| HEAL! Foundation Newsletter |
February 17, 2009 |
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| HEAL First Coast Zoo Walk on April 26 
HEAL is excited to announce that we will be celebrating Autism Awareness Month with a Zoo Walk on April 26th at 8:30 AM. Online registration is now available at www.firstgiving.org/HEAL. At this site you can sign up for the walk, you can even start a team, and create your own webpage through www.firstgiving.org/HEAL to help raise funds for Autism on the First Coast.
- Children 12 and under are admitted FREE
- Registration fee for adults is $15 per person.
 You are encouraged to bring your friends and family, participate in the walk and enjoy the beauty of the Zoo afterward. There will be prizes awarded for the team who raises the most funds for Autism on the First Coast.
The proceeds raised from this event will go towards benefiting local schools, education and various programs for Autism on the First Coast.
This is a great opportunity to raise awareness, help the Autism community, and connect with other families with Autism in our community. Please help us spread the word, and be a part of something positive and fun for Autism on the First Coast.
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Housecalls: The First Steps to HEALing your Child with Autism on March 21
 HEAL is proud to once again partner with Dr. Julie Buckley and Dr. Jerry Kartzinel to offer a seminar for parents and caretakers whose children have been diagnosed with Autism. The goal of this program is to help provide a "jump start" to those either beginning or continuing their journey. In addition to sage advice from parents of children with Autism who have "been there - done that", attendees will receive: an overview of beginning therapies and biomedical intervention, where to go for what information, and recommended first steps.
RSVP now to join renowned Defeat Autism Now! physicians Drs. Buckley and Kartzinel on Saturday, March 21 from 9 A.M - 12:00 PM. in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The cost is $25 per person, and $40 per couple and includes a TACA Journey Guide.
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| Rising Star Baseball Starts February 21.
 Rising Stars Baseball Season starts February 21By Coach Bob Culliton
I am pleased to send out the inaugural communication for the 2009 Rising Stars Baseball Season. Thanks to HEAL's ongoing support of this program, we look to make the 2009 season bigger and better!
Our season will be starting February 21. We are working to get the word out to all that have played with us in the past, and solicit everyone's help to bring in additional players for the 2009 season.
Shortly our new website, www.risingstarsbaseball.org, will go live (we are just putting the finishing touches on it)! Here you'll be able to see pictures from the last 2 seasons, get park information, and updates on practice and game times.
Please send me all names (and contact info) of those interested in playing with us this season!
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| HEAL Summer Film Camp inspires boy to become Film Maker
January 28th's front page story in the Florida Times Union-Lifestyle section features Keaton Bicknell, a 12 year old boy with Autism who attended the HEAL/Joey Travolta Film Camp at UNF last summer. The "special camp" the article is referring to is the HEAL Film Camp and it tells how Keaton's life was transformed after becoming interested in film making. There were many life changing stories of growth, accomplishment, and bonds of friendships that emerged out of this dynamic and unique hands on experience.
This summer, University of North Florida will be hosting another HEAL/Joey Travolta Film Camp along with ArtLife Productions, sponsored by Medical Development International (MDI). Fifty kids ranging between the ages of 9 and 19 will attend the two-week camp and work with Hollywood Filmmaker Joey Travolta producing a documentary. Last years movie, "Jr. Apprentice" written, filmed, directed, and acted by the kids created three Public Service Announcements about Autism within the film. One of the PSA's recently aired several times on First Coast News.
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| Summer Camps 2009 Update!
Film Camp
HEAL would like to thank MDI Holdings Inc. for being the presenting sponsor of this year's HEAL Film Camp with Joey Travolta. The camp will be held the last two weeks ofJune, entry into the camp is based on a nomination process by the students' teacher. Applications are being finalized. Camp will be held at UNF for 50 kids between the ages of 10-17. Campers will have the opportunity to write, act, direct, and produce a documentary about their experiences during camp.
Overnight Camp
Have you ever thought about having a night off? Your child could attend overnight camp in the area, or out of town.
DOSA Camps
The Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine has day camps and overnights camps for children with special needs, and specific camps for children with Autism. Eric Miller says "My son Jake started going to Camp I Am Special several years ago and it is now one of the highlights of our summer. The first year that he went, we didn't expect him to make it through the first night - but he did and he's been having a blast ever since. The camp is firmly committed to providing a break to the families who struggle with the challenges of caring for our special needs kids year round. They go way above and beyond to put parents at ease and provide a safe and fun place for our kids to enjoy themselves."
Ramapo Camp
Looking for something farther away? Last summer a First Coast family tried Ramapo Camp in New York. According to the mom, "It was a wonderful experience and a camp that I would highly recommend. They gave him all of his supplements and administered his weekly sub Q. What a break for me or any parents with Autistic children!"
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HEAL Accepting Spring Grants 2009 - due March 11
Updated applications are on-line now and Spring 2009 grant applications are due on March 11th. Grants will be reviewed and final decisions made by the first week of April.
Grants should be targeted at afterschool and summer camp programs. Teachers are also encouraged to apply for the Fall 2009schoolyear.
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 ASD 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 ASD into their communities.
HEAL is a local 501 (c ) 3 with a mission to help families who have a member with Autism in Northeast Florida. Since the summer of 2007, over $400,000 has been granted to local organizations looking to assist individuals on the spectrum and their families.
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Upcoming Events in Northeast Florida
- February 19 & 20 The Jericho School is offering a Teaching Language Clinic for Parents.
Click here to contact for more information
- February 21 Rising Star Baseball Starts. Click here to download the flyer
- February 21 Board Game Day Outing with CARD at the Downtown Jacksonville Library. All ages and levels welcome. Event is from 10-1pm and meets at the Teen Services Section of the library. Click here for more information.
- February 22 Bowling with Project Autism in St. Augustine. Click for details.
- February 25 Tools for Success Family Conference. For more information email glendennij@duvalschools.org. or visit www.fdlrscrown.org
- March 4 Art for Two on Wednesdays at the Cummer. Ages 3-5 from 3-4pm. Call (904) 355-0630 to participate free with HEAL Scholarship
- March 7 Art Day Outing with CARD at the Downtown Jacksonville Library in collaboration with JMOCA. All ages and levels welcome. Click here for more information
- March 13 "Social Understanding and Methods for Teaching Social Skills to Students with ASD" Regional Workshop. Click here for more information
- March 14 Art Adventures on Saturdays at The Cummer Museum
Programs for children 6-8 years old, running from 10:00- 12:00pm
Contact The Cummer Museum
- March 21 Housecalls: First Steps to Healing your child with Autism. This seminar presentation will discuss biomedical approaches to treating a child with Autism. Information and registration available soon.
- March 28 Dog Park Day! Support Project Chance in Fernandina Beach
- March 30 - April 3 Spring Break Art Camp with The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm for students 6-12 years old. Children must bring lunch. The cost is $150 per child for members, and $175 for non-members. The HEAL Foundation is providing scholarships for children with Autism. Please call The Cummer at (904) 355-0630 for more information, or to register your child. Click to download details.
- April 15 Art for Two on Wednesdays at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Ages 3-5 from 3-4 pm. Call (904) 355-0630 to participate free with HEAL Scholarship
- April 26 HEALing First Coast Families Zoo Walk
- June 25 & 26 HEAL's Valley of Dreams Gala and Golf Outing. Details TBD
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Again, we would like to thank you for your continued interest and support. Please write to us at HEAL Foundation, 226-5 Solano Road, #211, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082 or at www.healautismnow.org. Sincerely,
Leslie Weed and Julie Buckley MD
HEAL! Foundation CoFounders
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Disclaimer - HEAL provides general information regarding medical, research, treatment options, therapies and nutrition to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and HEAL does not independently verify any of it. Nothing in this newsletter or website / parent information should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.
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