HEAL Surpasses Million Dollar Mark in Raising Funds for Autism.

In the 3rd HEAL “Valley of Dreams” Gala and Charity Golf Classic, HEAL achieved their goal of raising over a million dollars to assist individuals with Autism in the Greater Jacksonville Area.

The sold out gala included a live auction of trips and adventures and a silent auction featuring 14 collaborative paintings by local artists and kids with autism. Joey Travolta film director of the Film camp was surprised with a special announcement by Richard Willich of MDI Holdings who stunned the audience with his generous donation of $80,000 towards next year’s HEAL film camp.

Thanks to the support and generosity of The PLAYERS Championship and TPC Sawgrass, in 3 short years HEAL has granted nearly $600,000 towards camps, education, projects, and financial aid to hundreds living with autism on The First Coast. The balance of the funds is in reserve for building The HEAL House, a refuge where therapy, programs, and seminars are offered under one roof.

Click here to View photos of this event please visit Headshots and use the password: Gift

Miracles occurred on the shore of Jacksonville Beach last week at the HEAL -Sunrise City of Jacksonville Beach Autism Surf Camp, “Day at the Beach”. Local professionals, shed their business attire, grabbed their surfboards and turned out in droves, volunteering their time and talent to assist with the 3rd annual Autism surf camp.

Over 50 children with autism participated in this year's “Special Day at the Beach”.  The smiles and laughter of the children as they rode boogie boards, surfed, kayaked, and sailed in catamarans were priceless.

For mothers of children affected by autism, it is heartwarming to see them welcomed and included in activities. There seems to be a unique fit with surfers and our children.  The participation of our surfing community in this camp speaks to their interest in doing the "right thing" while paying forward the experience of joy and freedom that is to be found on a surfboard.

 HEAL would like to especially thank Dan Brooks of Sunrise Surf Shop, Jimmy Wilkens, Cindy Van Zant of the City of Jacksonville Beach, Don and Kim Sears of Rotary Club, and Carol Lombardo, Mitch Kaufmann and Steve Lear,  who spearheaded this event- their efforts bettered the lives of many children with autism forever.

It’s A Wrap for Film Camp!

AL/MDI Joey Travolta Film Camp produced by Karen Sadler of FilmLab celebrates another successful session. Joey Travolta and his Hollywood crew held camp at UNF and worked with 50 local kids. The campers acted, wrote, edited, and produced a hysterical spoof of the Really, Really, Really Late Show.  The participants also created and produced Public Service Announcements’ about Autism Awareness.

The excerpt a letter below is from a mother whose son attended the 2 week camp:
"Thank you hardly seems to be enough… my son participated in the HEAL Film Camp again this year, and the changes I see in him are fantastic. This is such a phenomenal camp!!
Last year he hardly interacted with anyone and this year he became more involved and looked forward to everyday. The Staff, Crew and Volunteers were caring and understanding. This is the one place were my son says he feels like he fits in.  
I was very excited when I heard that the camp would happen again next summer.
HEAL is an outstanding organization, Thank You again.", Jill Fane

A Sensory Friendly Experience ~
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Thanks to the Autism Society of America, you and your child with Autism are free to roam, dance, sing and shout around the AMC Theater. The auditoriums will have the lights brought up, sound turned low and families may enjoy their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. No previews or advertisements will be shown! Tickets are $4-6 and can be purchased at the door.

The AMC Regency 24 will be offering this Sensory Friendly Film at 9451 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville FL. 32225.

Click here for more information

Autism Hope Action Plan with Raun Kaufman in Jacksonville

When my son, Benjamin was diagnosed with autism in 2001,, biomedical intervention was considered “experimental”.  So when my husband handed me the book, “Son-Rise”, I was skeptical.  The story of Raun Kaufman, whose parents brought their son “out of autism” using a home based play therapy program they designed, was both heartwarming and unusual

The Son-Rise program, based at the Autism Treatment Center of America, in Massachusetts, helped us begin the process of bringing our son out of the fog of autism. 

After implementing the “Son-Rise” program and biomedical interventions for three years, Ben began to emerge as a child who was more aware and connected.  His eye contact returned, he showed more of an interest in his toys, and he started initiating conversation.  By age six he was able to attend school in a class with his autistic peers. 

While we still face new challenges daily, I carry with me the tools I learned from the program every day.  Raun Kaufman’s story helped me to accept and love my child right where he was, while at the same time, not allowing him remain there.

You can see Raun Kaufman here in Jacksonville Saturday, August 1, 11am at the Four Points by Sheraton, 8520 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville FL .  Sign upfor the “Autism Hope Action Plan”  at www.autismnationwide.com or www.agrt.org.

Summer Camps and Activities Update

Now that Surf Camp and Film Camp are done…

Ponte Vedra Cultural Center Offers Camp for Children on the Spectrum

AUGUST 3 - 7 The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach(CCPVB) will offer one week of summer arts camp for ASD children ages K-6 and their siblings. Learning styles beyond the normative will be addressed, providing critically needed hands-on activities in music, visual arts and creative movement to exceptional children. Both children with special needs and their siblings will have the opportunity to express themselves through the arts in a non-competitive atmosphere. The children will be encouraged to explore a variety of media including clay, music and dance or martial arts. To qualify your child for this program, please call Leigh Rodante at 904.280.0614 ext 203.

Rainbow Artists Summer Camp - Spaces still available!

Rainbow Artists, presented by MOCA Jacksonville provides education initiative for children on the autism spectrum. Campers spend an inclusive, half-day fostering social interaction, exploring creativity and sensory stimuli and developing art making skills.

• Session Three- July 06-10
• Session Four- July 13-17

For more information and to register, contact Kelly Eason, Museum Educator at keason@mocajacksonville.org or call (904)366-6911X207

Summer Art Camps at the Cummer!

HEAL is proud to provide scholarships to the following art camps at the Cummer Arts and Garden Museum.  Classes are free to all children with Autism.

July: Collage: A Tribute to Gee's Bend Quilts

• Ages 6 to 8: July 11, 10 a.m. to noon
• Ages 9 to 12: July 18, 10 a.m. to noon

ART FOR TWO (Saturdays)
Children ages 3 to 5 and their favorite adult enjoy gallery visits, art making and time in Art Connections.

• Weaving (Saturday, June 30, 3 to 4 p.m.)
• Patterns (Saturday, July 18, 3 to 4p.m.)

ART BASICS
Try a new art method or build your portfolio in these Saturday afternoon introductory classes. 

• Ages 13 and up.
• Clay Pots -Saturday, July 11, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

CAMP CUMMER
Immerse your child in art for one week of learning and FUN! We will draw, paint, work with clay and explore the galleries and gardens. You may sign your child up for one session only.  

• Ages:  Children entering grades 1 through 6
• Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• July 6 - 10               Session III      
• July 13 - 17             Session IV      
• July 20 - 24             Session V       
  

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART CAMP
Geared especially for 6th to 8th graders who want to expand skills in printmaking, drawing, painting or ceramics, this camp is perfect for establishing a strong portfolio.

• Ages:  Children entering grades 6 through 8
• Monday through Friday  - July 27 – 31, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To participate contact Katrina Brocato at e-mail: _kbrocato@cummer.org_
Web site: http://www.cummer.org

HUG-“Help Us Golf” - Junior Golf Clinics -
Application available
HUG was created by Jarrad Kogos, 21-year-old with Asperger’s syndrome and survivor of pediatric brain cancer, in order to make golf more accessible to individuals with disabilities. For Jarrad, golf is not only a game, but also a therapeutic form of coping and strengthening that teaches social skills, coordination and rhythm.

HUG junior golf camps teach the basics of the game of golf to juniors within the autism spectrum.  Camp is open to children on the spectrum ages 7 to 17 years old.  Golfers will experience swinging, pitching, chipping, and putting through group instruction. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on a daily basis from 11:00 to 11:45

The Clinic at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club has been postponed until August.
Applications are now available for the HUG clinic at the TOUR Academy at TPC Sawgrass on August 3-5 from 9am-1pm.

• Click here to download the HUG application
• For more information, email Jarrad directly at: Kogosfamily@aol.com
  

Yoga Play!

Presented by Occuplay, Inc. Under the Direction of Nancy Marin OTR/L Yoga Play incorporates Education and movement through yoga and other mind-body techniques. Emphasis is placed on reducing stress, improving overall health and wellness, and gain balance, harmony and focus.

Session-Mondays from 5:00-6:00; 7 weeks $120 Legacy Care Learning Center; 302-103 Solana Road, PVB For more information call: 904-382-9790 or email nancy@occuplayinc.com

Studio 1014 Dance ~Therapeutic Dance Classes improve coordination, flexibility,
self-esteem, self-worth and self-discipline.  

• Ages 6-11. 
• Every Tuesday 6/23-8/11 from 5:30-6:30
• $175 includes 8 classes, t-shirt and certificate of achievement
• 1459 Atlantic Blvd. Neptune Beach
• 904-249-6090  or www.studio1014.net