The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Pepin Academies 20th Anniversary!!

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Pepin Academies 20th Anniversary

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!

Geri Henry, Principal of Pepin Academies Riverview and Holly Lisle, Director of Development for the Pepin Academies Foundation are our guests.  

Pictured:  Holly Lisle, Pepin Academies Foundation, Julie Ames, SNFH and Geri Henry, Pepin Academies 

At Pepin Academies, the approach is not only all about the child, but the whole child – mind, body and soul. The Pepin Academies are an example of how a well-designed educational program, dedicated and innovative teachers, committed parents and our civic and business communities can work together to provide for the individual needs and opportunity of a child, regardless of the special challenges he/she may face.

Established in 1999, Pepin Academies are 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit, tuition-free, public charter schools that serve students with specific learning and learning related disabilities. They educate students in 3rd through 12th grade, and also offer a transitional, job training program for students 18 to 22-years-old. Pepin Academies are considered ESE Center schools. They feature a nurturing environment that focuses on improving the academic and social success of students. All students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, music, dance, culinary arts, theatre, and much more. The goal is to make sure no child falls through the cracks.

Today, Pepin Academies has grown to serve over 1000 students, with Hillsborough County campuses in Tampa and Riverview and a campus in New Port Richey, which serves the students in Pasco County.

Pepin Academies Locations:  
Tampa Campus | Riverview Campus | Pasco Campus 

PEPIN ACADEMIES GALA

Please join us as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary in 2019!  The Pepin Academies Gala is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser to support the students and staff of our schools. Please consider a sponsorship today.
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pepacafou/event/794846/

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Autism Awareness Shop with Founder Jen Band!

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Autism Awareness Shop with Founder Jen Band!

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are: Jen Band, President and Founder of the Autism Awareness Shop,  Scott Band, Director of Online Operations; and Ardena Bosley, Community Liaison.

We discusstheir retail operations, vocational training, employment, therapy, support groups and workshops. The Autism Awareness Shop- Thrift Store and More, Vocational Training Center is located at 2908 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida, 33614. It is a 501(c)3 (non profit) company using proceeds to provide vocational skills programs to help build employment competencies for our adult “friends” with Autism. They are open to the public and promote autism acceptance.

There are so many ways that YOU can help them fulfill their mission and commitment to the community and our “friends” on the spectrum!

  • Shop at their store!! They have a large selection of new and gently used merchandise including autism awareness jewelry, t-shirts and “other” items, therapy items, “POP” and “other” collectibles, toys, comics…etc…etc… DAILY SPECIALS are announced on social media! Follow them to stay updated on merchandise arriving daily and last-minute deals!
  • Shop online at one of their stores.

Autism Awareness Shop
That Funny Shirt
AAS Amazon Shop
AAS Ebay Shop

  • Merchandise donations (gently used, good condition) help support the vocational training and can be dropped off at 2908 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida 33614. For furniture and other large items, you can schedule a pick up by calling 813-879-6770
  • Monetary donations can be made via Paypal at https://www.paypal.me/putautismtowork/ or by check made payable to Autism Awareness Shop and mail to 2908 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida 33614
  • Choose them as your fulfillment partner for your business.

What kind of opportunities are offered to “friends” on the spectrum?
Autism Awareness Shop offers a myriad of opportunities for “friends” to help them discover their passion(s). “Friends” are  provided exposure to every aspect of a retail establishment including; customer service, cash handling, organizing and sorting, pricing and staging merchandise, and keeping the store neat and tidy. In addition to that, “friends” also have the opportunity to learn all aspects of order fulfillment through the on-line Autism Awareness Shops at Amazon, eBay and social media.

Future plans include experiences in horticulture/agriculture/nutrition. Plans are underway for two greenhouses behind the building – one for herbs and veggies, the other for plants and flowers. Everything that is planted, grown and harvested will be sold at the shop; ultimately exposing “friends” to entrepreneurial opportunities.

Adult Day Training Program coming this Spring!

Pictured: Ardena Bosley, Community Liaison; Jen Band, Founder; Cody Band, employee; Scott Band, Director of Online Operations; and Julie Ames, SNFH.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Learning Your Function Inc. with Founder Jim Cracchiolo!

by Posted in Adult Day, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , , ,

Learning Your Function Inc. with Jim Cracchiolo

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are Jim Cracchiolo one of the founders of Learning Your Function Inc. (LYF Inc.), and Bryan Weaver, a LYF Inc. student.

LYF Inc. is a quality adult day training program with facilities in Land ‘O Lakes, Tampa, and New Port Richey. They focus on individualized goals in the areas of functional academics, appropriate behavior skills, employment, and independence. LYF Inc’s goal is to help individuals with disabilities fulfill their need for life skills attainment, independent choice making, and environment specific learning to help maximize their quality of life.

Between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday, LYF Inc. provides a safe environment, daily living skills, community-based instruction and entertaining educational opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Transportation to and from the facility is available on a daily basis as well as a break for individuals to eat a lunch and socialize. Advocacy services for future clients are offered to parents of individuals with disabilities as well as training in various educational topics.

Pictured: Bryan Weaver, LYF Inc. Student; Jim Cracchiolo, founder LYF Inc; Julie Ames, SNFH.

Jim and Amy Cracchiolo founded Learning Your Function Inc. in 2012. They both have extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities throughout the private and public sector. Jim and Amy were educators with the Pasco County School. Both have Master Level degrees in the area of special education. They have volunteered countless hours to Special Olympics by planning events, supervising students, and attending weekend tournaments.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Allen Giese, Author of When Mental Illness Strikes: Crisis Intervention for the Financial Plan!

by Posted in Financial, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , , ,

When Mental Illness Strikes: Crisis Intervention for the Financial Plan – Allen Giese

Our guest this week is Author and Financial Planner Allen Giese. He is the author of the book When Mental Illness Strikes: Crisis Intervention for the Financial Plan.

Allen Giese is the founding partner and President of Northstar Financial Planners, Inc., in Plantation, Florida. He is also the father of an adult son who has a mental illness. Allen knows firsthand the impact that a loved one’s mental illness can have on a family’s finances. He has made it his mission to help other parents struggling with balancing their son or daughter’s needs and their family’s financial well-being. We discuss creating a financial plan for families with special needs, particularly mental illness.

(Pictured: Allen Giese, ChFC®, CLU® Northstar Financial Planners Inc. )

Provide for your love one and safeguard your future!

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Penguin Project Founder & the President of the New Tampa Players!

by Posted in Drama, Podcasts & Show Resources, Therapy Tagged , , , , ,

Dr. Andrew Morgan, Penguin Project Founder, and Nora Paine, New Tampa Players President

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are Dr. Andrew Morgan, the founder of the Penguin Project and Nora Paine, President of the New Tampa Players.

The Penguin Project is a unique theatre experience dedicated to children with developmental disabilities. Working side by side with “peer mentors,” children their age without disabilities, they create outstanding performances featuring professional equipment, fantastic costumes and the extraordinary talent of the actors and actresses.

“Our penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.”  Click on image below to watch the Penguin Project Promo.

For more information about the New Tampa Players click on the image below.

Pictured: Nora Paine, President of the New Tampa Players, and Julie Ames, SNFH.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Autism Shifts & the Artistas Café!

by Posted in Autism, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , , ,

Autism Shifts and the Artistas Café

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
This week’s show will feature Vicky Westra the founder of Autism Shifts and the Artistas Café. Two organizations that have come together to provide training and employment to individuals with autism.

Pictured: Julie Ames, SNFH, and Vicky Westra, Artistas Cafe

We discuss the following: the biggest factors in changing the outcome for individuals with Autism; what people don’t typically understand about Autism; and key things parents should do to support their child with autism.

Lighting the Path for Employment for Autism. 

The vision of Shifting the outcome for those diagnosed with Autism.

Coming Soon!

Will be released in November 2018. 100% of the proceeds benefits Autism Shifts. Click on the icon below:

Discover the Light Within was written and illustrated by Vicky Westra and Laurie Stemm to inspire and uplift the Autism community they serve through their programs.  This book contains a variety of tools and processes that help readers connect to who they really are and create the life they want!  When we live our authentic life, we can experience life in “The Green Zone” filled with emotions such as passion, positive expectations, excitement and joy!

Although this book was created specifically for those touched by Autism, it can help anyone interested in discovering these things in their own lives. 

discover the light with bookmark.jpg

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Julie Reyes, Diversity Action Coalition, Inc.!

by Posted in Podcasts & Show Resources, Resource Tagged , , , ,

Diversity Action Coalition Inc. with Julie Reyes

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm! Our guest is Julie Reyes, Diversity Action Coalition, Inc., Founder & Executive Director.

The Reyes Family relocated to Tampa via the US Army.  Her husband, DJ, proudly served over 33 years of active duty with multiple combat deployments and retired as a Colonel.  As a military family, they have moved many, many times in the past years; and upon DJ’s retirement, the Reyes family was happy to finally put down their roots, 7 years ago, in South Tampa, Florida!  Julie has been in the nonprofit arena for over 25 years in Leadership, Logistical and Board roles, volunteering endless hours with a variety of non-profits. 

Pictured:  Julie Reyes, Diversity Action Coalition; Julie Ames, SNFH; and Jose Cruz, Producer

In 2016, Julie saw the need to start Diversity Action Coalition, Inc. (DAC), a registered  501(c)(3), to fill a gap and highlight the LOCAL need for Inclusion for All, and collaboration amongst amazing local organizations, community partners, families and individuals.  Their philosophy is simple…”We are all more alike then we are different…”  We are not defined by our labels at the moment, nor are we limited.  We are Engaged, Empowered and Connected.  We don’t just talk about things, we take ACTION to move forward with positive change, as we navigate our individual journeys.  We are empowered and engaged by sharing great resources, connections and information.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: All People’s Life Center and the Yes! F.A.I.R.!

by Posted in Podcasts & Show Resources, Resource Tagged , , , , , ,

All People’s Life Center and the Yes! F.A.I.R

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!

Our guests are Melinda Wheatley, a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, with All People’s Life Center and Miss Becki, the founder of Yes! Of America United and of a wonderful event known as the Yes! F.A.I.R. FAIR standing for Family Abilities Information Rally.

All People’s Life Center is known as one of Hillsborough County’s Showcase Facilities. It is the home base for Therapeutics Recreation Program. This facility was designed to serve people of all ages and abilities, but specializes in serving people with disabilities. Every detail of the building exceeds ADA standards for accessibility, eliminating all barriers to participation for people with disabilities.

It also the home for Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay (PSTB), which provides year round sports and recreation programs that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and recreational and competitive sports opportunities for area children and adults with physical disabilities.

In addition, All People’s provides After School and Summer programs,. It has the only County run Special Olympics teams, and is the main administrative office for the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department.

Pictured:  Melinda Wheatley, Miss Becki, and Julie Ames, SNFH 

Family Abilities Information Rally Theme: A Rootin’ Tootin’ Good Time

Admission:       FREE

Parking:            FREE

Contact:            Miss Becki

Phone:              813-935-5696

Cell:                  813-420-7708

Website:          www.yesunited.org/register–fair/

Email:              yesofamericaunited@gmail.com

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Family Network on Disabilities!

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Family Network on Disabilities

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!

We welcome Tosha Littles, Director of the Parent Support Network, and Misti Pollaro, Parent Training Coordinator for the Parent Support Network.

Family Network on Disabilities is an organization that offers free help and information to families of students with disabilities, self-advocates, and professionals that serve them. Their focus is on the educational needs of students with disabilities.

Here are links to some amazing resources to include a Social Story Library (a written or visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviors, skills, or concepts) and a Sound Bank (for parents to use to help their child or youth and get used to a sound, situation, or unfamiliar or upsetting environment before entering into this environment or situation).

Pictured:  Misti Pollaro, Tosha Littles, and Julie Ames (SNFH)