autism
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Hundreds of competitors, volunteers, and spectators flooded the beach at Mickler’s Landing for The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL. Dana Current, the event creator, along with 20 “Founding Members” executed the 4th annual event, touted as the largest Stand Up Paddle Board event on Florida’s East Coast.
The Great PV Paddle attracts pros, amateurs and beginners who have taken up this popular water sport. Almost 200 paddlers competed in 4 events: 5-mile race, 3-mile race, 1-mile sprint and “Anything that Floats” challenge. Mostly locals participated in the event, but many came from out of town, including one couple from St Croix, to compete. Click here to see the race results.
"I am in awe of the turnout. Our community comes alive each year on Labor Day to show support for a great organization and we have fun doing it. I can see this event getting bigger and bigger every year. Already looking forward to 2016!" said Dana Current, founder and HEAL Board member.
See the Jacksonville Times-Union photos, the Times-Union story, and Mick Shea's event photos.
Over $40,000 was raised for the HEAL Foundation. Funds will go towards Autism ESE classrooms, iPads, programs, camps and seminars across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. See a list of programs and events that HEAL has funded in Northeast Florida just this year. Click here to see a list of event sponsors.
“The real winners of the event are those with Autism who will reap the benefits of the proceeds raised,” said Leslie Weed, co-founder of HEAL and mother of Lanier, her daughter with Autism.
Make plans to join us for the 5th Annual Ponte Vedra Paddle on Monday, September 5 at Mickler’s Landing!
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Summer Camp Year Round at Camp I Am Special!
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Camp I Am Special was started by Catholic Charities to provide an overnight camp experience for children through young adults with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. Over the last 12 months, they hosted 373 campers through week-long summer sessions, weekend mini-camps, or their Super Saturday program. 2015 summer campers swam, rode horses, went on hay rides, danced, enjoyed theater performances, and loved the petting zoo. Most of all, they enjoyed the friendship of their one-on-one high school “buddy.” Mini-Camp last December and Super Saturdays hosted 61 campers and gave them a shorter taste of camp life.
Regardless of the program, campers had blast, their buddies learned about individuals with special needs, and the parents had some much needed respite time. Click here to learn more about Camp I Am Special.
These programs run thanks to the generosity of the Northeast Florida community, including organizations like HEAL. We are proud to support Camp I Am Special with an annual grant to continue their work. Click here to learn more about receiving a grant from HEAL.
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HEAL Grant Schedule for Fall 2015
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The HEAL Foundation is proud to have donated over $1.2 million dollars in grants over the last nine years to local schools, camps and organizations across the Northeast Florida to help those affected by Autism.
This fall, HEAL will be awarding grants of up to $2,500. Priority will be given to schools and teachers, after-school projects and sports leagues. Summer camp programs should submit their grants in the spring.
HEAL values community-based collaborations, inclusive programs and projects that incorporate parents, teachers, therapists, coaches and students as advisors, supporters or volunteers.
Grants must be submitted by October 9. Recipients will be notified by November 6.
For more information and the HEAL grant application click here. |
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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. |
| Aug. 29 - Oct. 3 |
Dramaworks for Fall - Autism Insclusion Drama Program for children through young adults who are on the mild to moderate end of the Autism Spectrum. Individuals with related disorders such as ADHD and PDD-NOS are also welcome. Located at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, this group meets every Saturday - times based on age. For more information, email contact@healthyunow.org. |
| Sept. 2 - Oct. 7 |
Dramaworks for Fall - Autism Insclusion Drama Program for children through young adults who are on the mild to moderate end of the Autism Spectrum. Individuals with related disorders such as ADHD and PDD-NOS are also welcome. Located at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, this group meets every Saturday - times based on age. For more information, email contact@healthyunow.org. |
| September 26 |
Surfers for Autism - 6th Annual North Coast Beach Festival - SFA returns to Jacksonville Beach for their 6th Annual fun day. This event is a great time for kids on the spectrum. Event takes place at 1515 First Street North. You must pre-register. Visit www.SurfersforAutism.org for more information. |
| 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 6 |
First Coast Autism Support hosts "Helping Your Picky Eater Try New Foods" - Elise Summa will lead a discussion important for every family. Event will be 6:00 - 7:00 PM at Greenland Pines Elementary, 5050 Greenland Road, Jacksonville. Email Angela.Mann@unf.edu for more information. |
| October 9-10 |
Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation Conference in Orlando - This two day conference will feature presentations from speakers discussing sensory processing challenges and strategies to assist them. Networking, interactive activities, and world renowned faculty. Click here to register. |
| October 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. |
| October 12 |
CARD Satellite Clinic - St. Johns County - CARD and UF Jacksonville offer clinics to outlying counties to better serve their constituents. Sign up for a consult with clinicians specializing in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, and more. Appointments are no cost to the family. Location: The Auditorium at the Fullerwood Training Center, 10 Hildreth Drive. Contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu, 904-633-0816. |
| October 12 |
Two Feet Forward Workshop: Guardian Advocate, Guardianship, and Advance Directives - Two Feet Forward Workshop: Guardian Advocate, Guardianship, and Advance Directives. This workshop is for parents and caregivers of youth and young adults with disabilities who may need assistance with decision making as an adult. Sarah Sullivan, Assoc. Professor of Professional Skills with the Florida Coastal School of Law will present. For more information or to register click here. |
| October 14 |
Introduction to Resume Writing - This workshop is open to CARD and FDLRS-MDC constituents ages 16 and older. Participants will learn tips and tricks to developing and enhancing resumes that will positively highlight professional skills, work and volunteer experiences. Registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. Deadline to register is October 7 at 5 PM. Click here to register. |
| 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. |
| October 24 |
6th Annual JSA Flounder Pounder Charity Fishing Tournament - Support Jacksonville School for Autism and go fishing! Prizes for big fish, 3 fish aggregate and junior angler. Also a kayak category with big fish prize! Visit www.JSAKids.org for more information or to sign up. |
| October 25 |
8th Annual Spirit of the ADA @ Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - Celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tickets are for North Florida residents with a disability and their guest. Tickets are $2 which covers admission, lunch, access to vendors and scavenger hunt. Tickets are limited so register now by calling 904-630-2489. |
| November 5-6 |
Teaching Language To Children With Autism & Other Disabilities - This free 2-day workshop will be at UNF, hosted by The Jericho School. Participants will gain a greater awareness of Behavior Analysis as a Science of Learning. This workshop is appropriate for any parent, family member or service provider working with children with Autism or other learning disabilities. This 2-day workshop will be held at UNF University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville. Parking is free, and the event is from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Pre-registration is mandatory. Please contact Cassandra Tuohy at 904-744-5110 or jerichoschool@yahoo.com. |
| November 9 |
Tackling Disabilities - A Night with Ziggy Hood Benefiting HEAL - Jacksonville Jaguar Defensive Tackle Ziggy Hood and his wife Sara are hosting the inaugural event at the River City Club on Monday, November 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. The event will be a night of fun and fundraising with NFL athletes and local celebrities, with hors d'oeuvres, drinks and a silent auction. 100% of funds raised will be directed to the Jacksonville community. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite. Email events@healautismnow.org for more information, or to learn about sponsor opportunities. |
| November 9 |
CARD Satellite Clinic - Baker County - CARD and UF Jacksonville offer clinics to outlying counties to better serve their constituents. Sign up for a consult with clinicians specializing in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, and more. Appointments are no cost to the family. Location: the Family Services Center, 418 S. 8th Street, Macclenny. To schedule an appointment, contact Chanel.Baldwin@jax.ufl.edu, 904-633-0816. |
| November 13 |
Arc Jacksonville’s 50th Anniversary “Dinner with Bill” - Save the date to join, celebrate and support Arc Jacksonville and their mission. Event will be held at Jacksonville Marriott at 6:30 PM. Visit arcjacksonville.org for more information. |
| November 14 |
2015 First Coast Walk for Apraxia - Registration begins at 9:00 AM, Walk begins at 10:00 AM at the Bolles School, 7400 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville. For more information contact apraxiajax@gmail.com. |
| November 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. |
| 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 1 |
Visual Supports Make & Take Plus Holiday Party! - 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. 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. |
| 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. 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! |
| Apr. 26, 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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