HEAL recently awarded more than $80,000 to local schools, organizations and therapists
in their final round of grants for 2008. Over thirty grant requests were submitted
to the HEAL Foundation this fall. The grants were creative and diverse in their
ways to enhance the lives if individuals with Autism. HEAL is privileged and honored
to award these grants and thanks the many people who donated funds to our organization
to make a positive difference in the lives those with autism.

The HEAL Foundation is interested in supporting new and innovative programs and/or
research opportunities that will benefit individuals with autism. The Foundation
values community-based collaborations, inclusive programming, or projects that incorporate
parents, teachers, adults, and children as advisors, supporters, or volunteers.

Applications for projects, programs, equipment, or research which will enhance,
enrich, or improve the lives of children with Autism are encouraged. Funds may
also be used for workshops or assemblies to educate parents, faculty, administrators,
and "typical children" on the high prevalence of autism, as well as how to accommodate
and assimilate children with Autism into their communities. HEAL will review grants
again in the Spring of 2009.

HEAL is a local 501 (c ) 3 with a mission to help families who have a member with
autism in Northeast Florida. Since summer of 2007, over $400,000 has been granted.

• Please click here to view past grants.

I can remember the first Christmas we spent after receiving the diagnosis of autism for my son, Ben in 2001. Looking back on it now I realize that my husband and I had not yet comprehended the magnitude of how our lives were going to be COMPLETELY different from the way we imagined. We have horrific videos to commemorate the occasion, too. The camera is focused on my then, three-year old daughter, opening presents with glee, followed immediately by my son screeching blood-curdling, high pitched screams in response to our coaxing him to unwrap a gift he has absolutely no interest in. The tantrum continues as he attempts to knock over the Christmas tree and throw his beautifully wrapped gifts across the room. My frustrated voice can be heard on camera pleading with my husband to turn off the camera. The camera shuts off abruptly and I scoop him up carrying him into his bedroom, where we stay until he composes himself. We emerge a half hour later only to find that my daughter has opened all of her presents without me. Ben finally settles down in front of his favorite Blue's Clues video, the one he's watched a thousand times, relieved that we have given up the forced present opening ritual. I retreat to the kitchen to fix a much-needed cup of coffee, no longer able to hold back the tears, as waves of disappointment and anger envelop me. I'm deeply disappointed; after all the weeks of planning, shopping, choosing just the right gifts. "He'll love this," we thought. I thought we had done everything right. We kept him away from the malls and the crowds. We skipped going to see Santa. I even skipped making my childhood-favorite Christmas cookies due to his special diet. I'm angry. I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I couldn't wait to have kids just so I could GIVE them Christmas! What kid doesn't like Christmas for goodness sakes! Unfortunately, mine.

Click here to continue reading Janeen's article and helpful links for surviving
the holidays!

At 17, Lara Lombardo is young talented artist with autism who has illustrated three children's books and is working on a fourth. Her first book "Midnight the Cow Learns About Sharing" became a collaboration between author and friend Karen Putzke. "Midnight the Cow" book was published and a third in the series is in the

Lara's third book she has illustrated is called "Kamille's Birthday Circus" written By Eileen Erickson. When Eileen decided to write a children's book it was a natural for her to enlist Lara as illustrator, because Eileen's daughter Mary had once been Lara's teacher. Carol Lombardo, Lara's mother says the work has given Lara self-esteem, and that it has been a source of pride - for both of them.

A book signing is scheduled on December 20 at the SE Branch Regional Park Library in Jacksonville.

Another Session of "HEALing Autism Through Bowling" comes to a close.

Over 30 kids attended this fall session of bowling and it was all caped off by an
outside BBQ and trophy ceremony. To date over 100 different families have participated.
It has been a great way for parents to get together as well. This session we also
handed out 7 certificates to bowlers that scored 100 or better. Congratulations
to everyone for their efforts!

HEAL is thrilled to partner with Mark Skoog, the mastermind and parent behind this
great Saturday program. Other parents agree, "The bowling league was an encouraging
atmosphere for both children and their families to make friends and feel at home.
Mark's energy brought out the best in our kids. I really appreciate the hard work
and dedication that went into making this possible. My son enjoyed himself and it
was something he looked forward to every week" said Shayla Edwards, mother of Logan.

Keeping your holiday meal GF/CF ~ Wheat Free/Dairy Freeable for GF/CF

Grammie Pat Continues Her Campaign to Prove that GFCF is Easy

The challenge of tasty GFCF, healthy, holiday meals is upon us. Grammie has suggested a menu and urges that we keep it simple so there is time for the family:

• Appetizers: Keep them light so that appetites will build for the main event. A snack platter of fruits and raw vegetables (without dip) is the easy GFCF answer. Celery sticks, carrot sticks, melon cubes, apple wedges dipped in orange juice, grapes, tomato wedges, and cucumber slices will provide a colorful delaying tactic until dinner is ready to serve.
• Roast Turkey with rice dressing and gravy thickened with corn starch or arrowroot flour.
• Mashed Potatoes seasoned with Earth Balance butter substitute, chicken broth, salt and white pepper. (White pepper is a GFCF secret. It provides zip to food that needs flavor without the black spots that can be a turn off)
• Candied Carrots prepared with Earth Balance butter substitute and brown sugar.
• Steamed Green Beans flavored with a bit of bacon fat or Spinach Salad
• Baked Onions

Click here to get the recipes for this Holiday GF/CF Menu.