Volume 22 | Issue 8  Fall 2016 
  

BASCA's e-newsletter is now easily viewed on your smartphone or tablet, in addition to your laptop or desktop computer. We hope you like the new format!
Ladies Auxiliary Break New Ground!
The BASCA Ladies Auxiliary has been very busy the last few weeks! They have been up to their elbows in boxes of donated clothes, dusting off gently used housewares and moving really great pieces of furniture! All of their blood, sweat and tears (and unexpected exercise) have been in preparation for the opening of the BASCA BARGAIN BOUTIQUE!

The ladies will be in the BASCA Bargain Boutique store for anyone who wants to come in for a "sneak peek" Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am until 3 pm. The boutique is on the corner of Smith and Stowe Street right next to the BASCA campus. Come and see how these incredible women have transformed this space into a chic, upscale resale location! The Boutique is also where you will find a wide array of BASCA Creations like benches, birdhouses, ceramics and our fabulous recycling cart! These products, which are made by the individuals in our day programs, can be found on the same wall as BASCA's "Wall of Color." This beautiful mural, painted by noted artist, Sophie Dentiste, is designed to inspire our participants, family, friends and community with all the beauty that Florida and BASCA has to offer. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! BASCA's Bargain Boutique’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for Saturday, November 19th at 11 am. There will be refreshments, door prizes and a few special surprises! You won't want to miss it!

If you have a few hours a week and want to spend time with a group of women who have huge hearts and aren’t afraid of a challenge, then the Ladies Auxiliary is the place for you!  They meet the third Thursday of the month and have a lot of fun. Give the BASCA office a call for more information at (904) 541-1742.
Why I LOVE BASCA! 

Wendy is a volunteer in the BASCA office. She spends her afternoons answering phones and greeting visitors.  She volunteers at BASCA because she has found a place where each individual can receive "special tailored care for the child we have within us that needs nurturing, love, encouragement and support."  

The work that takes place at BASCA has touched Wendy deeply. She feels that BASCA "is a safe haven for the individuals who attend programs here."  Individuals like Cheryl, who shares pictures with Wendy on the phone she earned by working two jobs in the community.  Then there is Scott, "who has his ups and downs" but "r eminds us of God's love even when we are being stubborn, angry, grumpy or frustrated." And finally there is Shawn, who Wendy considers,  "a blast to speak to" because he is v ery excited about being an honorary Deputy Sheriff and the DJ for BASCA's monthly dances.  

Wendy says that God has a way of leaving His thumbprint on all of us and feels truly blessed through her volunteer time.  We at BASCA know that we are the ones that are truly blessed. Wendy's contribution is invaluable! 

Parts reprinted with permission by our outstanding volunteer, Wendy Drouare

Your Dollars Count!

Did you know that in 2015 almost half of the organizations in the state of Florida that serve individuals with disabilities closed their doors? Why, you may ask – the answer is simple. They couldn’t afford to stay open.  We here at BASCA often find ourselves wondering, “How do we stay true to our vision of offering a standard of care that truly tries to exceed the average?"  We do it with your help! Your support is an investment in ensuring a quality of life, a life of value, for our individuals. Your dollars ensure that we are able to offer opportunities for our individuals to be valued members of our community. Please consider making a one time tax deductible gift or becoming a monthly giver. 
Volunteer Spotlight

Many, many, thanks to the brave volunteers who arrived pre-dawn at the BASCA Headquarters to help set up for our 4th annual Chomp-N-Stomp 5K Run, Walk and Roll. These wonderful young people were invaluable in helping to set up, staff the water tables, cheer on the runners and finally tear down and clean up. From before the race began until after the last cup was removed from the grounds, our volunteers were AWESOME! Thanks to the Clay High School Cheerleaders, Rotaract Club of St. John’s River State College, the Boy Scouts and every one else who helped make the day run more smoothly! 

If you would like to help at BASCA events, in the office, or in the Boutique please give Volunteer Coordinator, Lucy Conrad, a call at (904) 541-1742. 
Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following organizations for their support of BASCA. The HEAL Foundation and their grant to support the work done in Custom Creations. Baptist Hospital for providing the funds that will support our nurse program. We would also like to thank Rotary Club of Orange Park and  Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise for their generous gifts that help with our other programs such as the "Garden Project." 

Secrets of an online shopper!
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Did you know that you can donate to BASCA while shopping online and it won't cost you a thing? This is possible through a service called AmazonSmile!  All you have to do is designate BASCA Inc. as your "charitable organization" and Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases back to BASCA. Though this may not seem like much, it is a simple way to support BASCA and will benefit the lives of our individuals!

It is the same Amazon you know and love with the same products, prices, and service. All products that are eligible for donation will be noted on the product detail page. There is no need to create a new account; you can use your existing account. Your shopping cart, wish list, and all other account settings stay the same. You just need to let Amazon know that you want to support BASCA by clicking below! 

Now, this is too good of a thing to be kept a secret! So tell everyone you know that when they are ordering their holiday gifts online that they can also be helping BASCA!!  

Click here to start supporting BASCA Inc. with AmazonSmile!
“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR BASCA, INC., A STATE-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH26530), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,  APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”