First Coast Zoo Walk For Autism ~ Sunday, April 25th

April is Autism Awareness month and HEAL is gearing up for the First Coast Zoo Walk For Autism. Over 1,000 people participated in last years Zoo Walk raising $75,000 for local Autism programs and education across the First Coast.  The walk takes place at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, sign up is 7:30 AM  and the Walk begins at 8:30 AM.

Now is the time to start your own team! Online registration is now open at www.firstgiving.org/HEAL.  At this site you can sign up for the walk, form a team and raise funds for HEAL by creating your own webpage through www.firstgiving.org/HEAL. The top five fundraisers will receive prizes at the event.  Any web page raising $100 in donations will receive a HEAL T-shirt.

The proceeds raised from this event will go towards benefiting local schools, education and various local programs benefiting those with Autism living in our community.
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.

This is a great opportunity to raise awareness, help the cause, 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 those with Autism living on the First Coast.

• Children 12 and under are admitted FREE
• Registration fee for adults is $15 per person
• Click here to sign up!  
• Click here to download flyer and post at your school, gym, or coffee shop!

Spring Support Groups Start in March

“A place to share your tears and your laughs with
a group of the bravest women you will ever meet.”

-HEAL moms group participant, 2009

Moms' Group begins Tuesday March 2, 2010
Research indicates that mothers of children with autism are more likely to suffer from clinical depression and feelings of inadequacy.  One of the best ways to combat these risks is to get connected with other moms.  Come out and get connected during our 10 week support group program, just for moms.  The group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings at Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, from 10-11:30am.  The group is free, space is limited and childcare is not provided. Pre-registration is required.  Contact Janeen Herskovitz at 904-716-4198 or janeen@healautismnow.org.  Space is limited.

Couples' Group begins Tuesday Evening March 2, 2010
HEAL is happy to announce our first support group designed just for couples raising children on the spectrum.  Statistics report the divorce rate among spectrum parents to be between 80-85%. Don't let yours be one of them.  Join Dr. William Scott, LMHC and group leader Janeen Herskovitz for a four-week long psycho-educational group that will help you and your spouse connect in the midst of autism. The group will meet at Dr. Scott's office at JTB and 95 in Jacksonville. To register or for more info, contact Janeen at janeen@healautismnow.org or 904-716-4198. 
Pre-registration is required.  This group is filling up quickly so call today!

Walk, Talk and Pray Group: NEW DATES
Beginning Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

For a less structured option with a spiritual point of view, join fellow mom Amy Groshell at her home in Jax Beach every other Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 AM.  Wear your walking shoes! This meeting will consist of walking, a short devotional, and prayer time. 

To RSVP or to be added to her email update list, please contact Amy at amygroshell@gmail.com.

HEAL Now Accepting Spring Grants ~ Deadline March 3

The HEAL Foundation is a local 501 (c ) 3 with a mission to help individuals affected by Autism on the  First Coast.  Since 2007, over $600,000 has been granted to local organizations looking to assist individuals on the spectrum and their families.  Please click here to view past grants.. (take to grants list on grant page)

Are you working with individuals with Autism?  We encourage you to apply for a HEAL Grant to support your work with individuals with Autism in the Greater Jacksonville area.  Updated applications and grant information is on line for the application of Spring 2010 grants.  The deadline for accepting applications is March 3rd, applicants will be notified by mid-April on the results.

Applications for projects, camps, programs, equipment, or research which will enhance, enrich, or improve the lives of individuals with ASD are encouraged.   Teachers are also encouraged to apply for the Fall 2010 school year. 

In order to meet the ever-growing needs of the Autism Community of North Florida, HEAL is limiting grant requests for school classrooms up to $2,000 per grant application.  For camps and programs that serve a large number of individuals, grant applications of up to $5,000 will be accepted.  This will allow HEAL to serve more programs, camps and classrooms on the First Coast.  If you have questions on HEAL’s updated grant policies, please email us at events@HealAutismNow.org.

Ride With Me For Autism on March 6, by Helen Green

Jessica was a young woman with Asperger’s Syndrome/High Functioning Autism, who passed away in December, 2007.  She was athletic and enjoyed many sports, but her greatest passion was cycling.  Unknowingly, Jessica named her own ride when she would ask neighbors to “ride with me”.  She displayed determination in life, reaching her goals by attending Florida Community College, working at a local veterinarian office, and giving constant encouragement to others with disabilities.

When Ms. Green’s journey with her daughter ended, she took the initiative to continue on, using her strength and experience to form "The Jessica Green Foundation".  Through this, Helen’s desire is to reach out, giving assistance and support to the autistic community, making their world a better place to be. 

March 6 will be the Third Annual Ride with Me for Autism.  Cyclists will start at Camp Milton, near the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail, at 7:30 AM.   There are several distances to choose from.

Please come out and enjoy this great ride for a great cause!  For further information, please visit:  www.ridewithmeforautism.org

Career Opportunities for Young Adults with Disabilities

HEAL is excited to announce that through Hope Haven and Career Frontiers of NE Florida  career opportunities for young adults with disabilities are now being provided.

Hope Academy-Project SEARCH is a workforce development program designed to provide career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. The program is targeted for young adults, ages 18-29, who will benefit from career exploration and whose main goal is paid employment.  The cornerstone of the ten month program is complete immersion into a business. Participants learn employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within the host business. For more information contact kellib@hope-haven.org 
or melissam@hope-haven.org

The Mission of Career Frontiers of NE Florida, Inc. is to provide a unique vocational training experience, within an inclusive established business, for young adults with disabilities, guiding them in the discovery and cultivation of their unique talents and skills, and empowering them to reach their full vocational potential within their community. They provide training within their small business Bark 'N Howl Bakery, a bakery producing and selling dog treats. For more information www.BarkNHowlBakery.com

HEAL Calendar information

The HEAL Foundation is working harder than ever to serve our community.  In addition to our monthly newsletter and website of important local resources, HEAL will now have an online calendar to help you find up-to-date information on events for, by, and about individuals on the Autism Spectrum.  Click here to access the calendar or check it out the next time you visit www.HealAutismNow.org.  When you hit the News and Events tab, choose HEAL Calendar.

If you have an event you would like to suggest for the HEAL calendar, please email details to events@healautismnow.org.   

Also, as summer quickly approaches, send your camp information to events@healautismnow.org to reach out to the thousands of First Coast residents who read the HEAL Newsletter.