Worldwide Virtual Premiere Because of Sam Documentary Film

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Worldwide Virtual Premiere
Because of Sam Documentary Film

Watch Because of Sam for FREE!

Featuring
Sam Piazza and WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil
October 9th – October 11th , 2020
Friday – Sunday at 8 pm EDT
To Watch Movie Trailer – Click Here!

Because of Sam is a documentary film that brings awareness to Down Syndrome through highlighting the inspirational life of Sam Piazza, a Tampa native and PDQ Team Member. The documentary film is available for FREE, in the 48-hour window during Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 2020.

“Because of Sam transforms how the world views people with disabilities, and encourages ALL people to pursue their dreams. We hope that those who watch the film will help spread the news of Sam Piazza’s uplifting story, and recommend the movie to others.”

Renee Warmack, producer, director, & writer, MPA

Pre-Registration Dates: Now through October 9th at 8 pm EDT  at: https://www.watchbecauseofsam.com/watchfree

(Registration is required for access to this FREE, time-limited, streaming movie period and is strictly for at-home, personal use.)

Viewers can watch the 50-minute documentary on their laptops, tablets or smart phones, and mirror to their TVs. 

“Be prepared to be wowed… because it’s something very special and something much needed in the world today. We need to put as many positive stories out there as we possibly can and definitely need to highlight as many heroes as we can and my man, Sam, is definitely a hero.” 
   – WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil

Among Sam’s accomplishments are the following:
– Black belt in karate,
– Gaither High School’s Homecoming King,
– Gaither High School basketball’s team manager,
– ROTC member in high school,
– Volunteers and participates at GiGi’s Playhouse,
– Involved in Special Olympics and is an avid weightlifter at the YMCA,
– Teaches the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office about people with disabilities,
– Global Ambassador for the Best Buddies program,
– He’s an Equestrian, thanks to Hillsborough County’s Bakas Equestrian Center,
– and now works at PDQ in Carrollwood.

“If you have passion, you can do great things.”

Sam Piazza

Pictured: (Left Picture) Sam Piazza; (Right Picture) John Piazza (Father), Ruth Piazza (Mother), Catie Hunziker (Sister), Luke Piazza (Brother), and Sam Piazza

Because of Sam shows how Piazza, who was born with Down syndrome, overcame bullying, won Homecoming King at Gaither High School, and advocates for people with disabilities. It gives an inside look at Piazza’s journey from birth to the present day, and includes the uplifting perspectives of people who have been impacted by him. Piazza not only overcame tremendous obstacles, but now volunteers at Gigi’s Playhouse, serves as an advisor to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and works as a long-time PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) team member. The movie includes a surprise, first-time meeting between O’Neil and Piazza at the Bob Sierra YMCA, in Tampa.

Be sure to Pre-Register Here for the FREE, limited streaming window in October: https://www.watchbecauseofsam.com/watchfree

Renee was inspired by an article about Sam Piazza in a local paper. She had to know more about the young man wearing the Homecoming Crown. Renee met Sam and his family and shared her vision of producing a documentary about Sam’s life—she wanted everyone to know Sam.

“I’m thrilled that my film about Tampa hero Sam Piazza will stream to homes across the globe for 48 hours at no charge to allow families who may be going through economic hardships to view the movie,” says Warmack, a Tampa native and University of South Florida alumna who is self-distributing the film.

Renee Warmack, Producer, Director, & Writer, MPA

About Renee Warmack–—Producer, Director, and Writer for Because of Sam

Renee Warmack, MPA, is a Tampa native and USF alumna. She is a producer, speaker, and coach who uses her inspirational movies, engaging events, and motivational coaching programs to help others claim their power and capture their dreams.

Learn more at: BecauseofSamTheMovie.com; IMDB; ReneeWarmackProductions.com

Contact
Renee Warmack – Producer, ReneeWarmackProductions@yahoo.com; 813-610-3132

“The first community screening of Because of Sam at the Tampa Theatre was a success. My husband and I were there. It was a wonderful experience with the movie receiving a standing ovation from a packed theatre. This is a movie for everyone not just the special needs community.” – Julie Ames

To Listen To The Podcast with Renee Warmack, Producer, Director, & Writer, Julie Ames, SNFH, Sam Piazza, Star of Because of Sam, Ruth Piazza, Sam’s Mother, and Jeff Kamis, the Vice President of Media & Public Relations for PDQ  Restaurants – Click Here!

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude!

by Posted in Autism, Child Safety, Education, Mental Health, Motivation, Parenting, Podcasts & Show Resources, Resource Tagged , , , ,

A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Bill Carl, the Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM & 910 AM will be interviewing Julie Ames. We will be discussing Julie’s new book A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude – No They are not Okay…but It’s Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.

A Very Special Journey is more than a memoir. It is a story that provides guidance, hope, and education to parents and professionals who have or work with special needs children. Julie gives her readers the guidance they need to navigate their own way through the educational, medical, and legal waters that special needs families find themselves drowning in.

Julie throws a lifeline to other moms and dads facing the same challenges.  Conversely, by presenting the parents’ perspective, professionals working in these fields will gain a greater understanding and ability to provide services in a way that is truly helpful.

Every parent has to know how to be their own child’s strongest advocate. They need to know what questions to ask, when to demand answers, and when to walk away from advice they don’t trust. A Special Journey will provide these tools.

Julie’s story is about more than a mother and two challenged daughters. It is about more than autism. This story is about love, faith, and family. It is about learning to accept something that cannot be changed and to embrace the gifts we are given, despite perceived imperfections. We cry. We adapt. We reflect. We rejoice. Most importantly, we continue to live, love, and grow together every day. It is indeed a special journey.

Pictured: Julie Ames and Bill Carl, Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM
& 910 AM

Dear Friends,

This past Mother’s Day we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. This will be our last show for a while. This is not goodbye but a pause on our current format.

  • Our website will continue to be a resource for parents and caregivers who are caring for individuals with special needs.
  • Our newsletter will continue to provide you with up to date information.

 
The Special Needs Family Hour and I are evolving.

  • I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University’s accredited program, to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 
  • My book, A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, will be coming out in the next few months. 
  • It is an exciting time with many things happening to include upcoming speaking engagements. 

We appreciate our listeners, our guests who are making a positive difference in the world, our awesome sponsors, and our friends at Salem Media Group.

Julie Ames

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Special Needs Planning & Divorce!

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

Special Needs Planning and Divorce

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guest is Steve Rhatigan, the founding member of the Archer Consulting Group. His firm specializes in financial, legal, and life-time care strategies concerning special needs planning and wealth management.

95% of his cases concerns a mother where the father has filed for divorce. The dad has had as much time as needed to get his ducks in a row, so the mom is already way behind the curve. The goal of this show is to make sure that the caregiver of the special needs child and the child’s interests are addressed by the court system. 

“Your job is to educate your lawyer and judge.  By doing this, you will help your lawyer get a better result in your family’s divorce, and you will help the families who come behind you.”  

Steve Rhatigan

Some major issues Steve sees when the divorce action begins:

  1. Not having knowledge or access to the marital finances: make copies of everything.
  2. No understanding of the difference of marital and a separate property.
  3. Failing to think long-term…Cost of Care
  4. Life insurance and retirement plans
  5. Understanding the change in the standard of life
  6. Letting emotions rule your decisions
  7. Not being realistic about costs associated with your child’s care
  8. Sharing an attorney
  9. Not understanding the relationship with your attorney and how best to maximize it.

Important Links to help you with your divorce.

Cost of Care
Tax Implications of Divorce
Divorce Checklist
Child Support  
Archer Consulting Case Study – Divorce Modification with a Special Needs Child

Steve Rhatigan – Founder of the Archer Consulting Group (Pictured Left)

Purposefully Preparing Families to Navigate the Complexities of Special Needs Planning and Dynamic Financial Modeling

Special Needs Divorce Services 

A detailed description of the child’s disabling condition with current and prospective care implications; 

Projections for the cost of care based on current needs plus analyses of multiple future options; 

An assessment of the lifestyle impact for both parties due to the unique care needs of the child; 

A review of currently available disability related benefits; a description of their eligibility requirements and an explanation of how they affect the design of the Final Decree; 

Recommendations for the need of non-standard child support payments and/or additional maintenance or property distribution payments when appropriate; and, 

Suggestions, when requested, on ancillary issues such as: 

  • Legal Custody and Guardianship; 
  • Alternate Parenting and Visitation plans; 
  • Lifetime Care Planning as part of the process; and, 
  • Adequate Risk Management to protect and guarantee the full performance of the Final Decree.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Children’s Health Defense w/ Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.!

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Children’s Health

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guest is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.  He is the founder and Chairman of the Board for the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense. We will discuss the ethics of the current vaccine program for children in the United States. Robert is an advocate for children who have been harmed by vaccines. 

“The greatest crisis that America faces today is the chronic disease epidemic in America’s children.” – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Background:
Robert Kennedy is an attorney specializing in environmental law. For over three decades, he has been one of the world’s leading environmental advocates. He is the founder and president of Waterkeeper Alliance, the umbrella group for 350 local waterkeeper organizations, in 46 countries, that track down and sue polluters. Under his leadership, Waterkeeper has grown to become the world’s largest clean water advocacy organization.

Around 2005, parents of vaccine-injured children began discovering Mr. Kennedy’s speeches and writings about the toxic mercury-based preservative thimerosal. They embraced new hope that this environmental champion would finally expose the truth about vaccine injury and win justice for injured children. Kennedy is known for his fierce and relentless brand of environmental activism and his advocacy for transparent government and rigorous science. He is now applying his tenacious energies and sophisticated strategies to exposing the fraud and corruption within the CDC and the pharmaceutical industry.


The Children’s Health Defense is an amazing resource for families. Below is a sampling of the articles and research available on the website. 10 Facts Every Parent Needs to Know About Vaccinations—In English & Spanish! Click Here!

Too Many Sick Children Click Here!

25 Reasons to Avoid the Gardasil Vaccine Click Here!

Simpsonwood Documents (Proof of a cover up by the CDC in June 2000) Click Here!

Read the Fine Print: Vaccine Package Inserts Reveal Hundreds of Medical Conditions Linked to Vaccines Click Here!

The Risks vs. Benefits of Face Masks– Is There an Agenda? Click Here!

Even COVID-19 Can’t Kill the Anti-Vaccination Movement—Thoughts of a Vaccine Safety Advocate — Article includes a history of vaccine failures beginning with the Polio Vaccine. Click Here!

“Mr. Kennedy does not hesitate to call out those with questionable ethics. If he were not telling the truth, these individuals and organizations would shut him down. Instead, he is ignored and not even allowed to debate the issues in the public arena.” – Julie Clark Ames

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Healthy Minds Program!

by Posted in Mental Health, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , ,

Healthy Minds Program

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests are Misty Ross, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Dr. Nev Jones with the Department of Psychiatry & Behavior Neurosciences at the University of South Florida. 

We will be discussing Success 4 Kids & Families Healthy Minds Program. Healthy Minds is an innovative program for youth and young adults who have recently begun experiencing unusual thoughts and behaviors or who have started hearing or seeing things that others don’t. 

Enrollment Criteria

  • Individual has experienced symptoms for no more than 2 years (e.g. hallucinations, delusional thoughts, bizarre behavior, paranoia, and/or disorganized speech)
  • Symptoms are not caused by a medical condition or substance abuse
  • Individual must not have a documented IQ below 70
  • Individual must reside in Hillsborough County
Pictured:  Dr. Nev Jones, Misty Ross LCSW, and Julie Ames, SNFH

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Ido Kedar, Author of Two Worlds – His Story Will Inspire & Educate!!

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Two Worlds – Ido Kedar

Our guests are Ido Kedar and Tracy Kedar. Ido Kedar is a non-speaking Autistic Young Man. He is a phenomenal 23-year-old Californian who, through the saving grace of technology and perseverance, now has a voice in his life and is using it to lobby for huge changes. He is an author and advocate who inspires and educates others. Tracy Kedar, Ido’s mother, shares with us her journey as the parent of a non-verbal child with severe autism.

Imagine this: Your child is 7 years old and cannot speak one word. He is trapped, misunderstood, and living in the silent world of autism.  That was the unimaginable reality that Tracy & Sharon Kedar experienced with their son, Ido. Until there was a breakthrough.

While Ido was unable to talk due to motor apraxia and would flap his hands and make strange noises, no one knew he was fully aware of everything going on around him – and – he completely understood everything that was being said about him.  He just could not verbalize because of his severe disability.  Then one day Ido showed his parents that he had theory of mind; he was capable, and he was smart. He communicated by pointing on a low-tech laminated letterboard to spell words.  Later, through advances in computer technology, he learned to use an iPad so he could “voice” his thoughts and feelings. That is when everything changed.

To share his miraculous story, Ido wrote the novel In Two Worlds.  It is one of the only works of fiction ever written by a person with nonspeaking autism.  After reading the book, Ido hopes people will look at autism in a new, different and more positive way.

Ido Kedar – Author and Advocate 

We discuss the novel Two Worlds with the author, Ido Kedar. Ido is the first non-verbal person with autism to write a novel. His story will inspire and educate. It is a compelling tale about a young man with autism who cannot speak and learns to communicates using technology—just like Ido.

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Health Freedom Florida!

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Health Freedom Florida

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests are Maureen (Mo) van Hoek, Bailey Kuykendoll, and Sarah Gibbons. They are with Health Freedom Florida. We will be discussing the 2020 Florida Legislature session that is currently underway.

Health Freedom Florida is a grassroots organization that is headed by Mo Van Hoek. Mo is the mother of two young men: Lucus and Jan who are 14 and 12 years old. Jan had an intense series of inoculations that led to multiple strokes. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with severe autism, autoimmune disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, Tourette’s, OCD, Tics, PANDAS, and Epilepsy.

Mo is an advocate for her son and for other parent’s whose children have been harmed. She spends time educating people on the risks associated with vaccines that are never discussed with medical providers. Her mission is to create better outcomes for future generations of children.

Mo has partnered with Sarah Gibbons, and Bailey Kuykendoll to run Health Freedom Florida and their volunteers Amy Silver, Morgendee Flannery, Christina Thayer, England Miano, Sheri Ofiari, Susan Buccias and many other dedicated individuals.

Pictured:  Julie Ames, SNFH, Mo van Hoek, Bailey Kuykendoll, and Sarah Gibbons

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: The Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club!

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The Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are Nichole Sauer and Leslie Jones. Both are with the Temple Terrace Jr. Woman’s Club. We will be discussing Temple Terrace – “An Amazing City” and the Jr. Women’s Club. The Junior Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), the largest organization of woman’s clubs in the world.

Temple Terrace is a community that embraces all including those with disabilities. The GFWC ‘s motto is Unity in Diversity.

The Junior Woman’s Club has Community Service Programs in the areas of Arts, Conservation, Public Issues, Education, Home Life, and International Outreach. They support local schools and organizations to include Temple Terrace Elementary, Focus Academy/Special Education, Buddy Baseball, Focus Cafe, Breakfast with Santa, etc.

Email or be a guest at the next meeting!    

When:  Third Thursday of every month
Where: Woodmont Clubhouse, 415 Woodmont Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.
             (Except the February Meeting will be at Corpus Christi’s St. Vincent
             DePaul”s Food Pantry – 9715 N 56th Street Tampa, FL 33617)
Time:   6 p.m. Social Time
             6:30 p.m. Meeting

To Contact: Click Here!

Nichole Sauer, Julie Ames, SNFH , Leslie Jones

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Who Do You See When You Look At Me?

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Who Do You See When You Look at Me – Angela Ray Rodgers

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are Angela Ray Rodgers. the author of Who Do You See When You Look At Me?,  and her nine-year old daughter Grace Anna! 

Grace Anna has Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome. She has had multiple surgeries. Through it all she has been an inspiration to those who know her. She started singing before she could talk. What a lovely voice of hope and grace!

At three years old, Grace Anna became a viral video sensation when her rendition of “The Star- Spangled Banner” was viewed by millions around the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLdjwpfcC8w

This book: “Reminds Readers that Differences are Opportunities to Demonstrate Kindness and Compassion.”

Though she lives with the daily challenges of disability, Grace Anna is a typical kid with big dreams. With imaginative text and charming illustrations, this story teaches children to let go of first impressions and see themselves and others for who they really are. 

Who Do You See When You Look at Me? by Angela Ray Rodgers, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®

“Although I might seem different, I am a happy girl with much to share. Are we more alike than you thought we would be?”

“I am Grace Anna.”

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Autism Friendly Business Initiative w/ CARD at USF, The Florida Aquarium, & The Learning Academy at USF!

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CARD & The Learning Academy at USF

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

This week’s show features the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD-USF) and The Learning Academy Employment Services at USF.  

The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities has many programs and accomplishments. These include CARD’s Autism Friendly Business Initiative, Autism Friendly Tampa, and the collaboration between CARD and HIPPY.  HIPPY is a free, early intervention, school readiness program for children between 3-5 years old. The HIPPY curriculum helps parents transform their homes into interactive learning environment to stimulate cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in children. CARD has a multitude of projects for safety and mental health. To learn more – Click here!

Autism Friendly Tampa

The Learning Academy (TLA) at the University of South Florida (USF) is a 30-week customized transition program that assists in preparing young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder for employment. The Learning Academy provides services, supports and experiential opportunities that develop and enhance each student’s independence in meeting personal career goals. To learn more – Click here!

The Learning Academy Employment Services at USF. Whether you are a job seeker looking for employment or an employer looking for the best person to fill your positions, The Learning Academy Employment Services is ready to help you succeed.

TLA employment services offer businesses solutions by customizing employment for individuals that are reliable, competent and talented. They provide training and technical assistance to ensure the new hire has become acclimated to the job site. Job seekers can expect The Learning Academy to support them through the entire employment process including resume writing, interviewing, placement, and job coaching. TLA’s employment specialists assist job seekers in finding meaningful, individualized, and gainful employment. For more information about TLA’s Employment Services – Click here!

Our guests will include the following:

  • Dr. Karen Berkman – CARD-USF Executive Director and the Learning Academy Director (Retiring)
  • Dr. Beth Boone – CARD-USF Executive Director and the Learning Academy Director (Incoming)
  • Christine Hugh, Assistant Program Director for the Learning Academy’s Employment Services
Pictured: Christine Hugh, Dr. Karen Berkman, Julie Ames, SNFH,
                and Dr. Beth Boone