The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Social Security Benefits for those 18-24 years old!

Social Security Benefits for 18-24 Years Old

Join us Sunday afternoon as we discuss Social Security Benefits for those eighteen to twenty-four years old with Liz Montefu, the President and Founder of Montefu Consulting.  


Liz has been guiding individuals through the rough waters of Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims for over 30 years. She is experienced in benefit coordination and can help – whether you are filing for benefits for the first time or you are preparing to go before an Administrative Law Judge at a hearing.

Visit Montefu Consulting at https://www.montefuconsulting.com/ to learn more about Social Security, Social Security Disability Income Benefits, Survivor Benefits, Children’s SSI, and Women’s Benefits.

Montefu Consulting Education Seminars

  • Montefu Consulting is happy to provide for you and your associates at no charge, an overview presentation regarding SSI/SSD. Participants will get an overview of the various Social Security benefits available to individuals, learn who is eligible for various benefits, and how to access those benefits.
  • If you or your organization would be interested in a lunch & learn workshop at no charge, contact Montefu Consulting.

For Your Free Consultation Contact:

Montefu Consulting, Inc.
Phone: 813.495.8787 | Fax: 480.393.5084 
Email: contactus@montefuconsulting.com 

“Your beacon of light for Social Security disability claims.”

Pictured:  Liz Montefu, Montefu Consulting

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Brookwood Community for those with Disabilities!

The Brookwood Community is a 475-acre campus.

It is located in Brookshire, Texas, 40 miles west of downtown Houston. The Brookwood Community is a non-profit (501(c)3) residential facility and vocational program for adults with disabilities. The citizens work in one or more of several on-site enterprises, exercise and play in the indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, celebrate the presence of God in their inter-faith worship center, and when necessary, receive care in the medical clinic. Brookwood  provides an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with disabilities.

The campus consists of: Eight group homes, two single-family staff homes, a residential Inn, health and dental clinic, Worship Center, enterprise building, activities and administration building, 47 greenhouses, Gift and Garden Center and the Café at Brookwood, and several other support buildings.

Brookwood serves: 110 resident adults (known as Brookwood “citizens”) who are functionally disabled and live at Brookwood 24/7. Another 80 plus adults participate in our day program. The range of diverse needs at Brookwood include people with autism spectrum disorders; intellectual disabilities; developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury; dual diagnosis; and/or aging care needs. It is the only community that takes care of their aging residents.

The Brookwood Community established in 1985

The Brookwood Gift and Garden Center is located on the Brookwood Community campus in Brookshire. Here you can shop at the store, browse the greenhouse, and have lunch with friends in the adjacent Café. Shop online at www.brookwoodstore.com.                      

Brookwood’s purpose is: To provide opportunity through education so that Brookwood citizens will:

  • Acquire meaningful job skills and hold real jobs in the Community’s own business enterprises
  • Experience the pride that accompanies the ability to contribute to one’s own support
  • Grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually

Brookwood is the whole package. They have built a sustainable model that has the support of the local community. It is important to read the book Everybody’s Got A Seed to Sow – The Brookwood Story by Yvonne Strait, the founder of Brookwood to truly appreciate what has been accomplished at Brookwood. To purchase the book click here.

2019 Center for Learning Conference Schedule

July 29 – Aug 1, 2019The Brookwood Way Network Days Conference

Since initially launching the Brookwood Network Days Center for Learning Conferences in the summer of 2013, Brookwood has hosted over 190 national and international peer organizations from around the world!

Pictured: Vivian Shudde, the CEO of Brookwood!
CONTACT BROOKWOOD
Brookwood Website: Click Here
Main Number: 281-375-2100
Tour Reservations: 281-375-2100

MAIN ADDRESS
The Brookwood Community
1752 FM 1489 Brookshire, TX 77423

Administrative Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm 

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Brian West, Publix Super Markets!

Brian West, Publix Super Markets

Join us Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guest is Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets. We will be discussing Publix Super Market’s philosophy of showing no preference when it comes to hiring employees who are differently-abled.  As Brian says,“We look at what a person is able to do, not what they aren’t able to do.”


  • Publix has been hailed as the No. 1 supermarket for customer satisfaction,
  • one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,”
  • and as an inspiration for its sustainability efforts and community involvement.
  • It is the largest Employee-owned company in the nation.
  • Publix has never laid off an employee in it’s eighty-nine year history.

Today, Publix Super Markets has over 800 employees who are Special Olympics Athletes in Florida. Each year in January, Publix associates and customers come together to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. In 2019, Publix customers and associates contributed more than $4.8 million to the Special Olympics to ensure athletes were able to train and compete free of cost. This brings Publix total donation since 1993 to $51.3 million. 

The relationship with Publix dates back to 1972. The state’s Special Olympic athletes faced skipping the National Games in Los Angeles because they couldn’t afford the flight. Publix founder George Jenkins stepped up and covered the cost of the flight.  

Pictured:  Brian West, Media & Community Relations
                     Manager for Publix Super Markets.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: ZooTampa at Lowry Park!

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Join us Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!  
Our guest is Jennifer McLachian Vice President of Education for ZooTampa at Lowry Park as we discuss their Autism Friendly Initiatives. 


Jennifer oversees the early childhood education center, summer camps, and sleepovers as well as mission driven objectives that include in-park guest engagement. ZooTampa offers Special Needs AssistanceGluten-Free menu optionsservice animals are welcomesign language interpreters are available, and the zoo is an autism friendly attraction.

Autism Friendly

The Zoo has established a partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF to improve their capacity to serve children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. As a result, the Zoo has been designated an “autism-friendly business.”

The Zoo has visual aids at the front gate (limited availability), which can be borrowed at the guest’s request for assistance. The zoo also provides an Autism-friendly version of the Zoo map and additional sensory friendly materials like sensory friendly tips and social stories about Visiting the Zoo and Animal Encounters.


Autism Friendly Map – plan your adventure ahead of time! Click Here.
Sensory Friendly Tips Click Here.
Visiting ZooTampa at Lowry Park Click Here.
Feedings & Encounters Social Experience Stories Click Here.


ZooTampa’s Visitor Service Staff goes out of their way to ensure that all individuals with disabilities have an opportunity to experience all that is available at ZooTampa. Early childhood education center, summer camps and sleepovers includes those with disabilities.

This is in keeping with ZooTampa’s Mission:   ...to create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.”

Pictured:  Jennifer McLachian and Julie AmesSNFH

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: The Specially Fit Foundation!

The Specially Fit Foundation

Join us Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!  
Our guest are Marky Oliver, the CEO and Founder of The Specially Fit Foundation, and Specially Fit Athletes Ben Greer and Steven Graham. Their motto is “Changing the community one rep at a time.”


Specially Fit Foundation intends to spread the awareness that anyone can participate in exercise despite perceived limitations. By bringing together individuals such as those with special needs or children living in foster homes to join their team, they hope to make a difference in the community by changing lives through health, fitness and love.

Specially Fit Foundation’s goal is to inspire others to believe in themselves. Through their events and programs, they aim to enhance the lives of their participants by providing them the opportunity to grow their health, fitness and independence. By expanding their programs, they are opening more doors to expanding the possibilities for these individuals.

Specially Fit Foundation offers the following activities:

  • Fitness Classes for Individuals with Disabilities and At Risk Individuals;
  • Group Home/Day Care/Foster Home Fitness Classes;
  • Individual Fitness Programs;
  • Power Lifting Programs; and
  • Various Special Olympics Programs

August 10, 2019 
Valor Fitness – 10351 72nd St N, Seminole, FL 33777


Pictured:  Ben Greer, Marky Oliver, Steven Graham and Julie AmesSNFH

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Arts4All Florida!

Arts4All Florida

Join us Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm! Our guests are Arts4All Florida (formally VSA Florida) Staff Members, Jennifer Sabo and Wendy Finklea, and artists, Dani Bowman (with Sandy Vielma) and Janalyn Peppel. We will discuss Arts4All Florida Programs, classes, camps and collaborations.


Pictured:  Jennifer Sabo, Wendy Finklea and Julie Ames, SNFH

Jennifer Sabo is the Executive Director of Arts4All Florida and provides leadership and management to Arts4All Florida’s statewide arts organization, supervising all functions related to administration, fundraising, and programming. 

Wendy Finklea is the Director of Programs for Arts4All Florida, ensuring community-based involvement throughout Florida through management of regional coordinators, the coordination of competitions, and community art programs.   

Dani Bowman is the CCO, Founder, Animator, Illustrator, Graphic Artist at DaniMation Entertainment.  Dani is a public speaker on autism & employment and leads summer animation camps around the country.

Janalyn Peppel is a graphic designer and entrepreneur with a degree from the University of Florida in Mass Communication. She has been fascinated by 3D modeling for over 20 years and uses 3D printing as an art tool to teach all skill levels.

Sandy Vielma is an autism advocate, and a life couch to Dani Bowman. Working closely with Dani on all aspects of life lessons including becoming an adult and helping her maneuver all the complicated aspects of University.

Pictured:  Sandy Vielma, Dani Bowman and Patrick Eidemiller (Sandy’s husband)

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Guardianship with Emma Hemness Special Needs Family Lawyer!

Emma Hemness, Special Needs Family Lawyer

Join us Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guest is Emma Hemness, Special Needs Lawyer will discuss the Guardianship process for your special needs child, 18 years old and older.  


Emma Hemness is a state and nationally recognized Expert in Elder Law. She is one of only 100 board certified elder law attorneys in Florida. She was the 2011 Florida Elder Law Attorney of the Year, Top 50 Women Lawyers in Florida, and Florida Super Lawyer in Elder Law 2008-Present. 

Emma Hemness is dedicated to serving the needs of persons with disabilities and their families as an integral part of her Elder Law practice.  Emma is a member of the Special Needs Alliance (SNA), an invitation-only national organization of special needs trusts attorneys. She has had the pleasure of serving as an ambassador of the SNA to both the Autism Society of America and the National ARC in recent years.  

Emma Hemness is our family attorney for Guardianship, Special Needs Trust, and Estate Planning. She is a trusted advisor. Her law practice is The Elder Law Office of Emma Hemness, P.A.  

Pictured:  Emma Hemness and Julie AmesSNFH

Back by Popular Demand – Broadcasts for the Financial Welfare of your Special Needs Dependent! We are excited to include two new shows one on guardianship and the other with financial planner Allen Giese, author of the book When Mental Illness Strikes: Crisis Intervention for the Financial Plan.

  • March 31st Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family with Ric Edelman, Founder and Executive Director of Edelman Financial Services.
  • April 7th Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income coverage with Liz Montefu, the President and Founder of Montefu Consulting.
  • April 14th Agency for Persons with Disabilities & Family Care Council: Medicaid Waiver & other programs
  • April 21st Allen Giese, financial planner and author of the book When Mental Illness Strikes: Crisis Intervention for the Financial Plan.
  • April 28th Long Term Care, SSI, Trusts, and ABLE Accounts with Emma Hemness, Attorney at Law
  • May 5th Guardianship with Emma Hemness, Attorney at Law

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Champions for Children!

Champions for Children

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guest is Nikki Daniels, Associate Director of Champions for Children. Champions offers various programs including Classes and Individualized SupportPlaygroups & ScreeningsHome Visiting ServicesChild Abuse & Bullying Prevention. Each year, Champions for Children programs serve nearly 40,000 children and parents.


CFC is committed to serving families with children from birth to 18 years old, with a special focus on the critically important 0-5 year-old range. The families they serve represent the full socioeconomic diversity of the Tampa Bay Area. In order to ensure all families have access to services, CFC is committed to providing all services at no charge or, in very limited circumstances, a low fee.

Hillsborough County consistently ranks as the highest in the state for the most reported and confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect. Children who are abused or neglected are significantly more likely to face impaired socio-emotional development, poor physical health, substance abuse, and an array of emotional and psychological issues. They are also 3 times more likely to continue the cycle of abuse later in life.

Pictured:  Nikki Daniels, Associate Director of Champions for Children,andJulie AmesSNFH

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Easterseals Celebrating 100th Anniversary!

Easterseals 100th Anniversary!

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guest is Sue Ventura, President and Chief Executive Officer of  Easterseals Florida—America’s largest nonprofit health care organization helping 1.5 million people annually with comprehensive health and wellness programs. More than 89 cents of every dollar spent by Easterseals supports local services for people with disabilities and special needs.


Mission: spread help, hope, and answers!
Easterseals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work, and play in our communities.

We discuss their services which include: early interventioninclusive childcaremedical rehabilitation and autism services for young children and their families; job training and coachingemployment placement and transportation services for adults with disabilities, including veteransadult day services and employment opportunities for older adults – in addition to a variety of additional services for people of all ages including mental health and recovery programsassistive technologycamp and recreation, caregiving support including respite – and much more.  

Pictured:  Sue Ventura, President and Chief Executive Officer of Easterseals Florida,andJulie AmesSNFH

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Pepin Transitional Job Training Program!!

Pepin Transitional Job Training Program

This week our show features the Pepin Transitional Job Training Program with Dr. Jeff Skowronek, the Executive Director of the Pepin Academies and Janae Kaptanthe Transition Coordinator of the Pepin Academies, a tuition free public charter school dedicated to students with learning disabilities and learning related disabilities.


The Pepin Transition Program offers vocationally based training in conjunction with life and job readiness classes designed for individuals from age 18 to 22 with identified learning or learning-related disabilities that have deferred receipt of their high school diploma to continue their education beyond the traditional 24 credit diploma. This program is state funded and is provided at no cost to the student. The Pepin Transition Program is committed to providing the opportunity for students to have real-world experiences through pre-vocational training at various job sites, including the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, Publix SupermarketsMoffitt Cancer CenterTampa Police DepartmentWell Built Bikes at University Mall, food service at Raymond James Stadium, event set up at TPepin Hospitality Centre, and childcare at Academy Kids.

Pictured:  Dr. Jeff Skowronek, Executive Director – Pepin Academies, Julie AmesSNFH. and Janae Kaptan, Transition Coordinator – Pepin Academies

Pepin Academies Transition Program is now accepting applications for the 2019-20 academic year! Please contact regarding any questions about deferment of diploma, available services for your students based on their current IEP, and any general questions about the Pepin Academies Transition Program.